Become a Member:
Explore, Save, Engage!
Support science education, gain exclusive access, and make unforgettable memories with your membership.
Membership Benefits & Perks
Explore the core benefits included with every membership!
Free Admission
Get unlimited free admission to the museum and the Fels Planetarium.
Special Pricing
Save with special pricing on all ticketed exhibition, like $15 tickets (a 65% savings) for BODY WORLDS: Vital.
Reciprocal Admission
Enjoy reciprocal FREE admission to more than 300 ASTC Science Museums.
Exclusive Discounts
Exclusive discounts, including $10 off the parking garage, 10% off in the Sci-Store, and no service fees on advance tickets.
Member Exclusive Experiences
Get exclusive access to members only events throughout the year.
Membership Levels & Benefits
Each membership level offers unique benefits and perks.
Popular Memberships
Enjoy All Core Member Benefits
- Free admission to museum and Fels Planetarium
- Special pricing on all ticketed exhibitions
- FREE admission to 300 ASTC Science Museums
- Discounts ($10 off The parking, 10% off in the Sci-Store)
- Get free admission to seasonal experiences
- 100% Tax deductible
Circles & Benefactors
Enjoy all Core Member Benefits, Plus Even Greater Access
2 free tickets to see each special exhibition
Franklin Institute Parking Garage Vouchers
Extra general admission passes to share with family or friends
($100 value)
($200 value)
($300 value)
($300 value)
Special Perks
Tax deduction
Membership Guidelines
- Memberships are for a single household and are not transferrable. Photo ID is required to match our household record at check-in.
- Member children are ages 3 - 18.
- Guests, where applicable, must be accompanied by Member(s).
- Parking is first come, first served for all visitors, including Members. Possession of parking vouchers, where applicable, does not guarantee parking. Please note that the garage has limited parking for over-sized vans, trucks and SUVs.
Getting Started with Your Membership
- Your membership is valid at the time of purchase and may be used immediately.
- A mobile temporary membership card will be emailed to you as soon as your membership purchase.
- Members can purchase or reserve tickets on members-only webstore or call 215.448.1200 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm).
- Show your temporary card and a photo ID at any ticket desk on your first visit to receive your permanent card.
ASTC Passport Program Overview
The Franklin Institute Members get free admission to 300+ ASTC museums worldwide if:
- The museum is 90+ miles away from The Franklin Institute (as the crow flies).
- They present a physical membership card and matching photo ID at the ticket desk.
Call ahead to your planned museum to confirm participation and benefits, as each museum sets its own policies. If a museum requires "Proof of Residence," your photo ID must show an address 90+ miles away from that museum.
Membership FAQs
The Membership Office is here to ensure that you and your guests have a fun and enjoyable experience. If your question is not answered below, please feel free to contact us at 215.448.1200 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm) or membership@fi.edu.
What happens if I renew early? Will I lose time on my current membership?
You will not lose any time on the Membership if renewed before the expiration date. The new Membership will commence when the current one expires.
As your expiration date nears, you will receive renewal notices from us in the US mail, email, and by phone, highlighting a special renewal price and some of our upcoming exhibits and events.
Am I able to use my Membership without having the card?
Yes, although we strongly suggest having the card with you during your visit. Please be aware that all Members are required to present photo ID when checking in at the Membership or Ticketing Desk, whether you have your Membership card with you or not.
How do I get a replacement membership card?
To request a new card, please contact our Membership Office at 215.448.1200 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm), we can also be reached at membership@fi.edu. For immediate use, a membership card can be sent to your email.
Members may also request a new card at any Ticketing Desks during their next visit and the card will be printed at that time.
How do I know when my Membership expires?
All Memberships are valid for one full year. The expiration date of the Membership will be printed on your Membership card.
Can I upgrade my membership?
Yes, you can upgrade your membership to a higher membership level. If you would like to upgrade your membership within 90 days of your initial purchase, you can pay the difference between your current membership level and the level to which you would like to upgrade.
If you choose to upgrade your membership at the time of your renewal, your new membership level will be active once your purchase has been completed.
Do I receive free tickets for the ticketed exhibits?
Members are offered special discounted tickets for traveling exhibits. However, Friends Circle, Patrons Circle, Discoverers Circle, and Benefactor Partner receive an allotted number of free tickets per traveling exhibition. To upgrade your membership, please contact our Membership Office at 215.448.1200 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm).
Can Member children come without a parent?
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you have children who are watched by a babysitter/caretaker/grandparent, they may bring your children to the museum.
Please provide the Membership Card, or a copy of the card, to the caretaker and have a note indicating that you are giving them permission to bring your children to the museum.
My child is coming on a school field trip. Are they able to use the Membership?
Membership Benefits are valid for household visits only and therefore your child may not use the Membership card while on a field trip. However, groups always receive great discounts on admission and traveling exhibits.
Is parking included?
Yes, members receive $10 off when parking in the Franklin Institute parking garage. The Franklin Institute’s parking garage has a limited number of spaces and reaches capacity often.
Can I use my Franklin Institute membership card to visit other museums?
Yes, the Franklin Institute is part of the Association of Science and Technology Centers Passport Program. This partnership allows for your Franklin Institute Membership to be valid at over 250 science museums around the world. Benefits are set by each host museum and may vary. This program does not typically include any museums within 90 miles of your home museum. Please contact each museum prior to your visit to be sure they offer reciprocity and to get their specific entrance policy. View the ASTC list for additional information and a current listing of participating museums. However, the Franklin Institute is not reciprocal with any museums in Philadelphia.
Become a Member
Support science education, gain exclusive access, and make unforgettable memories with your membership.