The Franklin Institute
4.6(14K)google
3.9(789)yelp
KidsIndoorMust-SeeInteractiveHands-OnImmersiveEducationalPlanetariumHistory
Overview
The Franklin Institute, named after the brilliant American scientist and statesman Benjamin Franklin, is one of the oldest and most respected science education museums in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, this world-class science museum features a spectacular array of hands-on interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and the famous walk-through Giant Heart, which has delighted generations of children. It perfectly bridges the gap between historical scientific discovery and cutting-edge modern technology, making it a thrilling and profoundly inspiring destination for families, student groups, and curious minds.
Practical Info
Mon9:30 AM –5:00 PM
Tue9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeBest visited on non-summer school-year weekdays after 2:00 PM when the massive morning elementary school field trip groups begin to exit. This timing gives you immediate, queue-free access to explore the iconic walkthrough Giant Heart and high-tech flight simulators inside the quiet, climate-controlled galleries.
Getting ThereLocated in center city Philadelphia at 222 N 20th Street. Highly accessible via public transit: take any SEPTA Regional Rail line to Suburban Station, exit, and walk west across Logan Circle for 8 minutes. For drivers, take the 22nd Street exit from I-676 and park directly in the institute's attached multi-level garage.
Travel Tips
- The museum's signature Giant Heart and IMAX theater capacity is tightly metered; baseline general admission excludes high-demand premium traveling blockbusters, which require bundled web passes to guarantee access. Weekend mornings (10:30 AM - 2:00 PM) suffer intense family congestion, making a 9:30 AM arrival mandatory.
- The on-site underground parking garage off 21st Street enforces a low structural clearance height of 6'6"; wide-body SUVs with roof-racks or high-clearance camper vans are structurally barred from entry. High-profile rigs must detour to surface-level open lots or source outdoor metered spaces via the ParkMobile app.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- General galleries authorize non-flash handheld capture, but inside the Fels Planetarium dome, operating any glowing mobile displays, camera viewfinders, or smartwatches is strictly illegal to protect darkness thresholds. To frame the monumental Benjamin Franklin statue, shoot from the main rotunda axis after 2:00 PM when western windows catch optimal light.
Reviews
Positive
- A phenomenal and highly interactive science museum! Walking through the iconic Giant Heart structure is an unforgettable experience.
- Exhibits cover astronomy, physics, and aviation with endless hands-on interactive setups, perfect for educational child engagement.
- Features a top-tier IMAX dome theater and planetarium, and frequently hosts world-class blockbuster touring exhibitions.
- The massive Benjamin Franklin National Memorial statue in the rotunda is breathtaking, and the amenities are modern and well-maintained.
Heads up
- Basic general admission feels restrictive as most premier traveling exhibits, IMAX movies, and special simulator rides require high upcharges.
- Weekday mornings are chaotic with massive school field trip groups, turning galleries into noisy, hyperactive screaming zones.
- Certain permanent science exhibits show heavy wear and tear, with broken buttons or unresponsive screens awaiting repair.
- The on-site underground parking garage has notoriously tight spaces and steep fees, making a full-size SUV parking experience stressful.