Editing Franklin Institute

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Franklin Institute
| image =
| image_caption = Franklin Institute on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
| type = Science museum, planetarium
| address = 222 North 20th Street
| neighborhood = Logan Square
| coordinates = 39.9582,-75.1732
| phone = (215) 448-1200
| website = https://www.fi.edu
| established = 1824
| founder = Samuel Vaughan Merrick
| director = Larry Dubinski
| collections = Science exhibits, Fels Planetarium
| visitors = 1+ million annually
| hours = Daily 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
}}

'''The Franklin Institute''' is a science museum and center of science education located on the [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]] in [[Logan Square, Philadelphia|Logan Square]]. Named for founding father '''Benjamin Franklin''', the museum has been one of America's premier science institutions since 1824. The Franklin Institute is famous for its '''Giant Heart''' exhibit—a two-story walk-through model of the human heart—and the '''Fels Planetarium''', one of the oldest planetariums in the United States.<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 attracts over one million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited museums in Philadelphia. Its interactive exhibits cover a wide range of scientific topics including physics, astronomy, earth science, and technology, with a particular emphasis on hands-on learning that encourages visitors of all ages to explore scientific principles through direct experience.<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 ==

=== Founding ===

The Franklin Institute was founded in '''1824''' as the Franklin Institute of the State of Pennsylvania for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts. Samuel Vaughan Merrick and other Philadelphia manufacturers established the organization to promote scientific research and education.

The Institute was named for Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia's most famous citizen and an accomplished scientist and inventor in his own right.

=== Early Activities ===

In its early years, the Franklin Institute:
* 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 ===

The museum moved to its current '''Art Deco building''' on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in '''1934'''. Designed by John T. Windrim, the building features a monumental statue of Benjamin Franklin in its central rotunda, the '''Franklin National Memorial'''.

=== Expansions ===

* '''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''' is the museum's most famous exhibit—a two-story walk-through model of the human heart that visitors can explore from the inside. Originally installed in 1954 and renovated multiple times, the Giant Heart teaches cardiovascular anatomy through an immersive experience.

Features:
* Walk through the chambers and valves
* Hear amplified heartbeat sounds
* Learn about blood flow and heart function
* A Philadelphia icon beloved by generations

=== Fels Planetarium ===

The '''Fels Planetarium''' has projected the night sky for visitors since 1933:
* Star shows and astronomical programs
* Laser light shows
* Science films
* One of the oldest planetariums in the Western Hemisphere

=== Permanent Exhibits ===

{| class="wikitable"
! 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 documentary films on a giant screen:
* Nature and wildlife films
* Space exploration documentaries
* Science and technology features

=== Traveling Exhibitions ===

The museum regularly hosts major traveling exhibitions on topics such as:
* Dinosaurs and paleontology
* Ancient civilizations
* Technology and innovation
* Popular culture and science

== Franklin National Memorial ==

The '''Benjamin Franklin National Memorial''' in the museum's rotunda features:
* 20-foot marble statue of Benjamin Franklin by James Earle Fraser
* Administered by the National Park Service
* Free admission to the memorial (museum admission required for exhibits)

== Visiting the Franklin Institute ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Daily:''' 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
* Extended hours during holidays and special events
* Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

=== Admission ===

* '''Adults:''' Approximately $23 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Children (3-11):''' Approximately $19
* '''Combination tickets:''' Available with IMAX and planetarium
* '''Members:''' Free admission

=== Tips ===

* Allow 3-4 hours for a full visit
* The Giant Heart is a must-see
* Check planetarium and IMAX schedules in advance
* Weekday mornings are less crowded
* Best for families with children, but engaging for all ages

=== Getting 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 ===

* [[Academy of Natural Sciences]] (across the street)
* [[Rodin Museum]] (5-minute walk)
* [[Barnes Foundation]] (5-minute walk)
* [[Logan Square]] (adjacent)

== See Also ==

* [[Benjamin Franklin]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Academy of Natural Sciences]]
* [[Science in Philadelphia]]
* [[Logan Square, Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

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

{{#seo:
|title=Franklin Institute Philadelphia - Giant Heart, Planetarium, and Science Museum
|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, Giant Heart Philadelphia, Fels Planetarium, science museum Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin museum, kids museum Philadelphia, IMAX Philadelphia, hands-on science
|type=Article
}}

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