http://www.acnatsci.org
Located in Philadelphia’s Parkway/Museum
district, the Academy of Natural Sciences is one of the world’s
most well-recognized and renowned science museums. It’s noted
primarily for it’s dioramas of animals which are elegantly
displayed in their natural habitats, but features every manner
of science-and-nature-oriented matter imaginable. The clever
displays and ever-changing exhibits make this museum one of the
city’s absolute best.
Fashioned in a historic, well-worn
architectural style and dating back to 1868, the museum
instantly stands out due to the statues of dinosaurs and other
prehistoric creatures which are casted in its courtyard. Inside,
the sights are just as amazing; the museum has the authority to
showcase the world’s latest discoveries, which provide its
major draw to the public. For example, it was the first museum
to feature the recently-unearthed Gigantosaurus, a dinosaur even
larger than the Tyrannosaurus. Therefore, it should be no
surprise that the Academy has a huge collection of
dinosaur-related artifacts. Don’t miss "Discovering
Dinosaurs," which boasts recreations of several of the
large lizards, including the aforementioned T. Rex. This exhibit
can get crowded at times, so plan accordingly.
Other strong points of the building
include a relatively new rain-forest exhibit, where you’ll be
surrounded by butterflies and such as you take in the sights,
and the miniature museum outside, by the statues. This smaller
gallery features creepy delights like tarantulas and snakes,
along with various fossils, teeth, and things of that nature.
The Academy of Natural Sciences is an absolute can’t-miss
attraction, and no visit to Philadelphia would be complete
without stopping in. Highest possible recommendation.
