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.
The Art of the Brick Additional Evening Hours: Thursday - Saturday, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm (last entry ticket at 6:30 pm).
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.
Museum Updates
An exciting exhibit reimagination is underway at The Franklin Institute! Please note the following as you plan your visit:
- The Giant Heart exhibit will be closed beginning May 6. This gallery reopens in November, featuring the Giant Heart as the centerpiece of an all-new exhibit on the human body.
- The Electricity exhibit will also close beginning May 6. This space will completely transform and be part of the expansive new human body exhibit, which opens in November.
- The former Train Factory exhibit reopens in November as the Hamilton Collections Gallery, a curatorial showcase of our most treasured collections surrounding the Baldwin 60,000 locomotive.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Stroller Policy
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.
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.
