City Council members are calling for a special hearing in October 2026 to address accountability for the impending closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. The hearing is intended to examine the decision to shut down the museum after nearly 200 years of operation and to consider the impact of the final public opening scheduled for September 27, 2026.
The Academy, recognized as the nation’s oldest natural science research institution and museum, will open its doors for the last time on that date before ceasing public access. Council members argue that the closure warrants a formal review to ensure that the institution’s legacy and public responsibilities are handled appropriately.
The request for a special hearing was made by several members of the Philadelphia City Council, who said the timing of the shutdown calls for oversight. They intend to use the October session to gather information from the Academy’s administrators, city officials, and other stakeholders.
The council’s move follows the announcement that the Academy will close its public exhibitions after the September 27 event. City officials have not yet detailed the procedural steps that will follow the final opening, prompting council members to seek clarity on issues such as asset disposition, staff transitions, and the preservation of collections.
By scheduling the hearing for October, council members hope to provide a public forum before the institution fully ceases operations. The hearing will be open to residents and interested parties who wish to comment on the Academy’s closure and its implications for the city’s cultural and scientific landscape.
The upcoming hearing marks the first formal city‑level effort to scrutinize the shutdown of an institution that has served Philadelphia and the nation for nearly two centuries. Council members said the process will help ensure accountability and preserve the Academy’s contributions for future generations.