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The Franklin Institute Science Museum

222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Description

The Franklin Institute is both a science museum and the center of science education and research in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The permanent exhibits cover a wide range of themes such as electricity, space suits, aircrafts (incl. from the Wright Brothers), brain physiology and neurology. In addition, there is a planetarium and an IMAX Theater. The building also houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, a large statue of the famous American writer, inventor, statesman, and Founding Father.

Access & Transport

The museum is located next to Logan Square, close to the Barnes Foundation and 1.0km northwest of City Hall. Buses 38, 33 and 49 stop nearby at '20th St & Ben Franklin Pkwy' and '20th St & Race St'. The Suburban Station and, 19th St and 22nd St trolley stations (10, 11, 13, 34, 36for both) are all about 10mins' walk away. Directions & parking info: https://www.fi.edu/en/plan-your-visit/directions-parking Accessibility info: https://www.fi.edu/en/plan-your-visit/accessibility

Instructions & Recommendations

Special Exhibitions have a higher admission fee and can be booked out on certain days so you should schedule ahead of time if those interest you. The Tuttleman IMAX Theater was closed at the time of this review update.

Meta review

The museum is a staple of Philadelphia itineraries, but online reviews are not unanimous. It seems very popular for family with younger kids whereas adults and teenagers may not be as engaged by the exhibits that are described as being often dated and sometimes broken (the interactive ones). The Special Exhibits can be really good but expensive, according to many visitors, but they vary in quality and do not fall within the scope of this review. Tip: arrive well before the show times to get a seat inside the planetarium

Environmental & Social

No environmental sustainability info available online regarding the building. We expect electricity consumption to be significant. Helps spread culture and interest in sciences

Conclusion

The Franklin Institute Science Museum is a good educational activity that is more targeted towards local and regional residents rather than long distance travellers. Still a good option for any family with younger children and more than 3 days in Philadelphia (or on a return visit).

Key positive

Fun and interesting interactive exhibits for kids

Key negative

Exhibits need upgrade and update

Suitability

Accessible and suitable for all ages though best for families with younger children

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on Thanksgiving, 24/25 Dec and 01 Jan

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:2h 15m

Regulated hours

Monday09:30 - 17:00

Tuesday09:30 - 17:00

Wednesday09:30 - 17:00

Thursday09:30 - 17:00

Friday09:30 - 17:00

Saturday09:30 - 17:00

Sunday09:30 - 17:00

Pricing
This does not cover Special Exhibits
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$25
Adult
12 - 64
US$25
Child
3 - 11
US$21
Infant
0 - 2
US$0

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