The Franklin Institute

What's On

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Brick Play Space Pop-Up

A hands-on LEGO brick play space with four interactive building stations, open to all visitors as part of general admission.

Now showingOngoing$29

STAR WARS: The Experience

The world premiere of the only official Star Wars exhibition: 18,000 sq ft of immersive galleries with screen-used artifacts, costumes and interactives marking 50 years of the saga.

UpcomingFrom 13 Feb 2027

Permanent Collections

Benjamin Franklin National Memorial

The only national memorial to Benjamin Franklin: a 20-foot marble statue by James Earle Fraser beneath a Pantheon-inspired dome, with the Franklin's Spark dome show.

Permanent collection$29

Body Odyssey

An immersive journey through the human body built around the landmark Giant Heart, exploring how the body's systems work to keep us in balance.

Permanent collection$29

Your Brain

A hands-on neuroscience exhibit topped by the two-storey Neural Climb, letting visitors scramble through a giant model of the brain's wiring.

Permanent collection$29

Wondrous Space

An immersive, multisensory two-storey exhibit on space science, taking visitors on a journey through the cosmos and the tools used to explore it.

Permanent collection$29

Hamilton Collections Gallery

Rare artifacts from the Institute's own collections displayed around the Baldwin 60000 locomotive, including Wright brothers material and early film projectors.

Permanent collection$29

Fels Planetarium

A 60-foot dome theatre running immersive astronomy shows for all ages, one of the oldest planetariums in the United States.

Permanent collection$29

Nearby

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Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

Children3 min walk

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Barnes Foundation

Design3 min walk

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Rodin Museum

Architecture5 min walk

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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) and 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 Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, Body Odyssey and Your Brain.

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.