Member Benefits
Free Admission
Get unlimited free admission to the museum and the Fels Planetarium.
Special Pricing
Save with special pricing on all ticketed exhibitions, like BODY WORLDS: Vital (opening February 2025).
Reciprocal Admission
Enjoy reciprocal FREE admission to more than 300 ASTC Science Museums (restrictions apply).
Exclusive Discounts
Receive exclusive discounts, including $10 off The Franklin Institute parking garage, 10% off in the Sci-Store, and no service fees on advance tickets.
Free Seasonal Events
Get free admission to seasonal experiences, including Franklin Fright (October 2024).
Choose the level that is right for you.
Friends Circle
$400
Core member benefits for 2 adults, any 4 children, and 2 guests, plus:
- 2 free tickets to each special ticketed exhibition
- 4 single-visit Franklin Institute parking garage vouchers ($100 value)
- Set of 4 general admission passes to share with family or friends ($100 value)
Patrons Circle
$600
Friends Circle level benefits, plus:
- 4 additional general admission passes (total of 8, $200 value)
Discoverers Circle
$1000
Patrons Circle level benefits, plus:
- 4 additional general admission passes (total of 12, $300 value)
Member 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.
ASTC Program
Membership at an ASTC museum, such as The Franklin Institute, provides free admission to over 300 science and technology centers throughout the world. See below for more details.
As a Franklin Institute Member, you are eligible for Passport admission benefits at participating museums only if:
The museum is more than 90 miles away as the crow flies from The Franklin Institute; and
You present physical proof (i.e. Membership card) of your active Franklin Institute Membership and a matching photo ID at the museum’s ticketing desk
Be prepared for your visit. We strongly recommend that you call the museum in advance of your arrival, to confirm participation and the specific Passport benefits you will receive as a Franklin Institute Member. Each museum has the right to define the benefit you will receive, and in most cases it will not match your Franklin Institute Member benefits exactly.
See the full list of ASTC Reciprocal Museums. If you see the notation "Proof of Residence Required" next to a museum, it means that your Photo ID must also indicate that your home address also exceeds a 90-mile distance from that museum in order to be eligible for reciprocal benefits.
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’s the best way to book member tickets?
Members can purchase or reserve tickets in advance, visit the members-only webstore or call 215.448.1200 (9:00 am - 5:00 pm).
How soon after my purchase can I begin using my membership?
Your Membership is valid at the time of purchase and may be used immediately for access to the museum or for reserving tickets.
When do I receive my membership card?
A mobile temporary membership card will be emailed to you as soon as your membership purchase is complete. On your first visit to the museum, present the temporary card at any ticketing desk (printed or displayed on any smartphone/tablet) along with a photo ID, and your permanent card will be printed for you 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.