The Franklin Institute – Plan Your Visit

The Franklin Institute is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.

Please note that the museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Recommended Visit Length

To fully experience the permanent galleries, a planetarium show, and live demonstrations, visitors should allocate approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Those attending special limited-time exhibitions may wish to add an additional hour to their itinerary.

The Franklin Institute is located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, situated along the historic Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Its central location makes it easily accessible via private vehicle, public transit, or on foot from nearby landmarks.

Address

The Franklin Institute
222 North 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

By Car and Parking

The museum is located at the intersection of 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

On-Site Parking: The institute operates its own multi-level parking garage. The entrance is located behind the building at 271 North 21st Street (intersection of 21st and Winter Streets).

Garage Features: The garage provides direct elevator access to the museum’s main atrium. Please note a height restriction of 6'1" for all vehicles.

Alternative Parking: Several third-party garages are available within a three-block radius, including the Logan Square Garage and the Rodin Place Garage. Limited metered street parking is also available on the surrounding blocks.

By Public Transportation

Philadelphia’s SEPTA network provides several convenient options for reaching the museum.

Regional Rail: The museum is approximately a 10-minute walk from Suburban Station. Visitors can access almost all Regional Rail lines from this hub.

Bus: Multiple SEPTA bus routes stop within one block of the museum, including Routes 7, 32, 33, 38, 48, and 49.

Philly PHLASH: During the seasonal operating months, the Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop provides a quick connection from other tourist attractions, with a dedicated stop at 20th Street and the Parkway.

Trolley: The 19th Street and 22nd Street trolley stations (serving routes 10, 11, 13, 34, and 36) are both located within a few blocks of the entrance.

By Train (Amtrak)

Visitors traveling from outside the city can take Amtrak to William H. Gray III 30th Street Station. From there, the museum is a roughly 15-minute walk or a short ride via taxi or rideshare service.

On Foot or By Bike

The Franklin Institute is a prominent stop on the "Museum Mile." It is a scenic walk from other major sites:

From Philadelphia Museum of Art: Approximately 15 minutes heading southeast down the Parkway.

From Love Park: Approximately 10 minutes heading northwest.

Indego bike-share stations are located nearby at 21st and Winter Streets, and at the Free Library of Philadelphia across Logan Circle.

The Franklin Institute provides a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable visit for all guests.

Secure lockers are available for a small fee near the 20th Street entrance to store coats and small bags, though please note that the museum cannot accommodate large luggage.

For parents and caregivers, baby-changing stations are located in restrooms throughout the building, including those in the Atrium, the Planetarium lobby, and the Your Brain exhibit. A dedicated Mother’s Room is located on the first floor near the double gold elevators, offering a private and quiet space for infant feeding.

The museum also features a first aid station and 24/7 security surveillance to maintain a safe environment.

Visitors are encouraged to check the daily schedule upon arrival for live science demonstrations occurring in various theaters and labs across the three floors of exhibit space.

The Franklin Institute is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. Every level of the museum is accessible via elevators, and most exhibit areas are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices.

Mobility Access: Guests may enter through the accessible 20th Street Business Entrance or via the parking garage elevators which lead directly into the Bartol Atrium. A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available for loan free of charge at the Ticketing Desk on a first-come, first-served basis. While the historic Giant Heart is a walk-through exhibit with narrow paths and stairs, an accessible view of the exhibit is available from the surrounding gallery.

Service Animals: Fully trained service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are welcome throughout the museum.

Neurodiversity and Sensory Resources: To assist guests with sensory processing needs, the museum offers sensory-friendly backpacks at the Ticketing Desk. These kits include noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, and a sensory guide highlighting areas with high light or sound stimulation. Designated "cool-down" spaces are available if the museum floor becomes overwhelming. Additionally, the institute hosts "Sensory-Friendly Sundays" five times a year, featuring modified lighting, lowered sound levels, and limited crowds.

Visual and Auditory Aids: American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters can be provided for museum visits at no additional cost, provided the request is made at least three weeks in advance. Many theaters and exhibit videos include closed captioning or assistive listening devices.

Personal Care Attendants: Visitors with severe disabilities may be accompanied by a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) at no extra charge. This applies to general admission as well as special exhibitions and theater shows.

The Eatery, located on the second floor, is the museum's main dining facility, offering a variety of hot entrées, sandwiches, and a fresh salad bar. It provides ample seating for families and is open daily, though hours may vary slightly between weekdays and weekends.

For a faster option, the Café in the Ticketing area provides grab-and-go snacks, beverages, and local favorites like Philly Pretzel Factory soft pretzels.

Visitors are also permitted to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the museum. Dedicated picnic areas are located on the front lawn and in Science Park (seasonal), and indoor lunchrooms are typically made available to the general public on weekends and holidays.

Please note that there are no public refrigeration facilities available on-site for personal food storage.

The Sci-Store, located on the second floor near the main entrance, serves as the museum's primary retail hub.

It features an extensive collection of educational toys, science kits, and Franklin-themed memorabilia that mirror the themes found in the galleries.

From astronomical guides and physics-based puzzles to souvenir apparel, the store provides items suitable for various age groups and educational interests.

For those visiting high-profile traveling exhibitions, dedicated satellite shops often open at the exit of the special exhibit galleries. These temporary stores carry exclusive merchandise related specifically to the touring display, such as rare collectibles or themed books.