Franklin Institute Museum
Science museum and educational center with interactive exhibits
Science museum in Philadelphia featuring hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial; popular with families, school groups, and science enthusiasts.
Franklin Institute at a Glance#
Address: 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States
Website: https://www.fi.edu/
Hours: Typical: Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:00pm; closed Mondays (hours vary by season and exhibits)
Admission: Adult general admission varies for special exhibitions; Franklin Institute standard adult admission approx $23-$30 (check website for current pricing)
About Franklin Institute#
The Franklin Institute is a major science museum and center for science education in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1824 and named after Benjamin Franklin. It combines museum galleries, interactive exhibits and educational programs focused on science and technology.
Permanent elements include hands-on science displays across multiple galleries, the Fels Planetarium, and the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial housed within the institute’s building. The museum stages temporary exhibitions and public events aimed at audiences of all ages.
The institute grew from 19th-century scientific and educational societies and has served as a civic science institution in Philadelphia since its founding; it continues to run research, education and outreach programmes alongside its public galleries.
The Franklin Institute sits on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway near Logan Circle in central Philadelphia, within the city’s cultural corridor and within walking distance of other museums and civic sites.
- Founding and namesake: Founded in 1824, the institute is named for Benjamin Franklin and includes the prominent Benjamin Franklin National Memorial within its building complex.
- Location and focus: Located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, the museum focuses on hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium and rotating special exhibitions.
How to Get to Franklin Institute#
The Franklin Institute is a short walk from Suburban Station and 30th Street Station. SEPTA bus routes and the Market-Frankford Line connect to nearby stops; local parking is available but limited-public transit is recommended.
Tips for Visiting Franklin Institute#
- Book timed tickets online for busy weekends and blockbuster shows in the Giant Dome Theater.
- Allow time for hands-on exhibits like the Electricity and Franklin's legacy galleries-lines can build mid-day.
- Check showtimes for the planetarium and IMAX separately; they often require separate tickets.
Best Time to Visit Franklin Institute#
Best visited on weekday mornings to avoid school groups and weekend families; check the website for timed-entry shows.
Weather & Climate near Franklin Institute#
Franklin Institute's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1129 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 5° | -4° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| February | Poor | -4° - 6° | -2° | 72 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.8 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 1° - 11° | 3° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Very Good | 6° - 18° | 12° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.1h |
| May | Very Good | 12° - 24° | 18° | 106 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.2 m/s | 1.5 very high | 14.2h |
| June | Excellent | 17° - 29° | 23° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.7h |
| July | Very Good | 20° - 31° | 25° | 113 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.5h |
| August | Very Good | 19° - 30° | 24° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.5h |
| September | Very Good | 15° - 26° | 21° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 8° - 20° | 14° | 77 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Good | 3° - 13° | 6° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| December | Poor | -2° - 8° | 0° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
