Copied to Clipboard
The Franklin Institute
An innovator in designing hands-on exhibits before “interactive” became a buzzword, The Franklin Institute offers an experience as unique as its namesake, Benjamin Franklin.
Its eminently touchable attractions explore science in disciplines ranging from sports to space.
Films assume grand proportions on the Tuttleman IMAX Theater’s 79-foot domed screen, and galaxies become formed and deep space explored in The Fels Planetarium.
Today, The Franklin Institute holds the distinction of being Pennsylvania’s most visited museum.
In 1824, the Franklin Institute opened in Independence Hall to honor Benjamin Franklin and his inventiveness.
In 1934, with the construction of the current building and the adjacent Fels Planetarium, it became a hands-on science museum.
Today, it holds the distinction of being Pennsylvania’s most visited museum. In the museum’s rotunda, a 20-foot-tall marble statue pays homage to the institute’s eponymous scientist and Founding Father.
A 20-foot-tall marble statue pays homage to the institute’s eponymous scientist and Founding Father. — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
While the entire museum offers interactive fun, highlights include the high-tech Your Brain exhibit, which offers a glimpse into the inner workings of the human brain and SportsZone, which focuses on the scientific aspects of sports.
The SportsZone exhibit focuses on the scientific aspects of sports. — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
General admission tickets grant access to most of the museum’s offerings, but a handful of events and exhibits require special tickets and timed reservations.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.