Franklin Institute: Difference between revisions
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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]]. | '''The Franklin Institute''' is a science museum and center of science education located on the [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]] in [[Logan Square, Philadelphia|Logan Square]]. It's named after the founding father '''[https://biography.wiki/a/Benjamin_Franklin Benjamin Franklin]''', and since 1824 it's been one of America's most important science institutions. Walk through the two-story '''Giant Heart''' exhibit, watch the night sky come alive in the '''Fels Planetarium''', one of the oldest in the country. That's what draws a million-plus visitors every year.<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 | The museum covers everything from physics and astronomy to earth science and technology. But what really sets it apart? The hands-on approach. Kids and adults alike get their hands dirty exploring actual scientific principles instead of just reading about them.<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> | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
=== Founding === | === Founding === | ||
Back in '''1824''', the Franklin Institute of the State of Pennsylvania for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts came into existence. Samuel Vaughan Merrick and other Philadelphia manufacturers had a goal: push scientific research and education forward in their city. | |||
The | Why name it after Benjamin Franklin? Because he'd already earned that distinction himself. The man was a scientist, inventor, and Philadelphia's most celebrated citizen. | ||
=== Early Activities === | === Early Activities === | ||
From the start, the Institute wasn't just talk: | |||
* Sponsored scientific research | * Sponsored scientific research | ||
* Published the Journal of the Franklin Institute (still published today) | * Published the Journal of the Franklin Institute (still published today) | ||
| Line 39: | Line 39: | ||
=== The Current Building === | === The Current Building === | ||
The | For over a century, the Institute operated elsewhere. Then in '''1934''', everything changed. The move to the current Art Deco building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway represented a fresh start. John T. Windrim designed it, and right there in the central rotunda stands a monumental statue of Benjamin Franklin. The space became known as the '''Franklin National Memorial'''. | ||
=== Expansions === | === Expansions === | ||
Growth came in waves: | |||
* '''Fels Planetarium''' (1933): One of the first in the nation | * '''Fels Planetarium''' (1933): One of the first in the nation | ||
* '''Tuttleman IMAX Theater''' (1990): Giant-screen films | * '''Tuttleman IMAX Theater''' (1990): Giant-screen films | ||
| Line 52: | Line 53: | ||
=== The Giant Heart === | === The Giant Heart === | ||
The | The Giant Heart isn't just another exhibit. It's a two-story walk-through model of the human heart that lets you explore from the inside. Put in place in 1954 and overhauled multiple times since, it remains the museum's most beloved attraction. | ||
What happens when you step inside? | |||
* Walk through the chambers and valves | * Walk through the chambers and valves | ||
* Hear amplified heartbeat sounds | * Hear amplified heartbeat sounds | ||
* Learn | * Learn how blood flows | ||
* | * Experience what generations of Philadelphia schoolkids consider a rite of passage | ||
=== Fels Planetarium === | === Fels Planetarium === | ||
Since '''1933''', the '''Fels Planetarium''' has been projecting the night sky for fascinated audiences: | |||
* Star shows and astronomical programs | * Star shows and astronomical programs | ||
* Laser light shows | * Laser light shows | ||
* Science films | * Science films | ||
* | * It's one of the oldest planetariums in the Western Hemisphere | ||
=== Permanent Exhibits === | === Permanent Exhibits === | ||
| Line 88: | Line 89: | ||
=== IMAX Theater === | === IMAX Theater === | ||
The Tuttleman IMAX Theater shows | The Tuttleman IMAX Theater shows films on a screen that fills your entire field of vision. You'll find documentaries about nature, space exploration, and breakthrough science and technology. | ||
=== Traveling Exhibitions === | === Traveling Exhibitions === | ||
Throughout the year, the museum brings in major traveling exhibitions: | |||
* Dinosaurs and paleontology | * Dinosaurs and paleontology | ||
* Ancient civilizations | * Ancient civilizations | ||
| Line 103: | Line 101: | ||
== Franklin National Memorial == | == Franklin National Memorial == | ||
The '''Benjamin Franklin National Memorial''' in the museum's rotunda | The '''Benjamin Franklin National Memorial''' sits in the museum's rotunda and is administered by the National Park Service. At its center stands a 20-foot marble statue of Benjamin Franklin carved by James Earle Fraser. The memorial itself is free to visit, though you'll need a museum ticket to see the exhibits. | ||
== Visiting the Franklin Institute == | == Visiting the Franklin Institute == | ||
| Line 112: | Line 107: | ||
=== Hours === | === Hours === | ||
* '''Daily:''' 9:30 AM | * '''Daily:''' 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM | ||
* | * Longer hours during holidays and special events | ||
* Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas | * Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas | ||
=== Admission === | === Admission === | ||
* '''Adults:''' Approximately $23 (check website | * '''Adults:''' Approximately $23 (pricing changes, so check the website) | ||
* '''Children (3-11):''' Approximately $19 | * '''Children (3-11):''' Approximately $19 | ||
* '''Combination tickets:''' Available with IMAX and planetarium | * '''Combination tickets:''' Available with IMAX and planetarium | ||
| Line 125: | Line 120: | ||
=== Tips === | === Tips === | ||
Plan on spending three to four hours if you want the full experience. Don't skip the Giant Heart. Check planetarium and IMAX schedules before you go. Weekday mornings? That's when crowds thin out. Whether you're bringing kids or going solo, you'll find something to grab your attention. | |||
=== Getting There === | === Getting There === | ||
Multiple transit options will get you there: | |||
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 32, 33, 38, 48 | * '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 32, 33, 38, 48 | ||
* '''SEPTA Broad Street Line:''' Race-Vine Station (10-minute walk) | * '''SEPTA Broad Street Line:''' Race-Vine Station (10-minute walk) | ||
| Line 140: | Line 132: | ||
=== Nearby Attractions === | === Nearby Attractions === | ||
The location couldn't be better if you're making a day of it: | |||
* [[Academy of Natural Sciences]] (across the street) | * [[Academy of Natural Sciences]] (across the street) | ||
* [[Rodin Museum]] (5-minute walk) | * [[Rodin Museum]] (5-minute walk) | ||
Latest revision as of 18:47, 23 April 2026
Franklin Institute
| Type | Science museum, planetarium |
|---|---|
| Address | 222 North 20th Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Logan Square |
| Phone | (215) 448-1200 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1824 |
| Founder | Samuel Vaughan Merrick |
| Director | Larry Dubinski |
| Hours | Daily 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
The Franklin Institute is a science museum and center of science education located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Logan Square. It's named after the founding father Benjamin Franklin, and since 1824 it's been one of America's most important science institutions. Walk through the two-story Giant Heart exhibit, watch the night sky come alive in the Fels Planetarium, one of the oldest in the country. That's what draws a million-plus visitors every year.[1]
The museum covers everything from physics and astronomy to earth science and technology. But what really sets it apart? The hands-on approach. Kids and adults alike get their hands dirty exploring actual scientific principles instead of just reading about them.[2]
History
Founding
Back in 1824, the Franklin Institute of the State of Pennsylvania for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts came into existence. Samuel Vaughan Merrick and other Philadelphia manufacturers had a goal: push scientific research and education forward in their city.
Why name it after Benjamin Franklin? Because he'd already earned that distinction himself. The man was a scientist, inventor, and Philadelphia's most celebrated citizen.
Early Activities
From the start, the Institute wasn't just talk:
- Sponsored scientific research
- Published the Journal of the Franklin Institute (still published today)
- Awarded medals for scientific and engineering achievements
- Offered public lectures and exhibitions
The Current Building
For over a century, the Institute operated elsewhere. Then in 1934, everything changed. The move to the current Art Deco building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway represented a fresh start. John T. Windrim designed it, and right there in the central rotunda stands a monumental statue of Benjamin Franklin. The space became known as the Franklin National Memorial.
Expansions
Growth came in waves:
- Fels Planetarium (1933): One of the first in the nation
- Tuttleman IMAX Theater (1990): Giant-screen films
- Mandell Center (1990): Additional exhibit space
- Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion (2014): Modern addition for traveling exhibitions
Exhibits
The Giant Heart
The Giant Heart isn't just another exhibit. It's a two-story walk-through model of the human heart that lets you explore from the inside. Put in place in 1954 and overhauled multiple times since, it remains the museum's most beloved attraction.
What happens when you step inside?
- Walk through the chambers and valves
- Hear amplified heartbeat sounds
- Learn how blood flows
- Experience what generations of Philadelphia schoolkids consider a rite of passage
Fels Planetarium
Since 1933, the Fels Planetarium has been projecting the night sky for fascinated audiences:
- Star shows and astronomical programs
- Laser light shows
- Science films
- It's one of the oldest planetariums in the Western Hemisphere
Permanent Exhibits
| Exhibit | Focus |
|---|---|
| Your Brain | Neuroscience and perception |
| Electricity | Hands-on physics demonstrations |
| Space Command | Space exploration and astronomy |
| Sir Isaac's Loft | Physics and engineering |
| The Train Factory | Transportation and engineering (for kids) |
| SportsZone | Physics of sports |
IMAX Theater
The Tuttleman IMAX Theater shows films on a screen that fills your entire field of vision. You'll find documentaries about nature, space exploration, and breakthrough science and technology.
Traveling Exhibitions
Throughout the year, the museum brings in major traveling exhibitions:
- Dinosaurs and paleontology
- Ancient civilizations
- Technology and innovation
- Popular culture and science
Franklin National Memorial
The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial sits in the museum's rotunda and is administered by the National Park Service. At its center stands a 20-foot marble statue of Benjamin Franklin carved by James Earle Fraser. The memorial itself is free to visit, though you'll need a museum ticket to see the exhibits.
Visiting the Franklin Institute
Hours
- Daily: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Longer hours during holidays and special events
- Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission
- Adults: Approximately $23 (pricing changes, so check the website)
- Children (3-11): Approximately $19
- Combination tickets: Available with IMAX and planetarium
- Members: Free admission
Tips
Plan on spending three to four hours if you want the full experience. Don't skip the Giant Heart. Check planetarium and IMAX schedules before you go. Weekday mornings? That's when crowds thin out. Whether you're bringing kids or going solo, you'll find something to grab your attention.
Getting There
Multiple transit options will get you there:
- SEPTA Bus: Routes 32, 33, 38, 48
- SEPTA Broad Street Line: Race-Vine Station (10-minute walk)
- SEPTA Subway-Surface Trolleys: 19th Street station
- Parking: On-site garage (paid)
Nearby Attractions
The location couldn't be better if you're making a day of it:
- Academy of Natural Sciences (across the street)
- Rodin Museum (5-minute walk)
- Barnes Foundation (5-minute walk)
- Logan Square (adjacent)
See Also
- Benjamin Franklin
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- Academy of Natural Sciences
- Science in Philadelphia
- Logan Square, Philadelphia
References
- ↑ "About The Franklin Institute". Franklin Institute. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "The Franklin Institute". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025