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The Franklin Institute

ChildrenHistoryScienceOpen until 5pmFrom $29Suburban Station (SEPTA Regional Rail)

Founded in 1824 and named for Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest centres of science education in the United States. Three floors of hands-on exhibits cover space, the human body, the brain, sports science and mechanics, anchored by the two-storey Giant Heart that visitors have walked through since 1954. The neoclassical Karabots and Mandell buildings also house the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, where a 20-foot marble Franklin by James Earle Fraser sits beneath a Pantheon-inspired dome. Live science demonstrations, the Fels Planetarium and a rolling programme of blockbuster touring exhibitions round out a visit.

What's On

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Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States

Nearest station: Suburban Station (SEPTA Regional Rail), 30th Street Station (SEPTA / Amtrak), Philly PHLASH stop #10

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Hours

Mon09:30–17:00
Tue09:30–17:00
Wed09:30–17:00
ThuToday09:30–17:00
Fri09:30–17:00
Sat09:30–17:00
Sun09:30–17:00

Admission

From $29

Teens (13-17) $25, children (3-12) $23, under 2 free; special exhibitions add $15-$20

Nearby

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

Children3 min walk

Barnes Foundation

Design3 min walk

Rodin Museum

Architecture5 min walk

Mütter Museum

History7 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does The Franklin Institute cost?
Standard adult admission to The Franklin Institute is $29. Teens (13-17) $25, children (3-12) $23, under 2 free; special exhibitions add $15-$20. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
What are the opening hours of The Franklin Institute?
The Franklin Institute is open Open daily 9:30am-5:00pm. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is The Franklin Institute?
The Franklin Institute is located at 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States, in the Logan Square / Parkway Museums District area of Philadelphia. The nearest stations are Suburban Station (SEPTA Regional Rail), 30th Street Station (SEPTA / Amtrak), Philly PHLASH stop #10.
What can I see at The Franklin Institute?
Philadelphia's hands-on science museum since 1824, home to the walk-through Giant Heart and a colossal Ben Franklin. Current highlights include STAR WARS: The Experience, Brick Play Space Pop-Up, Wondrous Space.
Do I need to book The Franklin Institute in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit The Franklin Institute?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

ajay_suresh via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

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