Destination

The Franklin Institute

Founded in honor of America’s first scientist in 1824 - Benjamin Franklin - The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest 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

There are so many exhibits to explore at The Franklin Institute - such as Wondrous Space, SportsZone, Franklin Air Show, and of course the iconic exhibit - The Giant Heart. You can see all of the exhibits HERE!

Upcoming Local Happenings

The Art of the Brick

Franklin Institute

Everything’s clicking into place. Returning to The Franklin Institute for the first time since 2015, The Art of the Brick displays more than 100 works all made completely of LEGO — from recreations of masterworks like Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to original works of LEGO sculpture, including a 20-foot-long T. rex dinosaur skeleton and many pieces that are just plain fun. Every sculpture in the hugely impressive display is the handiwork of contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya, the first artist ever to create an exhibition solely of LEGO art. This exhibit is here until 9/2. Leave the driving to SEPTA. Short walk from Suburban Station, hop Bus Routes 7, 33, 38, 48 or Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 34 or 36.

Plan Your Trip

VinylCon

23rd Street Armory

Calling all audiophiles: This two-day celebration [4/27 and 4/28] of music culture and all things vinyl kicks off in Rittenhouse Square this weekend. Discover new tunes from over 100,000 records, round out your collection with rare memorabilia from more than 70 vendors, fuel up with pay-as-you-go food trucks and a full bar, jam to live music by vinyl-spinning DJs, and more. Tickets are required each day of the event, to the tune of $8 on Saturday and a whopping $0 on Sunday (but those looking to get first dibs on the good stuff can opt for special early-access tickets). Get here on SEPTA. Hop a Trolley to 22nd or catch Routes 7, 9, 12, 21, 42 or 44.