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The Franklin Institute Science Museum is located in Philadelphia, PA. If you’re headed to the Philadelphia area for a visit, you’ll want to visit this museum with the family. The Franklin Institute is a very distinctive science museum filled with interactive, hands-on displays and activities. Like its namesake, scientist and statesman, Benjamin Franklin, the museum is innovative and contemporary. It is one of the oldest museums for science education and development in the country and Philadelphia’s most visited museum today.
The Franklin Institute has four floors. Three of the floors include exhibits for you to explore and the fourth floor includes the Holt & Miller Observatory, where you can view the Philadelphia Skyline as well as do some sky gazing. The Zeiss Refracting Telescope that sits on the rooftop will allow you to see views of the moon, most planets, star clusters, nebulae, a few galaxies, as well as our Sun. The Observatory is usually open for a few hours on the weekends, weather permitting.
On the first floor, you’ll find the ever-popular Fels Planetarium. You’ll be able to explore the night sky with cutting-edge presentations. The engaging shows at the Fels Planetarium will educate and awe the young and old alike. Who does not love visiting a planetarium?
Other exhibits to look forward to are the Train Factory, Sir Isaac’s Loft, the Sportszone, and the Giant Heart, that has been a mainstay and a rite of passage for children for more than half a century. Kids and grownups will be able to walk through a giant beating heart. Please check out their interactive map to learn more about all the exhibitions.
Upon entering the Franklin Institute’s rotunda, you’ll see a 20-ft high marble statue of Benjamin Franklin. It is the official national memorial dedicated to Benjamin Franklin. Make sure to stop and take a family photo here. It’ll be one you’ll want to remember.
The Franklin Institute also has a new outdoor space designed for families to recharge. There are picnic tables and canopies for your use as well as a play area for children to explore and climb.
Last, but not least, the museum usually displays a changing exhibition that you’ll have to buy tickets to. This year, the exhibition will be one that Harry Potter fans will not want to miss. Visitors will get an up-close look at authentic props and original costumes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
This is one museum that the kids will not forget, and you could easily spend the whole day here, so make sure you have at least a day’s worth of time.
Exhibits and Activities
- Benjamin Franklin Memorial – centerpiece of memorial is a 20-ft high marble statue of Benjamin Franklin
- Fels Planetarium
- Holt & Miller Observatory – see the Philadelphia Skyline and look into a Refracting Telescope
- The Train Factory – climb aboard a 350-ton Baldwin steam locomotive
- Space Command – construct a rover
- The Giant Heart – step inside a giant heart
- Your Brain – travel under a two-story tall neural network structure with dynamic lightning and sound effects
- Electricity – hands on experimentation with electricity
- Changing Earth – constructed of sustainable materials
- Amazing Machines
- Sir Isaac’s Loft – a playground of experimentation
- Sportszone – explore how sports connects science and the human body
- Daily Live Science Demos
- Science Park – take a break outdoors
- Harry Potter – The Exhibition
- Have lunch at The Eatery located inside the museum
Hours
General Museum Hours:
Wed – Sun: 10AM – 5PM
Beginning Wednesday, February 16, the Institute will be open seven (7) days a week. General Admission operating hours will be 9:30 am to 5 pm.
Beginning Friday, February 18th, Harry Potter: The Exhibition will be open seven (7) nights a week. Exhibition hours will be 9:30 am to 8 pm. Last entry to the exhibition will be at 6:30 pm, with the exception of February 21, 22 and 23, when last entry will be 3:30pm.
Holiday Closings:
- November 24: Thanksgiving Day
- December 24: Christmas Eve
- December 25: Christmas Day
- January 1: New Year’s Day
*Please be sure to check out their website for any changes.
Admission
General Admission
General Museum: Adult: $23 Child (3-11): $19
Members: FREE
General Admission to The Franklin Institute includes access to two floors of hands-on science exhibits including permanent interactive exhibits, Live Science programs and one show in the Fels Planetarium. Discounts are available to groups of 15 or more, click here for info and ticket purchases.
Tips, Etcetera
- COVID-19 protocols are in place. Please check their website for up-to-date information.
- There is a parking garage located at 271 North 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- $20 for one day
- You can try looking for street parking and pay via the Parkmobile App or Kiosk