The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute We are the most visited museum in Pennsylvania!
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As the most visited museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a top-five tourist destination in the City of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is one of the leading science centers in the country, and serves as both a prominent educational and cultural resource, and as an anchor of the local economy. At The Franklin Institute, we help people understand science and technology in ways that em

power them to make decisions about critical issues that affect their lives. We also participate in and advocate for the free exchange of evidence-based, peer-reviewed scientific research and ideas. The Institute is proud to welcome all who are curious, and to continue Benjamin Franklin’s legacy of lifelong learning, as we have done for 193 years.

10/31/2023

Can't make it to space? No worries! 🚀 Carter Emmart is democratizing the universe through astrovisualization. Find out how in our newest episode of ! Listen: beyond.fi.edu/curious-cosmos

On what planet could you jump higher than Joel Embiid? Mars? Jupiter? Do you need to jump off all the rings of Saturn to...
10/30/2023

On what planet could you jump higher than Joel Embiid? Mars? Jupiter? Do you need to jump off all the rings of Saturn to make it? Find out what it takes in our upcoming new exhibit, Wondrous Space - opening this Saturday! Today’s behind-the-scenes photo shows an interactive that will help you find out how gravity affects you on another world.

Let us know which planet you think you’d need to visit to reach great heights in the comments, like this post, and tag a friend for their thoughts to be entered to win a pair of tickets to Wondrous Space.

Disclaimer: Participants are required to complete all three tasks. One entry per post is allowed per day. Daily winners will be selected at random, and the grand prize winner will be selected at random from the pool of daily winners. Prize does not cover travel expenses. All decisions regarding the interpretation of the Promotion rules, eligibility, scheduling and staging of the Promotion, and penalties for misconduct lie solely with Management, whose decisions are final. This promotion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, administered by, or associated with Meta in any way.

What are the next frontiers in science, and where do you fit in? Join Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts and NASA scientist ...
10/30/2023

What are the next frontiers in science, and where do you fit in? Join Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts and NASA scientist Dr. David Grinspoon, on Wednesday, November 15 for a special Conversation Lab exploring the possibilities of life elsewhere and what that means for life on Earth. Plus, tour the new Wondrous Space exhibit! Get tickets: https://bit.ly/3QAI7IP

Includes exploration of the new Wondrous Space exhibit.

Astronauts in space are a long way from home. In our Packing for Space experience, you’re given a problem that real astr...
10/29/2023

Astronauts in space are a long way from home. In our Packing for Space experience, you’re given a problem that real astronauts face—what to bring with you from home.

In your shoebox-sized luggage (essential cargo takes up a lot of space!), what personal item would you take? Something that reminds you of home? Your Nintendo Switch? Let us know in the comments, like this behind-the-scenes post, and tag a friend for their thoughts to be entered to win a pair of tickets to our upcoming new exhibit, Wondrous Space.

Disclaimer: Participants are required to complete all three tasks. One entry per post is allowed per day. Daily winners will be selected at random, and the grand prize winner will be selected at random from the pool of daily winners. Prize does not cover travel expenses. All decisions regarding the interpretation of the Promotion rules, eligibility, scheduling and staging of the Promotion, and penalties for misconduct lie solely with Management, whose decisions are final. This promotion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, administered by, or associated with Meta in any way.

Space is not empty, and neither is our new exhibit, Wondrous Space! Only days left before our grand opening November 4th...
10/28/2023

Space is not empty, and neither is our new exhibit, Wondrous Space! Only days left before our grand opening November 4th! In our all-new permanent exhibit, we will explore the constant flow of electromagnetic energy coming from our Sun.

What do YOU think you will encounter in space? Let us know by commenting below. Be sure to like this behind-the-scenes photo and tag a friend in the comments for their thoughts to be entered to win a pair of tickets to experience Wondrous Space!

Disclaimer: Participants are required to complete all three tasks. One entry per post is allowed per day. Daily winners will be selected at random, and the grand prize winner will be selected at random from the pool of daily winners. Prize does not cover travel expenses. All decisions regarding the interpretation of the Promotion rules, eligibility, scheduling and staging of the Promotion, and penalties for misconduct lie solely with Management, whose decisions are final. This promotion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, administered by, or associated with Meta in any way.

Driving a rover is no easy feat! Put on your best thinking cap to carry out a mission on Mars in our new Wondrous Space ...
10/27/2023

Driving a rover is no easy feat! Put on your best thinking cap to carry out a mission on Mars in our new Wondrous Space exhibit, as pictured in our behind-the-scenes photo below.

What skills do you think you need to become a rover driver? Let us know what you think it takes to get Mission Accomplished in the comments, like this post, and tag a friend you’d race to be entered to win a pair of tickets to Wondrous Space, opening soon.

Disclaimer: Participants are required to complete all three tasks. One entry per post is allowed per day. Daily winners will be selected at random, and the grand prize winner will be selected at random from the pool of daily winners. Prize does not cover travel expenses. All decisions regarding the interpretation of the Promotion rules, eligibility, scheduling and staging of the Promotion, and penalties for misconduct lie solely with Management, whose decisions are final. This promotion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, administered by, or associated with Meta in any way.

The innovation of rockets has taken us faster and farther than ever imagined. In our all-new space exhibit, Wondrous Spa...
10/26/2023

The innovation of rockets has taken us faster and farther than ever imagined. In our all-new space exhibit, Wondrous Space, you can get up close to this Liquid Fuel H-1 Rocket Engine from our friends at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and even design your own rocket!

What are the must-haves for your rocket? The latest in jet propulsion engines? A sleek design? Fuzzy dice? Let us know your top must-have in the comments, like this post, and tag a friend to gut check your answer to be entered to win a pair of tickets to Wondrous Space.

Disclaimer: Participants are required to complete all three tasks. One entry per post is allowed per day. Daily winners will be selected at random, and the grand prize winner will be selected at random from the pool of daily winners. Prize does not cover travel expenses. All decisions regarding the interpretation of the Promotion rules, eligibility, scheduling and staging of the Promotion, and penalties for misconduct lie solely with Management, whose decisions are final. This promotion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, administered by, or associated with Meta in any way.

What do you think is at the edge of the universe? Undiscovered galaxies? Your missing sock? Nothing? This interactive pi...
10/25/2023

What do you think is at the edge of the universe? Undiscovered galaxies? Your missing sock? Nothing? This interactive pictured below in our new Wondrous Space exhibit takes you through the universe, unveiling the sheer size and distances between objects along the way.

Let us know what YOU think you will discover at the edge of the universe by commenting below. Be sure to like this post and tag a friend you’d travel to space with to be entered to win a pair of tickets to Wondrous Space.

Disclaimer: Participants are required to complete all three tasks. One entry per post is allowed per day. Daily winners will be selected at random, and the grand prize winner will be selected at random from the pool of daily winners. Prize does not cover travel expenses. All decisions regarding the interpretation of the Promotion rules, eligibility, scheduling and staging of the Promotion, and penalties for misconduct lie solely with Management, whose decisions are final. This promotion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, administered by, or associated with Meta in any way.

Ever wonder what it’s like to visit space? Our upcoming permanent exhibit, Wondrous Space, explores this question with h...
10/24/2023

Ever wonder what it’s like to visit space? Our upcoming permanent exhibit, Wondrous Space, explores this question with hands-on activities and space artifacts. This week, we are “journeying to space,” offering the chance for you to see our new exhibit for FREE!

Grab your space suit and stay tuned for the chance to secure your spot. Contest rules and guidelines outlined below.

*This promotion is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, administered by, or associated with Meta in any way.

10/24/2023

Imagine the emotion of capturing your first galaxy cluster through a telescope! 😭 Join Derrick Pitts and John Blackwell as they explore the 'cool factor' of our universe in the latest episode of The Curious Cosmos! https://bit.ly/3EubBBb

Stay safe on the road during National School Bus Safety Week! 🚍✨ Did you know the traffic light is one of the inventions...
10/19/2023

Stay safe on the road during National School Bus Safety Week! 🚍✨ Did you know the traffic light is one of the inventions that ensures our safety? Discover the story behind this colorful innovation: https://bit.ly/3FnNCE0

We hear a lot about generative AI, but some of the coolest applications of artificial intelligence are helping us unders...
10/18/2023

We hear a lot about generative AI, but some of the coolest applications of artificial intelligence are helping us understand the history of humankind and our planet. A student used AI to decipher a scroll burned when Mount Vesuvius erupted 2000 years ago! 🌋 https://bit.ly/46xudfZ

The papyrus scroll is one of hundreds that were carbonized in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E.

10/17/2023

🌠 "Packing for Mars" author Mary Roach takes us on a cosmic journey with Derrick Pitts in this week's episode. 🪐 Explore the strange and weightless sensation of being in space. 🌟 Listen in and get ready for interstellar insights!

Don't miss this week's episode of The Curious Cosmos with Derrick Pitts! https://beyond.fi.edu/curious-cosmos/

Join us for a spine-tingling evening of science and spookiness at the Franklin Institute's Fright @ Night 🎃What to expec...
10/12/2023

Join us for a spine-tingling evening of science and spookiness at the Franklin Institute's Fright @ Night 🎃

What to expect:
🔬 Mind-blowing science shows
🕺 Dance the night away with live performances
🍹 Deliciously eerie cocktails
👗 Creepiest costumes you've ever seen
🌟 An unforgettable 21+ night out

🎟️ Tickets are required, and they're going fast! Secure yours now for the fright of your life. https://bit.ly/3PUIxcJ

Membership pays for itself in just 2 visits and we’ve got reasons for you to visit again and again! FREE admission to Fr...
10/11/2023

Membership pays for itself in just 2 visits and we’ve got reasons for you to visit again and again! FREE admission to Franklin Fright, weekends this month! 🎃 👻 FREE admission to the science museum including the brand-new 🚀 Wondrous Space 🪐, opening November 4! Exclusively discounted tickets to The Art of the Brick coming February 17, 2024! PLUS: with this limited-time offer, you’ll enjoy 2 extra months FREE! Use promo code MBSCT23 between now and October 27, 2023, and enjoy benefits through December 31, 2024! fi.edu/membership
Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Members of The Franklin Institute enjoy exclusive access to exhibitions, programs, and events all year round!

10/10/2023

How did a young Hakeem Oluseyi get hooked on physics? Believe it or not, an encyclopedia and Einstein were involved. Hear the full story in Episode 5 of "The Curious Cosmos with Derrick Pitts." https://bit.ly/3EubBBb

Next Saturday, Oct 14, join Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts for a viewing of the partial solar eclipse 🌑 🔭 outdoors, weat...
10/07/2023

Next Saturday, Oct 14, join Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts for a viewing of the partial solar eclipse 🌑 🔭 outdoors, weather permitting! 🌧️😎✨Indoors, see live feeds from various points along the eclipse path as DJ Ben Arsenal hosts a dance party during the 2-hour, 32-minute eclipse event. Deets: https://bit.ly/48Fc6WW

Calling all thrill-seekers! Get ready for a spine-chilling experience at "Science After Hours: Fright @ Night." Join us ...
10/06/2023

Calling all thrill-seekers! Get ready for a spine-chilling experience at "Science After Hours: Fright @ Night." Join us Friday the 13th for a 21+ night of surprises, tricks, and treats. 🕷️ Are you brave enough? 👻 Get tix now: https://bit.ly/3PUIxcJ 🎃

10/06/2023
It is hard to believe that the holiday season is almost here. It is never too soon to start thinking about the perfect p...
10/04/2023

It is hard to believe that the holiday season is almost here. It is never too soon to start thinking about the perfect place to gather and celebrate another year! Book your next holiday party at The Franklin Institute! Your guests will feel like kids again as they enjoy our interactive exhibits, enjoy the grandeur of our National Benjamin Franklin Memorial, and are awe struck by our new starry sky images in the Fels Planetarium. Create an unforgettable night in our unique and one-of-a-kind spaces for your next holiday gathering. For more information reach us at [email protected] or 215-448-1165.

10/03/2023

Don't miss this captivating conversation between astrochemist Ashley Walker and Derrick Pitts, as they delve into the world of astronomy, highlighting the significance of diversity and sharing valuable resources for Black scientists. Tune in to hear about Ashley's groundbreaking research on the ice giant planets Uranus and Neptune! 🌌
Listen to the whole season at https://bit.ly/3EubBBb

Congratulations to University of Pennsylvania scientists Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman. The 2022 Franklin Institute A...
10/02/2023

Congratulations to University of Pennsylvania scientists Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman. The 2022 Franklin Institute Awards Laureates are being honored with the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their foundational discoveries that gave the world a vaccine to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more: http://spr.ly/6182uJxPm

10/01/2023

Most of us have heard about all the exoplanets that have been found over the past several years, but how do we even know they exist? Kalpana explains five methods astronomers use to locate these fascinating celestial objects.

Watch every episode of A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE COSMOS: https://bit.ly/39T2WMP. See the universe like never before!

Embrace the spooky side of science at Science After Hours: Fright at Night on October 13th! Join us at The Franklin Inst...
10/01/2023

Embrace the spooky side of science at Science After Hours: Fright at Night on October 13th! Join us at The Franklin Institute for a hair-raising good time that includes:
🧪 Magical science experiments and dissections
🍸 Bewitching cocktails that will cast a spell on your taste buds
💃 Music that will make you boo-gie on the dance floor

Must be 21+ to purchase tickets and attend: https://bit.ly/3PUIxcJ

🎶 I always feel like somebody's watchin' me...👀 Franklin Fright is here for the spookiest season of the year! Every Satu...
09/29/2023

🎶 I always feel like somebody's watchin' me...👀
Franklin Fright is here for the spookiest season of the year! Every Saturday and Sunday, from September 30 to October 29, we're brewing up some wickedly good fun. From trick-or-treating in the museum to mysterious dissections. Join us, if you dare 🎃 : https://bit.ly/3ZIKJqP

Fun fact: Members of The Franklin Institute enjoy exclusive access to exhibitions, programs, and events all year round! ...
09/27/2023

Fun fact: Members of The Franklin Institute enjoy exclusive access to exhibitions, programs, and events all year round! 😁 Join, review, or gift a membership today here: https://bit.ly/459DcCD

09/26/2023

In this episode of The Curios Cosmos, Derrick Pitts sits down with Leslie Kean, an investigative journalist who's work led to the US government acknowledging the existence of unidentified flying objects! But what does this recognition mean for space science? 👽

Put a smile on your space by tuning in here: https://bit.ly/3EubBBb

Guess what? Science Park will now be OPEN through October, weather permitting!We welcome kids of all ages to come explor...
09/25/2023

Guess what? Science Park will now be OPEN through October, weather permitting!

We welcome kids of all ages to come explore with us! Will we see you there?

Open now through the end of October! Science Park is open! Experience this open-air setting for outdoor picnic lunches under canopies or enjoying some of our programing in the space. Bubble Activities How many bubbles can you blow, and how big can you m...

Tropical Storm Ophelia might be heading for Philadelphia, but don't let that dampen your spirits! Come visit the Frankli...
09/22/2023

Tropical Storm Ophelia might be heading for Philadelphia, but don't let that dampen your spirits! Come visit the Franklin Institute for a fun-filled weekend, rain or shine. 💦🌧️

Happy first day of Autumn, polymaths! Let's take a look at what the night sky will look like tonight in Philadelphia 🌃 D...
09/22/2023

Happy first day of Autumn, polymaths! Let's take a look at what the night sky will look like tonight in Philadelphia 🌃

Did you know? The Autumnal Equinox for us 'northerners' is the Vernal Equinox for the southern hemisphere. Mars also has solstices and equinoxes like Earth does, but the seasons are twice as long!

Get ready for Science After Hours: Fright at Night here at The Franklin Institute on Friday, October 13th! 🎃 Join us for...
09/20/2023

Get ready for Science After Hours: Fright at Night here at The Franklin Institute on Friday, October 13th! 🎃 Join us for a night of surprises, tricks, treats, and delights as the museum transforms into your playground for exploration and intrigue.

Tickets and further information available here: https://bit.ly/3PUIxcJ (Must be 21+)

Will we see you guys and ghouls there?

Join us on Friday the 13th for a night of surprises, tricks, treats, and delights as the museum transforms into your playground for exploration and intrigue. Costumes are encouraged, so dress to impress. Party photographer UV Lucas will be returning to capture the standout looks of the night.Please....

09/19/2023

Join Derrick Pitts for a conversation with astronomy educator Vivian White, whose curiosity and unique career has led her everywhere from partnerships with NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration to teaching Buddhist monks in Bhutan! Tune into this illuminating discussion on the newest episode of "The Curious Cosmos."

Learn more about Vivian White here: https://bit.ly/3PrKJqi
Check out her book, The Total Skywatcher's Manual, a guide for astronomy enthusiasts of any background here: https://bit.ly/46Ahvgf

Learn more about the Science for Monks and Nuns project here: https://bit.ly/44XaJQq

09/13/2023

Is Earth FLAT? Well, no. Obviously not.

Kalpana Pot shares three ways to prove that the Earth isn't * #@%ing flat in this Extra Credit episode of "A Practical Guide to the Cosmos." Tune into all of our other episodes, including declassified bonuses on our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3YgF62s 🌍

09/12/2023

The first episode of “The Curious Cosmos” is out now! 🎧
Immerse yourself into the world of wonder, humanity, and the vastness of the universe.

You will be transported to distant galaxies as you learn the personal stories, dreams, and challenges of those who dedicate their lives to understanding and exploring the cosmos. Dive into the first episode of “The Curious Cosmos” podcast alongside Chief Astronomer, Derrick Pitts and Astronaut & Figher Pilot, Chris Ferguson: https://bit.ly/3sVYUMK

The Franklin Institute has gone green for the Philadelphia Eagles on CBS Sports kick off game today! 🦅🏈💚Let’s see you in...
09/10/2023

The Franklin Institute has gone green for the Philadelphia Eagles on CBS Sports kick off game today! 🦅🏈💚

Let’s see you in your kelly green 👇

Dive into Hispanic Heritage Month at The Franklin Institute on Sept 16! Join us for a special day of programming that hi...
09/08/2023

Dive into Hispanic Heritage Month at The Franklin Institute on Sept 16! Join us for a special day of programming that highlights the marvelous Philadelphia locals and organizations that help educate and nourish our Latino community. Meet Telemundo 62 's Janet Bolívar, dance with Un Toque de Cache, and discover with Janssen R&D - all included with general admission: https://ow.ly/p1ry50PJiq9

09/06/2023

Space telescopes have some major limitations, but laser technology is allowing earth-based telescopes to make a comeback. Derrick & Kalpana discuss the future of space observation in this declassified bonus clip from "A Practical Guide to the Cosmos." Watch the whole series: https://bit.ly/3YgF62s

09/05/2023

New podcast alert! "The Curious Cosmos with Derrick Pitts" premieres next week. Dive deeper than ever before with Derrick Pitts, The Franklin Institute's popular Chief Astronomer, as he takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour of space.This podcast brings to light the personal stories, dreams, and challenges of those who dedicate their lives to understanding and exploring the cosmos—from astronomers to educators, engineers to storytellers. Listen to the trailer now and subscribe to get new episodes every Tuesday starting next week! https://beyond.fi.edu/curious-cosmos/

The Franklin Institute is open all Labor Day weekend, including a full weekend program schedule on Monday! Plan your vis...
09/02/2023

The Franklin Institute is open all Labor Day weekend, including a full weekend program schedule on Monday! Plan your visit: https://bit.ly/3sBLlCd

Address

222 N 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA
19103

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5pm
Sunday 9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

(215) 448-1200

Website

.edu

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I discovered a new order of 6 toed primates consisting of the aye aye, mole and panda. Previously we thought there were only 5 toed primates, but now we can clarify that the aye aye, mole and panda are 6 toed primates. Now we can argue for 20 orders of mammals rather than the previous 19 orders of mammals. New 6 toed Primate order of animals discovered.

James T. Struck BA, BS, AA, MLIS
PO BOX 61
Evanston IL 60204
I was reading recently about Benjamin Franklin and his advocacy for crop development. How he recommended crop insurance and utilizing gypsum as fertilizer as far back as the 1700’s! As I was reading, I thought of this documentary I watched a few weeks ago called Kiss the Ground about regenerative soil. Is it possible to use Mr. Franklin’s methods on modern day soil? I would have never known how much impact soil has on this world if not for this film. Here is the trailer:
Show them the
I just received the email! Thank you for fighting to open again! Your protocols to follow CDC guidelines and beyond were spectacular. We can't wait to visit again soon!
Are you open today?
MERRY CHRISTMAS ,CHEERS, HAPPY NEW YEARS.
Hi, long time donor to the museum here.

Been a bit concerned lately as I have been watching closely as the museum tries to educate people on covid and dispel some myths, a noble effort and I applaud you for that.

However I am becoming increasingly concerned as it seems more and more there is an agenda in play that seems to be compromising the science. Specifically I see a lot of content trying to sell the COVID vaccine as safe with complete disregard of the many risks the medical community has been continually voicing in both peer reviewed studies and as personal opinions. It seems so extremely biased, in fact, it comes across more as propaganda than as science.

This has be so concerns I have, in recent days, considering pulling my funding, but I have not made up my mind on that just yet.

I do want to ask, before I make any such decisions, can you point me to a post or resource you have provided which has taken the time to point out and emphasize the actual risks of the COVID trials and the fact that so many levels of safety testing were completely skipped, and the very real and concerning risks that may bring? you cant do science and have an agenda at the same time, and science means not hiding the truth, it means being upfront and honest about the good and the bad, I simply am not seeing that in some of the more recent content I'm seeing...
Are you going to do something for The Great Conjunction?
Chester county astronomical society !!!!
The Franklin Institute face plant!
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