PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — For the first time, we’re hearing directly from officials with Drexel University on why they decided to close the Academy of Natural Sciences.
The closure last month caught a lot of community members and museum supporters off guard.
Drexel officials testified before Philadelphia City Council at a special hearing Monday.
“I think part of today’s conversation is figuring out where we are and, more importantly, what do we do next,” said councilmember Isaiah Thomas.
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The 200-year-old institution abruptly closed on September 27, citing financial difficulty.
The City Council Legislative Oversight Committee held a hearing Monday, bringing stakeholders from the Academy and from Drexel University, which operates the Academy.
Drexel officials testified they’ve tried for years to find a financially viable way forward.
“These steps were taken jointly by the Academy and Drexel’s leadership to close the museum. We’re neither abrupt nor hasty,” said Melissa Richman, from Drexel University Office of the President. ‘Rather, we based this decision on the findings of a rigorous two-year study.”
The booing crowd inside reflected the protesting crowd outside.
“We want to know, how did Drexel and the Academy leadership come to the conclusion to close the museum with no prior fundraising campaign and with only one month’s notice?” asked Ileana Betancourt from Save The Academy Coalition.
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City Councilmember Anthony Young Jr. co-sponsored a resolution to hold the hearing.
He was none too pleased that the Mayor’s administration sent a written statement, in lieu of an appearance.
One question museum supporters have raised is whether the museum is being closed because Drexel wants to sell the valuable land.
Councilmember Thomas inquired about that, while asking why Drexel didn’t come to the city for assistance, like in previous financial crises.
“Help me understand. Convince me that it was an accident that you didn’t come to us this time and that this is not a land grab. Convince me,” he said.
Monday’s hearing is seeking a way forward in hopes of saving the Academy of Natural Sciences.
Drexel and the city are looking at a plan that could include opening the museum at a different location, but supporters say they want it to stay at the same location.
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