Resolution 260737

Title Authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold hearings investigating the announced closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University’s public museum, its consequences for Philadelphia, and options to preserve public access and the institution’s scientific and educational mission and authorizing the issuance of subpoenas to the full extent authorized under Section 2-401 of the Home Rule Charter. Body WHEREAS, Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences opened its museum to the public in 1828 and became affiliated with Drexel University in 2011, connecting generations of Philadelphians with natural history and scientific discovery; and WHEREAS, On September 1, 2026, Academy and Drexel leadership announced that the museum would close effective September 30th, citing changed visitation patterns and rising operating costs, while continuing the Academy’s research and stewardship of more than 19 million specimens and other scientific resources; and WHEREAS, Leadership also announced ongoing discussions with the offices of the Governor and Mayor, with David L. Cohen serving as a facilitator designated by the Governor, concerning the Academy’s future and continued presence in Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, The loss of regular museum access warrants examination of the effects on schoolchildren, families, employees, and scientific education, and of the financial and governance decisions underlying the closure; and WHEREAS, Institutions like the Academy of Natural Sciences are part of the cultural fabric of the City, and keeping them fully funded and operational represents the City’s commitment to cultural enrichment and the pursuit of scientific advancement; and WHEREAS, The Academy's Patrick Center for Environmental Research, founded in 1947 by Dr. Ruth Patrick, whose work helped shape the Clean Water Act, has for nearly eighty years monitored pollutants, contaminants, and water quality in the Delaware River watershed, the source of Philadelphia's drinking water, working with government agencies to understand how the health of our waterways and the health of our residents are connected; and WHEREAS, The closure of the museum will have an impact on all Philadelphians, but will especially affect Fifth District constituents in Center City for whom the museum is a fixture of the neighborhood and a cherished part of the Logan Square community; and WHEREAS, City Council seeks to establish a public record of alternatives, including partnerships, fundraising, phased operations, and other arrangements that could sustain public access while protecting collections and research; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Committee on Legislative Oversight is hereby authorized to hold hearings investigating the announced closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University’s public museum and options to preserve its public, educational, and scientific contributions to Philadelphia, and authorizing the issuance of subpoenas to the full extent authorized under Section 2-401 of the Home Rule Charter. End