Destination

The Franklin Institute

Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest museums and premier centers of science education and development in the country.

Today, the museum continues its dedication to public education and creating a passion for science by offering new and exciting access to science and technology in ways that would dazzle and delight its namesake. In the spirit of inquiry and discovery embodied by Benjamin Franklin, the mission of The Franklin Institute is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology.

How to get there

The Franklin Institute is a short walk from Suburban Station. You can also hop Bus Routes 7, 33, 38, 48 or Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 34 or 36.

Hours

Open 7 days a week - from 9:30Am to 5PM.

Things To Do

Explore the wonders of science at The Franklin Institute, from the mysteries of the universe to the intricacies of the human body. Engage with interactive exhibits, witness mind-blowing live science demonstrations, and experience awe-inspiring astronomical presentations in the Fels Planetarium.

You'll also have access to permanent exhibits, a daily roster of shows, screenings, and demonstrations, so check the daily schedule before you arrive. Visit fi.edu for information about the museum, building map, showtimes, and more!

Museum Highlights

Wondrous Space- Journey through the cosmos as you explore this immersive, multisensory, two-story exhibit designed to inspire an excitement for space science.
Live Science Demonstrations- Join TFI in the Demonstration Theater for live shows on the science behind liquid nitrogen, combustion, and electricity.
SportsZone- Hit the turf and experience how sports connect the science of the human body, laws of motion, and technical innovation.
Fels Planetarium- Explore the night sky with cutting-edge astronomical presentations in the awe-inspiring Fels Planetarium.

General admission tickets grant access to all of the museum’s permanent exhibits, but special exhibits might require special tickets and timed reservations. Please visit fi.edu for all up to date ticketing information. Get $2 off adult daytime admission with this Perk!

Upcoming Local Happenings

The Art of the Brick

Franklin Institute

The Art of the Brick exhibit is back at The Franklin Institute thru 9/2 featuring over 100 LEGO sculptures - including Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and a 20-foot-long T-Rex dinosaur skeleton. Take Routes 7, 33, 38, 48 or Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 34 36 to 19th Street or make the short walk from Suburban Station.

Plan Your Trip

First Sunday

The Barnes Foundation

Enjoy PECO Free First Sunday at the Barnes Foundation. Families and friends can enjoy free access to the Barnes collection and special exhibition every first Sunday of the month. Get here on Bus Routes 2, 7, 32, 33, 38, 48, or 49.

Plan Your Trip

Rodin Museum Garden Bar

Rodin Museum

The Rodin Museum's outdoor pop-up garden offers summer cocktails and small plates every Friday thru 8/30. Enjoy free garden bar admission with pay-what-you-wish museum entry. Routes 7, 32, 33, 38 and 48 get you there.

Plan Your Trip

The Oval

Eakins Oval

The Oval will be open now thru 8/25. Featuring a beer garden, local food trucks, cultural performances, movies on Fridays, live bands on Saturdays, Quizzo and kid-friendly activities on Sundays as well as new additions this year - a nine-hole mini-golf course and mobile kitchen courtesy of Libertee Grounds. Hop Routes 2, 7, 32, 33, 38 or 48.