Atlas Obscura · People & society

Academy of Natural Sciences: A Historic Museum

The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia is the oldest natural history museum in the Americas, established in 1812.

The museum features exhibits on dinosaurs, ancient fish, birds, and conservation, with many artifacts well-preserved and displayed with hand-painted backgrounds.

Instead of relying heavily on screens, the academy focuses on exhibits about taxidermy, curation, and display accuracy.

The top floor houses a small zoo with living creatures like snakes, turtles, and cockroaches, allowing visitors to consider their ecological roles.

Interactive elements include a mock archaeological dig site for children to find replica bones.

Staff are available throughout the three-story building to answer visitor questions.

The museum also has a notable collection of birds, and was once the workplace of ornithologist James Bond, the namesake for the fictional spy character.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.