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The Franklin Institute is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and general admission currently starts at $23 for children ages 3–12, $25 for teens ages 13–17, and $29 for adults; children 2 and under are free. Plan on up to three or four hours for a full visit, and check the Institute’s live ticket options, daily schedule, and holiday notices before you go.
Hours, address, and how long to plan
The Franklin Institute lists regular hours as 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. It closes on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day; check its plan-your-visit page for exceptions before setting out.
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The main entrance is at 222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. The Institute says a full visit can take up to three to four hours if you explore its exhibitions and experiences. Weekday groups are heavier before 2 p.m.; the museum recommends arriving after 2 p.m. on weekdays for a more relaxed visit. Check the date-specific schedule before choosing a late arrival so you have time for any programs you want to see.
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The Institute’s current general-admission listing gives these prices. They are venue-listed prices, not guaranteed future-date rates; verify the options for your selected date before buying.
#1 Best Overall
| Visitor | General admission |
|---|---|
| Adult, age 18+ | $29 |
| Teen, ages 13–17 | $25 |
| Child, ages 3–12 | $23 |
| Child, age 2 and under | Free |
| Member | Free admission |
General admission covers the museum’s three floors of interactive exhibits, live science shows, Fels Planetarium shows, and access to the Holt-Miller Observatory when weather permits. Showtimes and availability vary by day. Use the daily programming schedule to plan around the actual date.
Special exhibitions may cost extra. The Institute’s plan-your-visit page says they can add $15–$20 per ticket, but the applicable price and ticket type depend on the exhibition and date.
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition
This exhibition has separate ticket terms. Its official page lists daytime tickets at $47 for adults, $43 for youth, and $41 for children, including museum admission. Evening tickets are listed at $25 for Thursday–Saturday, 5–8 p.m., with last entry at 6:30 p.m.; evening admission does not include museum admission. Check the exhibition page for availability and the live terms for your date.
Star Wars: The Experience is announced for a February 13, 2027 world premiere. It is a future opening, not an exhibit to count on during an earlier visit; check the Institute’s homepage for current exhibit information.
Rank #3
Ways to save and ticket rules
The Institute lists membership, group pricing for groups of 15 or more, Philadelphia CityPASS, PA ACCESS, and STAMP passes for eligible Philadelphia high-school students as savings options. Eligibility, exclusions, and availability differ, so compare the terms against your group and itinerary on the ticket page.
- CityPASS: The Franklin Institute says CityPASS can save up to 51% on a visitor’s choice of attractions over nine days. That is the Institute’s description of the offer, not a universal saving; compare the attractions you would actually visit and their dates.
- PA ACCESS: The Institute lists admission at $2 per person for up to four people with the card, subject to exclusions. Check the ticket page for current conditions.
- Groups: Group pricing is listed for groups of 15 or more; confirm requirements and booking details with the Institute.
- STAMP: The Institute lists passes for eligible Philadelphia high-school students; confirm eligibility and how to use the pass before arrival.
The Institute FAQ says tickets are valid only for the printed visit date and are not transferable or refundable, though they may be exchanged for another date. Ticket terms can change, so review the terms shown at checkout. See the visit-planning information and ticket options before purchase.
What to see and how to plan a route
The Institute’s current homepage highlights Wondrous Space, Body Odyssey, Hamilton Collections Gallery, Your Brain, and SportsZone. The broader draw is hands-on science across three floors, alongside live programs and planetarium shows. Which activities are running—and when—depends on the date.
- Open the daily schedule for your visit date and identify any show or planetarium time you want to anchor the day around.
- Use the official map and visit information to choose a route through the galleries and allow time to move between floors.
- If you want the Holt-Miller Observatory, check whether it will be available; access depends on weather.
- For Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition, check its separate ticket page rather than assuming standard admission covers the exhibition.
The Institute says weekday schedules differ from weekend and special-event schedules, and advises checking the schedule on the day of the visit for current information.
Best Value
Getting there, parking, and public transit
The main entrance is 222 N. 20th Street; the garage entrance is 271 N. 21st Street. The Institute lists garage parking at $25 per vehicle and a $10 discount for members. Parking is first come, first served, limited, and often fills; the garage has direct elevator access to the Atrium. Confirm the current rate and capacity on the getting-here page.
Public-transit options listed by the Institute include SEPTA bus routes 32, 33, 38, and 49, nearby Suburban and 30th Street stations, PATCO for South Jersey, and Amtrak service at 30th Street. Indego bike-share stations are nearby, and the seasonal Philly PHLASH stop is #10. Routes and seasonal service can change, so check with the relevant operator before travelling.
Accessibility and sensory planning
The Institute describes step-free accessible entrances at the 20th Street business entrance and through the garage elevators, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and seating. Courtesy manual wheelchairs and sensory backpacks are available first come, first served; a photo ID is required to borrow a wheelchair. For specific accommodations or access questions, contact Guest Services through the Institute’s accessibility page. The page asks for at least three weeks’ notice for an ASL interpreter request.
The Institute also describes a return-visit voucher for visitors who find the museum overwhelming and leave within 30 minutes of ticket purchase. Confirm the current details and discuss individual needs with Guest Services before your visit.
Food, bags, strollers, and re-entry
According to the Institute FAQ, visitors may leave and return the same day using their wristband. Food and beverages may be brought for designated areas: Science Park, The Eatery, and the front lawn picnic areas. Lockers fit small bags, backpacks, and coats, but the museum cannot store luggage. Strollers are welcome; large toddler carriers, double strollers, and jogging strollers are not recommended in special-exhibition galleries because of limited space. Check the FAQ for current visitor policies.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
