Address
The Franklin Institute
222 North 20th St,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
United States
Directions: Google Maps
Support
Phone: 215-448-1200
Email: guestservices@fi.edu
Email: membership@fi.edu
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About The Franklin Institute
Located in the largest city of the United States, The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia is a prominent and the oldest science and technology centre for education and research, in the State of Pennsylvania. Established in 1824, by Samuel Merrick and William Keating, the institute promoted Mechanics Arts, and stands named after Benjamin Franklin, an eminent American scientist and politician.
The Franklin Institute comprises of a science museum, planetarium, theatre, and the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. Almost 200 years old, the institute has won several awards, and recognition in the field of science and technology, from various governing bodies. The Franklin Institute awardees list, are some of the finest scholars of the age, namely Nikola Tesla, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates, Thomas Edison and many others.
In 1934, the Franklin Institute opened its doors to the public, to educate and create awareness about the innovations of science, and all the possible ways of using technology from sports, to outer space. Home to the Tuttleman IMAX theatre, Fels Planetarium, 12 fully equipped auditorium and exhibit spaces, the institute offers full-fledged hands-on experience for the public to experience innovative science marvels.
Built of 4 floor levels, the institute has the planetarium at 1st floor, IMAX theatre, Atrium, Air Show, Memorial, Food works and Key hall at 2nd floor, the Tech-Studio at 3rd floor, and the Observatory at 4th floor. Popular activities for visitors include, solar observing, drop-in workshop, the multi-media show, flight simulators, and IMAX theatre. The institute also hosts special events for visitors, such as the Escape Room, the Science after Hours, Night Skies, and the Speaker Series.
The best time to visit the Franklin institute are weekdays from 9:30am-5:00pm, and it remains closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. In the month of May, the Franklin Institute offers field trips, with lectures, talk-shows, and other scheduled daily events. The movie timings at IMAX start from 10:00am-4:30pm, and have 9 daily shows, at various slots of the day. The schedule and details of ongoing and upcoming events can be viewed on the website.
Entrance fee to visit the museum cost $23 for adult and $19 for children aged 3-11, and is inclusive of a free visit to the Planetarium. Tickets for IMAX theatre cost $7 – $10 for both adult and children, and the Escape room tickets cost $21 per individual, and prices start from $7 – $15 for flight simulator rides per head, and the entry is free for all to visit the Benjamin Memorial. The general admission tickets include access to science exhibits, interactive exhibits, Live Science programs, the Joel N Bloom Observatory, and one show in the Fels Planetarium.
Tickets for museum admission, IMAX theater and special events can be purchased on the website using Visa or Mastercard. Become a member to enjoy unlimited admission and exclusive discounts. There are membership options available for individuals and families. All 10 science center exhibits included with general admission comes free for members. If you couldnt make it to the museum after purchasing the ticket, do check with the office for cancellation or refund. Lost an item? You can contact the museum’s guest services office for same. For complaints or queries on tickets, events, payment, cancellation, refund, photography, parking, or others, reach The Franklin Institute support.
