Tips For Your Visit
- Become a Member. Members of The Franklin Institute enjoy valuable benefits, including unlimited FREE general admission and exclusive discounts on special exhibitions, parking, Sci-Store purchases, and more – all for ONE FULL YEAR!
- Best Time to Visit: School groups are most active Monday through Friday between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. During the summer, summer camps are most active Monday through Wednesday between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Consider visiting later in the afternoon on these days for a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Preview exhibits and experiences online. Explore our museum map, daily schedule, and find out more about what you’d like to experience before you arrive. There’s a lot to see!
Museum Closures: Beginning May 6, The Giant Heart and Electricity exhibits will close to prepare for an all-new exhibit on the human body featuring the iconic Giant Heart. The Train Factory exhibit is now closed. The gallery reopens as the new Hamilton Collections Gallery, a unique collections-based experience surrounding the Baldwin Locomotive. These new experiences will open in November 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ticketing
How long are my tickets good for?
Tickets are valid for the day of purchase only. You may apply all or a portion of today’s visit to a Franklin Institute membership prior to leaving the museum today.
Can I refund my general admission ticket?
Tickets are not transferable and may not be refunded but can be exchanged for a different date.
Can I refund my membership purchase?
Please note that memberships are nonrefundable, nontransferable and benefits are subject to change. View member program FAQs on our Membership page.
Planning Your Visit
How long does it take to experience The Franklin Institute?
If you take advantage of all of our exhibitions and experiences, you can spend up to 3 to 4 hours exploring the museum. There’s a lot to see and do at The Franklin Institute!
Where can I park?
The Franklin Institute’s parking garage has a limited number of spaces and reaches capacity often. You can find more information about nearby garages on our Directions & Parking page.
Does the Museum have resources for guests with sensory processing needs?
Yes. Our accessibility page has more information about resources and accommodations offered throughout the Museum.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes! However, some experiences and exhibitions have limited accessibility. For more information, check out our Accessibility page or contact our Guest Services team at 215.448.1200 or guestservices@fi.edu.
Standard manual wheelchairs are available upon request at the Ticketing desk. Visitors must leave a valid driver’s license or photo ID with the Ticketing Desk while using the wheelchair.
Do you have a guest code of conduct?
We’re so glad you asked! We're thrilled that you're interested in ensuring a fantastic and safe experience for all our visitors. To help maintain a welcoming and secure environment, we kindly request your cooperation with the following guidelines:
- Respect Exhibits: Please treat our exhibits with care and respect to ensure they remain in excellent condition for both your future visits and the enjoyment of others.
- No Smoking: The Museum is a nonsmoking facility, which includes all forms of smoking, including electronic cigarettes. Smoking is strictly prohibited on Museum grounds
- Family-Friendly Attire: We aim to provide a family-friendly environment. Therefore, we request that all guests wear appropriate attire, including shirts, pants, and shoes, at all times. If clothing features language, images, or reveals parts of the body that may be offensive or unsuitable for other guests, we may ask individuals to leave the Museum.
Your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines is greatly appreciated, as it contributes to a positive experience for everyone visiting The Franklin Institute. Thank you for your understanding and support!
At the Museum
Can I leave and revisit on the same day?
Absolutely! Your admission ticket is valid all day for the date purchased, and you will receive a wristband.
May I bring my own food and beverages into the museum?
Yes, you may bring your own food and beverages into the museum to eat in the designated areas. Designated eating areas are in Science Park, The Eatery, and the front lawn picnic areas. The lunchrooms are also available to the public on weekends and holidays only.
Is there a place to store coats, bags or luggage?
We have lockers for small bags, backpacks, and coats. We are not able to store luggage.
Is there a lost and found?
Yes! If you lose an item during your visit, please go to ticketing and a Guest Experience team member will assist you. If you realize after your visit that you have left something, please contact us at 215.448.1200.
Do you have a gift shop?
Yes! Be sure to stop by to take home a special reminder of your visit. We have unique and educational mementos that relate to our dynamic exhibit halls. Museum members save 10% on every purchase.