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MuseumsFamily FavoriteRainy-Day Pick

The Franklin Institute

222 N 20th St · Philadelphia, PA

Why you should go…

Philadelphia's legendary science museum lets you walk through a two-story human heart, climb through a brain's neural network, and catch a show in the Fels Planetarium. Blockbuster touring exhibitions and live demonstrations keep it fresh no matter how many times you've been. It's the city's ultimate rainy-day insurance policy.

  • #science
  • #kids
  • #planetarium
  • #hands-on
  • #museum

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to The Franklin Institute, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Barnes Foundation

    $25–$50

    Renoirs and Matisses hung floor-to-ceiling exactly as Dr. Barnes arranged them, an art experience unlike any other.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Mütter Museum

    Under $25

    The famously strange medical museum of the College of Physicians, antique instruments, anatomical specimens, and Einstein's brain.

    0.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Philadelphia

    Free

    The birthplace of American independence, packed with Revolutionary War history, world-class museums, and a legendary food scene.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Discover Catholic

    Free

    Printed and online visitor guide to the churches, shrines and historic parishes of Catholic Philadelphia, distributed at tourist areas across the region.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Philadelphia Museum of Art

    $25–$50

    Run the Rocky Steps, then wander one of America's greatest art collections behind that famous neoclassical facade.

    0.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Eastern State Penitentiary

    Under $25

    Wander the eerie, crumbling cellblocks of the world's first true penitentiary, Al Capone's surprisingly posh cell included.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions