‘One of the oldest Science Museums in the Country’
The Franklin Institute, with so many museums in Philadelphia, is such an amazing museum because of its interactive exhibits, innovative thinking towards science, and how the museum challenges you to think outside the box with its exhibits. It’s a science museum for both children and adults.
The History of the Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute was founded in 1824 and was named after Benjamin Franklin, who was not only one of our founding fathers, but a notable American scientist and much more. The museum is also one of the oldest centers of science education and development in the United States.
Over the years, many scientists have demonstrated groundbreaking new technology at The Franklin Institute. Today, it’s Pennsylvania’s most visited museum. If ever visiting Philadelphia, you must check this out, especially the traveling exhibits.
The Franklin Institute Atmosphere & Experience
There are many integral parts to the Franklin Institute, making it unique on many different levels. Anything from the permanent to traveling exhibits, the three different in-house theaters, to the educational programs that the museum sponsors.
The most recognizable part of The Franklin Institutes’s Science Center is The Franklin Institute Science Museum. The mission of this part of the museum is to inspire an understanding of passion for science and technology learning. Among the other exhibits, the Science Museum holds the largest collection of artifacts from the Wright brothers’ workshop.
The museum’s highlights include the Sports Challenge, explaining to you that no matter one’s athletic ability, science is involved to increase your proficiency at the different sporting activities. There is the Train Factory’s Steam Engine, to where you get to be the engineer of a working 350-ton locomotive. Don’t forget the Space Command, the Franklin Air show, or the Giant Heart.
The museum is always full of surprises. Ever read the book, “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” by E. L. Konigsburg. ~ click here ~ A story about a brother and sister who sneak into a New York Museum and hide out, sleeping in the museum. Well, you can do the same at the Franklin Institute, which is called, “camp in.” One of many different programs offered at the museum.
The Franklin Institute is one museum that you should not miss, especially if visiting Philadelphia. Make sure that you plan a whole day for the museum, especially if you have kids with you, and don’t forget to look into the traveling exhibits that have specific start and end dates.
Location
222 North 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Hours
Science Museum Exhibits | Monday – Sunday | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
IMAX Theater & Franklin Theater | hours vary throughout the year
Closed | Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Franklin Awards Day in April (need to check each year)
Phone
(215) 448-1200
Web Site
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