The Franklin Institute

4.6 (13,543 reviews)

History MuseumTourist AttractionHistorical LandmarkHistorical PlaceMuseum

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings right at opening, when galleries and planetarium seating are least crowded; avoid weekend afternoons and summer holidays for smaller lines.

Budget tips

Timed tickets are often cheaper online; consider a Franklin Institute membership or Philadelphia CityPASS for savings, and check discounts for students, seniors and military.

Recommended for

Families with children, School and youth groups, Science and technology enthusiasts

Plan your visit

2-4 hours

About

Quick facts: A 42-foot walk-through heart lets you hear amplified heartbeats and feel piston-like chambers, turning anatomy into an oddly theatrical, hands-on lesson. Interactive labs and lightning-fast physics demos pair with a dome theater that wraps you in immersive visuals and bone-rattling sound.

Highlights: A 20-foot marble statue of Benjamin Franklin sits under a glowing domed rotunda, sunlight pooling on carved features and marble cool under your palm. On select Friday nights a 'Science After Hours' series invites 21+ crowds for DJs, themed cocktails, and hands-on demos that transform corridors into a buzzing late-night lab.

Insider tips

Buy timed-entry tickets online and reserve planetarium show seats to avoid sold-out sessions.
Arrive at opening, because galleries are quieter and live demos have smaller lines.
Wear comfortable shoes and a light layer for the planetarium and air-conditioned galleries.
Skip peak lunch times by eating before noon or after 2 pm, or grab quick food at the museum cafe.