The Franklin Institute

Why Visit

Today, The Franklin Institute holds the distinction of being Pennsylvania’s most visited museum.

In 1824, the Franklin Institute opened in Independence Hall to honor Benjamin Franklin and his inventiveness.

In 1934, with the construction of the current building and the adjacent Fels Planetarium, it became a hands-on science museum.

Today, it holds the distinction of being Pennsylvania’s most visited museum. In the museum’s rotunda, a 20-foot-tall marble statue pays homage to the institute’s eponymous scientist and Founding Father.

A 20-foot-tall marble statue pays homage to the institute’s eponymous scientist and Founding Father. — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Must-See

While the entire museum offers interactive fun, highlights include the high-tech Your Brain exhibit, which offers a glimpse into the inner workings of the human brain and SportsZone , which focuses on the scientific aspects of sports.

The SportsZone exhibit focuses on the scientific aspects of sports. — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Admission & Info

General admission tickets grant access to most of the museum’s offerings, but a handful of events and exhibits require special tickets and timed reservations.