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{{Infobox Museum
{{Infobox Museum
| name = The Franklin Institute
| name = Franklin Institute
| type = Science museum
| image =
| address = 222 N 20th Street
| image_caption = Franklin Institute on the [https://biography.wiki/b/Benjamin_Franklin Benjamin Franklin] Parkway
| type = Science museum, planetarium
| address = 222 North 20th Street
| neighborhood = Logan Square
| neighborhood = Logan Square
| coordinates = 39.9582,-75.1732
| phone = (215) 448-1200
| phone = (215) 448-1200
| website = https://fi.edu
| website = https://www.fi.edu
| established = 1824
| established = 1824
| founder = Samuel Vaughan Merrick
| founder = Samuel Vaughan Merrick
| collection_size = Extensive science exhibits
| director = Larry Dubinski
| annual_visitors = 1,000,000+
| collections = Science exhibits, Fels Planetarium
| admission = $25 adults, $21 children
| visitors = 1+ million annually
| hours = Daily 9:30am-5pm
| hours = Daily 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
| 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>
'''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 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 22: Line 25:
=== Founding ===
=== 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.
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 1934 Building ===
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.


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.
=== Early Activities ===


=== Modern Era ===
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 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.
=== The Current Building ===


== Exhibits ==
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'''.


=== Permanent Exhibits ===
=== Expansions ===


* '''The Giant Heart''' — The museum's most iconic exhibit, a two-story walk-through model of a human heart, has educated visitors since 1954
Growth came in waves:
* '''The Train Factory''' — A 350-ton Baldwin locomotive and hands-on railroad exhibits
* '''Fels Planetarium''' (1933): One of the first in the nation
* '''Electricity''' — Interactive demonstrations of electrical principles
* '''Tuttleman IMAX Theater''' (1990): Giant-screen films
* '''Your Brain''' — Neuroscience exhibits exploring how the brain works
* '''Mandell Center''' (1990): Additional exhibit space
* '''Space Command''' — Space exploration, astronomy, and the Fels Planetarium
* '''Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion''' (2014): Modern addition for traveling exhibitions
* '''SportsZone''' — The physics and physiology of sports
* '''Sir Isaac's Loft''' — Hands-on science area for young children


=== The Fels Planetarium ===
== Exhibits ==


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.
=== The Giant Heart ===


=== IMAX Theater ===
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.


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


=== Traveling Exhibitions ===
=== Fels Planetarium ===


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


== Benjamin Franklin National Memorial ==
=== Permanent Exhibits ===
 
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"
{| class="wikitable"
! Exhibit !! Focus
|-
|-
! Detail !! Information
| '''Your Brain''' || Neuroscience and perception
|-
|-
| '''Hours''' || Daily 9:30am-5pm
| '''Electricity''' || Hands-on physics demonstrations
|-
|-
| '''Admission''' || $25 adults, $21 children; IMAX and special exhibits extra
| '''Space Command''' || Space exploration and astronomy
|-
|-
| '''Address''' || 222 N 20th Street
| '''Sir Isaac's Loft''' || Physics and engineering
|-
|-
| '''Parking''' || On-site garage, street parking
| '''The Train Factory''' || Transportation and engineering (for kids)
|-
|-
| '''Best for''' || Families, school groups, science enthusiasts
| '''SportsZone''' || Physics of sports
|-
| '''Time needed''' || 3-4 hours for main exhibits
|}
|}


== Getting There ==
=== 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 ===


* '''SEPTA Regional Rail''' — Suburban Station (short walk)
Throughout the year, the museum brings in major traveling exhibitions:
* '''SEPTA Bus''' — Routes 32, 33, 38
* Dinosaurs and paleontology
* '''Parking''' — On-site garage
* Ancient civilizations
* '''Walking''' — On the Parkway at 20th Street
* Technology and innovation
* Popular culture and science


== Frequently Asked Questions ==
== Franklin National Memorial ==


{{FAQ
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.
|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?
== Visiting 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?
=== Hours ===
|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?
* '''Daily:''' 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
|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.
* 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 ==
== See Also ==
Line 122: Line 143:
* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Academy of Natural Sciences]]
* [[Academy of Natural Sciences]]
* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]
* [[Science in Philadelphia]]
* [[Logan Square, Philadelphia]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 129: Line 151:
== External Links ==
== External Links ==


* [https://fi.edu Official Website]
* [https://www.fi.edu Franklin Institute Official Website]
* [https://fi.edu/exhibits Current Exhibitions]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/the-franklin-institute/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]
* [https://www.nps.gov/benfr/ Franklin National Memorial (NPS)]


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=The Franklin Institute - Philadelphia's Premier Science Museum
|title=Franklin Institute Philadelphia - Giant Heart, Planetarium, and 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.
|description=Visit the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia's premier science museum. Walk through the Giant Heart, explore the Fels Planetarium, experience IMAX, and discover hands-on science exhibits for all ages.
|keywords=Franklin Institute, science museum Philadelphia, Giant Heart, Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia museums, kids activities Philadelphia, planetarium
|keywords=Franklin Institute, Giant Heart Philadelphia, Fels Planetarium, science museum Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin museum, kids museum Philadelphia, IMAX Philadelphia, hands-on science
|type=Article
|type=Article
}}
}}


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

Latest revision as of 18:47, 23 April 2026

Franklin Institute



TypeScience museum, planetarium
Address222 North 20th Street
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodLogan Square
Phone(215) 448-1200
WebsiteOfficial site
Established1824
FounderSamuel Vaughan Merrick
DirectorLarry Dubinski
HoursDaily 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Franklin Institute(215) 448-1200222 North 20th StreetPhiladelphiaPAUS

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:

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "About The Franklin Institute". Franklin Institute. Retrieved December 30, 2025
  2. ↑ "The Franklin Institute". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025

External Links

Retrieved from "https://philadelphia.wiki/index.php?title=Franklin_Institute&oldid=4699"