Franklin Institute
| Type | Science museum, planetarium |
|---|---|
| Address | 222 North 20th Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Logan Square |
| Phone | (215) 448-1200 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1824 |
| Founder | Samuel Vaughan Merrick |
| Director | Larry Dubinski |
| 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. 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.[1]
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.[2]
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
| 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
- ↑ "About The Franklin Institute". Franklin Institute. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "The Franklin Institute". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025