Franklin Institute - Revision history

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	'''The Franklin Institute''' is a science museum and center of science education located on the [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]] in [[Logan Square, Philadelphia\|Logan Square]]. Named for founding father '''Benjamin Franklin''', the museum has been one of America's premier science institutions since 1824. The Franklin Institute is famous for its '''Giant Heart''' exhibit—a two-story walk-through model of the human heart—and the '''Fels Planetarium''', one of the oldest planetariums in the United States.<ref name="fi">{{cite web \|url=https://www.fi.edu/about-us \|title=About The Franklin Institute \|publisher=Franklin Institute \|access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>		'''The Franklin Institute''' is a science museum and center of science education located on the [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]] in [[Logan Square, Philadelphia\|Logan Square]]. Named for founding father '''[https://biography.wiki/a/Benjamin_Franklin Benjamin Franklin]''', the museum has been one of America's premier science institutions since 1824. The Franklin Institute is famous for its '''Giant Heart''' exhibit—a two-story walk-through model of the human heart—and the '''Fels Planetarium''', one of the oldest planetariums in the United States.<ref name="fi">{{cite web \|url=https://www.fi.edu/about-us \|title=About The Franklin Institute \|publisher=Franklin Institute \|access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

	The museum attracts over one million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited museums in Philadelphia. Its interactive exhibits cover a wide range of scientific topics including physics, astronomy, earth science, and technology, with a particular emphasis on hands-on learning that encourages visitors of all ages to explore scientific principles through direct experience.<ref name="visit">{{cite web \|url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/the-franklin-institute/ \|title=The Franklin Institute \|publisher=Visit Philadelphia \|access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>		The museum attracts over one million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited museums in Philadelphia. Its interactive exhibits cover a wide range of scientific topics including physics, astronomy, earth science, and technology, with a particular emphasis on hands-on learning that encourages visitors of all ages to explore scientific principles through direct experience.<ref name="visit">{{cite web \|url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/the-franklin-institute/ \|title=The Franklin Institute \|publisher=Visit Philadelphia \|access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

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	\| name = Franklin Institute		\| name = Franklin Institute
	\| image =		\| image =
	\| image_caption = Franklin Institute on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway		\| image_caption = Franklin Institute on the [https://biography.wiki/b/Benjamin_Franklin Benjamin Franklin] Parkway
	\| type = Science museum, planetarium		\| type = Science museum, planetarium
	\| address = 222 North 20th Street		\| address = 222 North 20th Street

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{{Infobox Museum
| name = The Franklin Institute
| type = Science museum
| address = 222 N 20th Street
| neighborhood = Logan Square
| phone = (215) 448-1200
| website = https://fi.edu
| established = 1824
| founder = Samuel Vaughan Merrick
| collection_size = Extensive science exhibits
| annual_visitors = 1,000,000+
| admission = $25 adults, $21 children
| hours = Daily 9:30am-5pm
| public_transit = SEPTA Suburban Station, Bus 32, 33, 38
| architect = John T. Windrim (1934 building)
}}

'''The Franklin Institute''' is one of the oldest and most prominent science museums in the United States, located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in [[Logan Square]]. Named for Benjamin Franklin, the museum welcomes over one million visitors annually with interactive exhibits on science, technology, and innovation.<ref name="fi-history">{{cite web |url=https://www.fi.edu/about |title=About The Franklin Institute |publisher=The Franklin Institute |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Founding ===

The Franklin Institute was founded in 1824 by Samuel Vaughan Merrick and William H. Keating to honor Benjamin Franklin and promote scientific education. Originally focused on mechanical arts and applied science, the Institute played a key role in American industrialization, testing inventions and setting technical standards.

=== The 1934 Building ===

The current neoclassical building, designed by John T. Windrim, opened on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in 1934 as part of the broader City Beautiful development of the Parkway. The building's centerpiece is the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, featuring a 20-foot marble statue of Franklin in a domed rotunda.

=== Modern Era ===

The Franklin Institute has continuously evolved, adding interactive exhibits, a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and traveling exhibitions. Major renovations in the 2010s updated exhibits and added new galleries.

== Exhibits ==

=== Permanent Exhibits ===

* '''The Giant Heart''' — The museum's most iconic exhibit, a two-story walk-through model of a human heart, has educated visitors since 1954
* '''The Train Factory''' — A 350-ton Baldwin locomotive and hands-on railroad exhibits
* '''Electricity''' — Interactive demonstrations of electrical principles
* '''Your Brain''' — Neuroscience exhibits exploring how the brain works
* '''Space Command''' — Space exploration, astronomy, and the Fels Planetarium
* '''SportsZone''' — The physics and physiology of sports
* '''Sir Isaac's Loft''' — Hands-on science area for young children

=== The Fels Planetarium ===

The Fels Planetarium, opened in 1933, was the second planetarium in the United States. It has been updated with digital projection technology for astronomy shows and immersive experiences.

=== IMAX Theater ===

The Franklin Institute's IMAX theater features one of the largest screens in Philadelphia, showing science documentaries and feature films.

=== Traveling Exhibitions ===

The museum hosts major traveling exhibitions on topics from King Tut to the science of Pixar animation.

== Benjamin Franklin National Memorial ==

The building's rotunda houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, the only national memorial in Philadelphia:

* 20-foot-tall marble statue by James Earle Fraser
* 82-foot domed ceiling
* Murals depicting Franklin's achievements
* Official national memorial since 1972

== The Franklin Awards ==

The Franklin Institute Awards, established in 1824, are among the oldest and most prestigious science and technology prizes in the world. Past laureates include:

* Thomas Edison (1915)
* Marie Curie (1921)
* Albert Einstein (1935)
* Stephen Hawking (1981)
* Jane Goodall (2011)

== Visiting ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Detail !! Information
|-
| '''Hours''' || Daily 9:30am-5pm
|-
| '''Admission''' || $25 adults, $21 children; IMAX and special exhibits extra
|-
| '''Address''' || 222 N 20th Street
|-
| '''Parking''' || On-site garage, street parking
|-
| '''Best for''' || Families, school groups, science enthusiasts
|-
| '''Time needed''' || 3-4 hours for main exhibits
|}

== Getting There ==

* '''SEPTA Regional Rail''' — Suburban Station (short walk)
* '''SEPTA Bus''' — Routes 32, 33, 38
* '''Parking''' — On-site garage
* '''Walking''' — On the Parkway at 20th Street

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

{{FAQ
|q1=Is the Franklin Institute good for kids?
|a1=Yes, the Franklin Institute is one of Philadelphia's best family attractions. Most exhibits are hands-on and interactive, designed for children of all ages. The Giant Heart, train exhibits, and Sir Isaac's Loft (for younger children) are particularly popular.

|q2=How long does it take to see the Franklin Institute?
|a2=Plan 3-4 hours to see the main permanent exhibits. Adding an IMAX film or planetarium show, or thoroughly exploring special exhibitions, can extend a visit to a full day.

|q3=What is the Giant Heart at the Franklin Institute?
|a3=The Giant Heart is a two-story walk-through model of a human heart that opened in 1954. Visitors walk through the chambers and learn about cardiovascular function. It's the museum's most iconic exhibit and has been experienced by generations of Philadelphia schoolchildren.

|q4=Is the Franklin Institute connected to Benjamin Franklin?
|a4=The museum is named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia's most famous citizen, but was founded in 1824—34 years after his death. The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial inside the museum features a 20-foot statue and celebrates his scientific and civic achievements.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Benjamin Franklin]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Academy of Natural Sciences]]
* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://fi.edu Official Website]
* [https://fi.edu/exhibits Current Exhibitions]

{{#seo:
|title=The Franklin Institute - Philadelphia's Premier Science Museum
|description=The Franklin Institute is a world-class science museum featuring the Giant Heart, Fels Planetarium, IMAX theater, and the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. Over 1 million visitors annually.
|keywords=Franklin Institute, science museum Philadelphia, Giant Heart, Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia museums, kids activities Philadelphia, planetarium
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Science Museums]]
[[Category:Logan Square]]
[[Category:Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
[[Category:Family Attractions]]