The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, formerly the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, is the oldest natural science research institution and museum in the New World. It was founded in 1812 by many of the leading naturalists of the young republic with an expressed mission of "the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences". For over two centuries of continuous operations, the Academy has sponsored expeditions, conducted original environmental and systematics research, and amassed natural history collections containing more than 17 million specimens. The Academy also has a long tradition of public exhibits and educational programs for both schools and the general public.

Machine 5 2017 (51 cents, manual) is located by the gift shop entrance (level one; by the check in desk from Logan Sq/Ben Franklin Parkway). You don't have to pay admission to make pennies. Designs are:
1) Dinosaur head,
2) Turtle,
3) Butterfly,
4) A Ram.

Token machine 1: (2017) is at the other entrance (wheel-chair/stroller accessible from 19th Street). All have 'The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University' logo on the reverse. Designs are:
1) Elk,
2) African Lion,
3) Tyrannosaurus Rex,
4) Triceratops.

The gift shop sells black generic penny collector albums (not the Philadelphia ones), $5 or under/each.

Retired Machines/Designs:

Retired 1: 1) 'The Academy of Natural Sciences', T-Rex.
Retired 2: designs all said 'The Academy of Natural Science'. 1) Water Dino, 2) Flying Dino, 3) Raptor, 4) Dino Skeleton
Retired 3: designs all said 'The Academy of Natural Science'. 1) Bear, 2) Dinosaur, 3) Butterfly, 4) Cannon.

10/17: Token Machine 1 installed here. GSY

9/13/2025: still there and working great! Right next to the gift shop.

9/4/2026: FYI The museum is open Fri, Sat, and Sun only, and the museum is closing permanently on 9/27/2026

9/20/26: Token machine was down today.

10/24/26: The museum closed to the public on Sept. 27, 2026.