The Academy of Natural Sciences was the first cultural institution built on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and on Friday, Sept. 8 we’re joining our partners in the kickoff celebration marking the centennial of Philadelphia’s grand cultural axis.
The Parkway connects us to art, culture, science, education, nature, horticulture, and to each other. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the celebrated road, the Parkway Museums District is presenting a 14-month calendar of exhibitions, events, community conversations, and promotions.
It all kicks off Sept. 8 with the Parkway 100 “We Are Connected” Festival. Starting at 4 p.m., the Academy and other cultural and educational institutions, businesses and residences will present more than 100 free activities indoors and outdoors at the museums and attractions, as well as in the Parkway’s pocket parks and observation decks.
From 4 to 9 p.m. the Academy will offer free general admission, with live animal encounters and dinosaur films inside, and walks around Logan Circle looking for bugs. With the purchase of an $8 Supersaver Ticket, visitors also will gain access to the special Backyard Adventures exhibit and to the Butterflies! exhibit.
From 4 to 10 p.m., look for the big tent out front for Dino Drafts, the Academy Beer Garden. 12th Street Catering will be serving St. Benjamin’s Brewing, as well as beef, shrimp, and pork tacos, soft pretzel bites and cheese, ice cream, and other snacks for kids. The 101.1 More FM Street Team and Morey the Monkey will be on hand from 5 to 7 p.m. up ramp up the fun.
On Saturday, Sept. 9, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Academy Shop, award-winning dot-to-dot artist David Kalvitis, creator of The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Book Series, will sign copies of his new dot-to-dot coloring book called We Are Connected, Dot to Dot Philadelphia. The connect-the-dots book features images representing Philadelphia institutions including Academy, on page 7 with a charging T. rex.
On Sept. 8, look for these activities inside the museum and outside:
Live Animal Shows on stage at Aviator Park – Meet some of the Academy’s live animals at presentations at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. (rain location: Academy auditorium)
Dino Dance Party – Join Academy mascot Eddie the T. rex and his dinosaur friend Trixie as they dino dance their way through the prehistoric polka in front of the Academy. 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 p.m. Glow sticks will be provided for after sunset.
Bug Walks in Logan Square – Academy educators will lead walks in search of insects. Assemble at the Academy’s Parkway entrance at 4:15, 5:15, 6:15, 7:15 and, (with flashlights) 8:15 p.m.
Live animal encounters inside the museum – Museum visitors will be treated to close encounters with a variety of live birds, mammals, and reptiles roaming the halls with their handlers throughout the night.
Backyards Around the World – How would your backyard be different if you were growing up in Australia? How about the Arctic Circle? What if you lived in the rainforest or the desert? Check out Academy specimens and touchable biofacts from around the world.
100 Years of Dinosaurs – Dinosaurs, with the help of paleontologists, have changed their look significantly in the last 100 years. See one of the earliest animated cartoons of a dinosaur, “Gertie the Dinosaur” (1914), accompanied by a film of modern paleo artists discussing their work as they lend their artistic talents to interpreting Hadrosaurus foulkii. In the auditorium, in a continuous loop.
101.1 More FM Street Team – Meet Morey the Monkey and the radio station’s street team at the beer garden.
Backyard Adventures – Catch this special exhibit on its last weekend before it closes.
For a full list of other activities in the “We Are Connected” Festival, visit the Parkway 100 website.
To purchase a Supersaver Ticket to the Academy, click the green button.
Post by Carolyn Belardo