Franklin Institute

Franklin Institute

Franklin Institute

As one of the leading science centers in the country and a prominent educational and cultural resource for Philadelphia, this popular museum demonstrates the science involved in life everywhere, from sports to space. The special exhibitions here add to 11 hands-on exhibits, such as the highly interactive Your Brain and the newly reimagined SportsZone, and is home to the Fels Planetarium; the Tuttleman IMAX® Theater; and the Joel N. Bloom Observatory. The Giant Heart, a walk-through human corpuscle that would belong to someone 220 feet tall, was one of its first attractions and remains one of the most popular.

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Franklin Institute is a hands-on science museum with an IMAX theater and a planetarium. Student groups of any age will enjoy this thrilling experience, the museum offering several hands-on exhibits and activities covering a wide range of science-related subjects.

Featured exhibitions include the SportsZone, Changing Earth, the Train Factory, The Franklin Airshow, the Amazing Machine, Space Command, The Giant Heart, and Electricity. There are several different scientific disciplines from sports to space for the students to explore. There is also an indoor sky bike, a really fun activity to opt-in for during your visit.

The planetarium is the second oldest in North America. Founded in 1824, the Franklin Institute was built in honor of Benjamin Franklin due to his inventiveness in the field of science. It is located in Independence Hall. In 1934, the current building was under construction and due to the Fels Planetarium being nearby, the museum became hands-on. The IMAX Theater and the Mandell Center were added in 1990. Today, this science museum is the most visited museum in Pennsylvania. The rotunda houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. It contains a 20-foot statue of Franklin, the scientist and Founding Father.

Performance Groups: 'The Franklin Institute is Pennsylvania’s most visited museum and the ideal destination for choirs and bands to showcase their talents!  Groups perform in the majestic Franklin Hall under the watchful eye of a 20-foot-high marble statue of Benjamin Franklin.  Performance opportunities are included with the cost of admission with general admission packages beginning at just $11 per student for groups of 15 or more.'