Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
It's Ben's Birthday, You're Invited!
Join us in celebration of Philadelphia’s favorite founding father and our very own namesake on his 320th birthday. This lively birthday bash is packed with hands-on fun, games, and music, plus a few surprises! Snap a pic in front of the 20-foot-tall Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. Play Franklin-themed games, design birthday hats, see hair-raising electricity experiments, and hear the unique sound of “Happy Birthday” being played live on Franklin’s own invention, the glass armonica, with a celebratory ball-pit ball explosion finale! Franklin’s legacy will be on full, festive display during his birthday celebration, with programming, experiments, and activities designed to inspire ingenuity and showcase the innovative spirit in all of us. Come celebrate Ben the Franklin Institute way. Curious, creative, and electric!
Bonus Fun: Dress like Ben! Creative Franklin-inspired looks are encouraged.
Featured Programming:
- Debut of Franklin’s Spark: Be the first to see the all-new immersive multimedia show on Franklin himself, playing hourly for guests inside the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial.
- Poor Richard’s Pursuit Scavenger Hunt: Think you can? Solve the puzzle and win a copy of Franklin’s Fortune, a fast-paced, challenging deck-building game. 320 winners. One game per household.
- Glass Armonica Experience: Learn how to play the glass armonica, one of Franklin’s inventions, and hear “Happy Birthday” performed live on the instrument, followed by a celebratory ball-pit ball explosion.
- It’s Electric! Boogie Woogie Woogie Live Show: Discover the science of electricity and learn about Ben Franklin’s famous experiment.
- Make Your Own Party Hat: Design a Ben Franklin–themed party hat to wear during the celebration.
- Party Games: Play games inspired by Franklin’s inventions and innovations.
- National Park Services Pop-Up: In the spirit of Franklin’s work, explore an interactive pop-up focused on 18th-century printing.
- See Inventions of Ben Franklin: Tour the Hamilton Collections Gallery and see several of Franklin’s most prominent inventions on full display.
More programming to be announced.
