Museum Hours
General Admission Hours
The Franklin Institute is open daily from 9:30 am - 5:00 pm.
Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, December 24, and December 25.
BODY WORLDS: Vital Additional Evening Hours: Thursdays - Saturdays, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm (last entry ticket at 6:30 pm).
About the Museum
Admission to The Franklin Institute includes access to three floors of hands-on science exhibits and experiences. Explore permanent interactive exhibits, attend live science programs, and watch a show in the Fels Planetarium. Groups of 15 or more are eligible for discounts.
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!
Know Before Arriving
- Skip the lines: Buy tickets in advance and guarantee your preferred times!
- Be a member: Members do not pay services fees! Book online or call 215-448-1200 to get tickets at your convenience.
- Strollers: Strollers are welcome in the museum. However, large toddler carriers, double-sided strollers, and jogging strollers are not recommended in special exhibition galleries due to space constraints.
- Lost & Found items are held for up to 24 hours in a museum's guest services office before moving to our central lost and found office, which can be reached at 215-448-1200.
For more information on how to make the best out of our visit, visit our frequently asked questions page.
Directions
The Franklin Institute is located in Center City Philadelphia, at the intersection of 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Parking
Onsite parking is limited, and $25 per vehicle. TFI Members save $10!
271 North 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Accessibility
Learn about the museum's accessible entrances and seating, logistics for parking and wheelchairs, sensory-friendly options, and more.
Limited Engagement: BODY WORLDS: Vital
Experience the groundbreaking global phenomenon BODY WORLDS: Vital, the original exhibition of real human bodies! Marvel at 20 awe-inspiring full-body plastinates and explore more than 150 fascinating specimens alongside engaging multimedia displays—for an unforgettable and enlightening look inside the human body.
Experience Live Science Shows & Dissections
Plan your day at The Franklin Institute with our Daily Programs & Shows Schedule. This schedule will show you things to do and see during your visit including live shows, dissections, and Planetarium show times.
Explore the Night Sky in the Fels Planetarium
Look up and see what the actual night sky would look like without the interference of weather, pollution, or city lights. The immensity and clarity of the view create a sense of wonder and stimulate the imagination. Engaging shows and immersive visuals and sound educate young and old alike about astronomy and our place in the universe.
