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57 reviews for Franklin Institute Science Museum
It's your final day in Philly before you fly back to London and it's the middle of summer and steaming. You need to cool down but you want to make the most of your time. What do you do?
You could do a lot worse than to visit the Franklin Institute. There are so many interesting and varied exhibits, with plenty for the whole family. There are shows of different types, including IMAX and simulators. There are fun competitions and do-it-yourself experiments as well as a great shop with puzzles, games and memorabilia.
You could spend the whole day here or just walk around half of it and come back at a later date. There are all sorts of packages of shows and exhibits available, making it fun and educational for everyone.
P.S. One thing. If you go to the shark show expecting blood and guts, you'll be disappointed. But you might just fall in love with a whale shark.
P.P.S. There's nothing at all wrong with falling in love with a whale shark.
I took my 9 and 11 year old, normally well behaved niece and nephew here- and it's a wonder we weren't escorted out by security. The problem was, they found the exhibits less than stimulating and instead, decided to make their own fun at every opportunity.... commandeering the museums unguarded loaner wheelchairs for an impromptu smash up derby There's something to be said about rolling around in pilfered wheelchairs being more fun than the actual exhibits we paid to see. I don't think the Franklin is doing well in keeping up with todays short attention spanned tech savvy kids of the new millennium. At least, that was our experience.
The cafe food was better than I expected. The tesla coil replica and pendulum were awesome, and the sports playroom upstairs was a hit, especially the small climbing wall.
I would return to the Franklin, but I think it's best suited for younger kids.
Cool science center, in honor of Benjamin Franklin, who was definitely of a scientific bent, always thinking and inventing.
Here you'll see the famous giant heart that you can walk through, following the path of bloodflow (it could use a paintjob but was otherwise quite cool), "The Amazing Machine" (mechanics), "Sir Isaac's Loft" (physics), the Air Show (including a Wright Model B Flyer), and more. The price of admission included a trip to the Planetarium show, but it made me nauseous so I took a nap!
There was also a cool show in the rotunda where the big seated Franklin sculpture is, projecting his mottoes on the walls with lights and sound. Very well-done.
Some things were down or being worked on, and they were also in the midst of setting up the "Bodyworlds" exhibit (a workman let us sneak through the space so we wouldn't have to go all the way around, so we got a glimpse of the plastinated people being taken out of crates...creepy).
Other things weren't working, or the descriptions weren't terribly clear, so that could stand some improvement,
Definitely go on a week-day afternoon. On a Tuesday the place was empty!
Great gift shop!! And several smashed penny machines near the lobby, both the hand crank and several "automated" ones (they cost more, though).
Would be a great place to bring curious kids, or just to refresh your own brain! We all need some science in our lives!
I will admit it, I am a science nerd. And so when we were looking for something to do on a rainy Saturday in Philadelphia I was all about the Franklin Institute. However, i was kinda disappointed as it was nowhere nearly as awesome as it used to be.
I was suprised that it only cost $14 to get in (including a planetarium show), but then i realized that it didn't include either of the "special exhibits" or an IMAX show. It didn't seem like i was getting a lot for my money.
Naturally we started in the heart. I was sad that about half of the exhibits weren't working and the heart seemed a lot smaller than it used to be. Maybe i'm just bigger. Plus now that i teach all about the heart, my knowledge exceeded the exhibits so it was kinda boring. Then it was a planetarium show... i slept through most of it so i really can't comment. it was boring.
It picked up from there. The machines exhibit was cool as was newton's playroom. But the things WORKED there, which seems to be the driving force behind my liking of the place. I think the Franklin Institute is a great place... just needs to get an update!
I took my daughter and 15 year old niece to the Museum and they had a blast. We had to do every exhibit and hands on activities. I really didn't think the girls would like it but they got really into it. The only things that were less than fun were the telescope on the roof and the planetarium show. Other than that it was highly recommended.
I had mixed feelings on the Franklin Institute. The first area we went was the interactive heart exhibit and so many things were out of order, or confusing. The walkthrough heart could've been so informative and educational but it was really just a labyrinth of cramped walkways for kids to run around in. Then the heart dissection demonstration was so overrun with a throng of people that there was no possible way of seeing. Why not have it take place on a stage, or have it displayed on a screen so people can see?
Then it was on to the highly disappointing planetarium which was basically just a dome shaped movie theater over a room of wire chairs. Where was the star projector, or the reclined seats to see everything in the sky?? The entire presentation was just a movie shown on the dome screen and paled in comparison to the Chicago Planetarium, or even the one at the Science Center in Baltimore.
Fortunately this was all saved by the machines exhibit, as well as the sports competition room, and the interactive Sir Isaac's Loft area. The machines exhibit demonstrated some basic principles of mechanics and featured many interactive exhibits with gears, pulleys, and levers. The sports area was kind of outdated, but was still interesting with tests of reaction time, jumping ability, radar gun for baseball, and a small rock climbing wall. This entire side of things really appealed to me a lot more and saved the day from the otherwise crappy heart exhibit and planetarium.
In addition to the basic museum attractions they also have imax and temporary exhibits. When I was there they were featuring an extensive Star Trek exhibit. If there were a traveling exhibit here that I'd like to see I'd likely return, but otherwise now that I've done it once I don't have a huge need to return. Most of the museum is focused towards kids so they would definitely have a blast, but for me I'd like to see some updates and something geared more towards adults.
The Franklin could use some love. And maybe some Purell.
As kids, we went there at least twice during the grade school years. The bus would pull up out front and we'd haul it up the steps to the giant statue of Ben, and pass him into "Science Heaven". Back in the day, there was a REAL AIRPLANE in the yard, and many of the exhibits seemed fresh. Or at least worked.
My kid went for summer camp for a couple of years. Unfortunately, the Parking Authority Bastidges just wait there for you to pick up your kids, and ticket the crap out of you. Gas prices + driving time+ as soon as you get home it's almost time to leave again to pick them up + parking hassles= Not This Year.
Made numerous polite suggestions about getting a bus to pick up kids at a local mall, suggested different ways to handle pick-up time, etc. No reply until I copied it to one of the e-mail addresses that must go to a cranky person. Then I got a big long letter ( CC'd to Cranky)about how it has to be done in a certain way for "SAFETY & SECURITY", and just wait- they've improved the process.
Kid went for a program during a school break. New improved Process = Even Less Parking, and kids wandering around without supervision. I could have picked a nicer kid to take home, but didn't. And while I was there, a parent asked a staffer about parking, to get the reply "Oh, you should probably move your car, three parents got a ticket this morning."
Aside from this hassle, the Tut and Star Wars programs were... OK. Not "Must See" as they had been touted. Both had seperate entities hawking truly expensive souvenir items right outside the exhibits. I don't need a $9 fridge magnet, thanks.
Paperwork and exhibits are printed with Typo's. I saw a guy stop a Franklin staffer and point out the same word spelled wrong THREE times in one temporary exhibit. With TWO different misspellings.
The area for smaller kids "Kid Science" has a water wheel. Every time we're there, some kid ends up soaked, and standing by the dryer for multiple bursts to try to dry off enough to stop crying. It's not the Franklin's fault, but it would help to have some paper towels there, or smocks. Kids are supposed to 'stamp' their passports. Nobody knows they're there, and you can't find all the stamping stations. A pirate ship would blow balls around... if there were any left. Big kids blow them away, and nobody replaces them.
Upstairs, people are sneaking in without paying through an unattended entrance. Staff, when notified, don't care. Bathrooms have no TP. Food options are expensive, limited, and not particularly edible.
I haven't been able to explore the area with all the Body Science/Sports exhibits. It's always closed. Newton's area is GREAT, and plays a long chain-reaction movie that people love. Unfortunately, it wasn't available in the Science Store. Items in the area around the Giant Heart are mostly busted. One has exercise equipment that you operate and it makes opera singers move and sing on a screen. At least two of these are always out of service.
At least when the Please Touch was still across the street, you could hit both, and eat your own picnic lunch in the car.
There are many museums that are doing it right. The Franklin has such a great sense of history, and great architectural bones. It's in a great spot, as well. So much to do. They could put in a decent cafeteria, and make a killing. Or just clean up what they have, and show a little PRIDE, por favor!?
We let our membership lapse. Boo hiss.
I wasn't all that wowed by the regular part of the museum. There were some interesting tidbits here and there. The museum is definitely kid oriented. There are a bunch of hands-on things that the kids can do as they go through the museum, so they'll hopefully not get bored.
I did like the giant pendulum. That was pretty cool.
We were here during the time of the Galileo exhibit. While definitely more for the adults than the kids, this exhibit was actually super interesting. All the books and maps and scientific instruments. It's amazing to think that all of this stuff was the basis for so much of our science now. The carvings on the tools are so intricate, it's amazing.
As an adult, the special exhibits are probably the way to go. If you have kids, they might enjoy the rest.
Don't get me wrong. A museum that brings in displays for Stars Wars, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Star Trek, and hooks up Dark Knight on IMAX is pretty freaking awesome. But since when did The Franklin Institute become the Science Fiction and Cinema Museum?
It still brings in intriguing science displays like Galileo and Body Works. And it also brings in some incredible displays that should have been in the Academy Of Natural Sciences like King Tut and Pirates. But otherwise The Institute is seriously losing focus on it's original intent. At least you can still run around in the awesome heart.
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9/12/2007
Overall I love the the Franklin Institute. running around the heart was a timeless memory when I was… Read more »
In my research of Philly, this had to be on my 'to do' list. What an impressive museum, not just the modern and not just the ancient. It was a mix and kept the experience alive and interesting. So I went for one thing only, the human heart. The first pic I'd seen of it online made it look ginormous, like 60 feet tall. But that is not the case. It's more like 20. Nonetheless, for the love of medicine and all things related, I had to see this for myself. I was not disappointed and at first glance from yards away, I felt like a kid in a candy store. The heart replica is part of the human body exhibit, and mainly geared towards children. It is a walk through discovery of the anatomy of the heart, while also describing how it works. It's fun, walking through small chambers, tiny passage ways, narrow stairs, ups and downs. I loooved it. There were other activites for the children to partake in, including videos and interactive play. Children and adults alike were all having fun learning about the human body. Before I had checked this out, as I had saved the best for last, I went through the Galileo exhibit, which was traveling from Rome and only showcased in the U.S. at FI. This was great for engineer heads, but I was also able to appreciate the amazing imagination behind astronomy and math. The other exhibit which was just genius, was their RAce exhibit... just genius. Everything curious we think about race, was portrayed. Other favs, Ben Franklin's greeting statue, the pendulum, the planetarium and the railroad trains. Great for people of all ages.
This is an excellent museum here in Philadelphia and most people that live in the area have fond memories of the place. We just saw the Galileo exhibit and we really enjoyed the experience. The exhibit consisted mainly of paintings and instruments, plus an interactive section at the end. I have enjoyed some of the recent past exhibits as well, including the bodyworks and King Tut (although King Tut's price was out of line).
Galileo was something we really wanted to see and it did not disappoint. Save some money and go after five, it is only nine dollars a ticket.
This place is so dumb. Its filled with a lot of random, uninspired exhibits. It seems like all the locals get a season pass and bring their brats to run wild throughout the museum. A security guard got mad at me cuz I fell asleep on one of the benches inside. If you don't want people to fall asleep, you gotta give them something more interesting to work with! Either that or start thinking about investing in some PADDED benches so visitors don't get those ugly marks on their face.
I went here many times as a kid and loved it. As an adult I could say the giant heart just doesn't get old. I skip most of the exhibits now but luckily for me they occassionally have exhibits for adults. I would still go with kids in the family for their school trips.
I recently went to the Pirates exhibit and loved it! It shows real pirate artifacts such as silverware and guns and of course some treasure. There is a good story behind the findings.
They had before an exhibit about the human body. Although I don't know what it was called, it was a definitely amazing exhibit. It showed the insides of the human body and the difference between an athlete and an regular person. It also showed differences between a smoker and a non smoker.
I regret missing the King Tut exhbit that was being shown earlier this year.
I look forward to returning to see any new exhibits that come up.
Red Tettemer, rebranding the Franklin Institute at The Franklin is just a bad idea. It smacks of Flack PR up your own butt crap. "this is young hip and cool". No it's not. It's stupid. The logo is also awful. You should totally put some mirrored raybans on the statue in the lobby because it just fits the rest of the crap going on.
The Franklin (Institute) is something that all of us that grew up around here will remember--going through the heart, playing with the electrical experiments, etc. Another thing those of us that grew up around here will remember is the first time they went as an adult and how disappointing it is that it isn't as cool as it was when you were a kid. Especially all the broken exhibits and construction that is constantly going on.
The past two Valentine's days my partner and I went to the FI to celebrate. Call us nerdy, call us big geeks, but it is kind of romantic. In 2006, we saw King Tut in the midst of an ice storm and were among a small group of 35 who braved the elements! In 2007, we saw the Star Wars exhibit and again were with a relatively small group of people. St. Valentine's day is a good day to go to the FI with the person you love! The venue may not be the most romantic, but with low patronage on that day it makes the exhibit very intimate.
I also got to see the screening of Batman Dark Knight on the IMAX at the FI. It was intense! At one point I felt motion sick because of all of the action going on... I'd like to see some of the Planet Earth series on the IMAX!
I actually have fond memories of this place as a college student visiting.
There's plenty of fun exhibits to walk through and touch, from the big walk-through heart, to the moon room and picking up random objects in space-man like gloves. There's an auditorium movie, too, for a bit extra.
I enjoy seeing the kids that fill up the space running to and fro, and the special exhibits that come through, from Gold to Star Wars, Pirate Ships and more have been very interesting.
One of the favorite rooms is the one dedicated to Ben Franklin. Take a look at some of his original inventions and writings, plus some exhibits on Thomas Edison and electricity.
A coworker and I played hooky from one of our training lectures (shhh! don't tell) to come see the pirate exhibit they had going here over the summer. Sadly... all of our plotting and scheming to get out of our last class that day was all for naught due to our last speaker running over her allotted time... we arrived 15 minutes after museum closing. (OK, my bad on this one, because I read the website listing their hours wrong). However, it took us a while to realize the museum was closed... it was slightly confusing seeing as how the doors were open, we got in, and even saw some security guards (who didn't stop us).
But, after finally finding someone who knew the deal, we discovered, we were in fact too late (the guy was surprised we managed to get in!). So before we dragged ourselves out of there, completely dejected, back to see if my car was still in the sketchy parking lot we had left it... we decided to sneak over to the giant heart exhibit to get a picture in it (I know, we're such trouble makers!). Since seeing pirates was a top priority for us (come on, pirates!!), we decided to go back the next day... earlier this time!
The pirate exhibit was everything we had hoped for. Though at times walking through it felt reminiscent of a haunted house, and we were waiting for something to jump out at us (a security guard actually scared us accidentally as he came up behind us). We even came away with pirate themed booty from the gift shop to bring back to our coworkers who missed out! The rest of the museum was fun as well, especially the aging exhibit (both funny and scary!) and the walk through giant heart. Word of warning though, the place will likely be packed with kiddies if you go on a summer afternoon as we did.
Now that the pirate exhibit has moved on, there is a Chronicles of Narnia exhibit I'm hoping to get to sometime. This place is definitely worth checking out if you're in the Philly area and you're feeling the need to satisfy your inner geek!
I have fond memories of this place from childhood, like most kids from Philly. I was the nerd who took classes in the summer. I loved climbing through the pee-scented heart and when they opened the futuristic exhibit, OH MY! I probably left my own mark on something futuristic.
Anyway, this is definitely a must to go see, whether 3-80 years old. Touch some real pirate gold, learn about trains, do that staticy hair thing while learning about Ben himself.
Lastly, see an IMAX film. Go see the Dark Night there!
No other city can boast of having a museum quite like our little Franklin Institute! Ben himself would be quite proud, I think - it's an amazing 3-level museum dedicated to his life and inventions, science and learning, and special exhibits along with the Fels Planetarium under one roof.
It's mostly for children, there are lots of touching, learning, and doing areas, meant to make science fun and easy for them. The biggest draw is the Human Heart which is walk-through.
I've seen some of the roving exhibits here, including Gunther Von-Weirdo's BodyWorks, and just yesterday - Real Pirates. Real Pirates is running through til November and it's WORTH IT. They really did it up well and I found it fascinating.
They serve moderately priced food here, it's relatively cheap admission, you can spend a whole day looking and touching everything (bring your hand sanitzer!) so, while Philly denizens are well versed in the F.I. -- this review is for the out of towners or tourist who are on the fence about maybe stopping there during their stay.
DO IT! Especially if you have children because chances are ... your kids don't give two sh!ts about walking tours, dressed up characters or the Liberty Bell. Especially in the summer heat.
I took a star away because they layout is a bit funky, grab a map, and the staff aren't rude but they're indifferent. I'd probably be too if I had to work there and listen to kids all day. ;)
We took my 3 (now 4) year old to see the STAR WARS and Real Pirates exhibits and both were terrific. We also saw the Chronicles of Narnia - which was just ok. This is a must-see for kids - and there is enough to keep the grown-ups interested, too.
Try to NOT go on a weekend when it is packed. Also there were alot of broken exhibits and/or construction going on when we last visited.
Membership is a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple times.
BRING YOUR OWN FOOD/SNACKS - dining options are poor.
Aw. This was my first date with the fiance, so perhaps I am a bit biased. But I love the Franklin Institute. It has a giant heart that you can walk through -- c'mon! Doesn't get much cooler than that.
It's a super fun place to hang out and act like a kid. AND pay tribute to one of the coolest revolutionary Americans. awesome.
oh and you can get darling's cheesecake afterwards across the street... yummmmm-o.
My five stars are based on the traveling/special exhibits that come here.
I can't say much for the rest, as I have only just browsed briefly around the regular museum, which is neat, but as some have pointed out, not as well-kept as it could be. A lot of the things were broken and what not. But walking through the giant heart is actually pretty awesome, except for the kids running crazily through it, so I don't have time to stop and read and learn, which can be annoying.
The special exhibits, however, are FANTASTIC. So far, I have seen Body Worlds, which was huge, extensive, and fascinating. I also went to a similar exhibit in Hartford, which was horrible in comparison. The Philly one was amazing - lots of detail, and they got some cool bodies in there. It was also much larger than the one in Hartford and covered more body systems. And naturally, the controversial section on childbirth, etc was really interesting.
The other one i saw was King Tut, which was equally as great. So many artifacts, and it was set up to perfection. The descriptions were all on top of the display cases, so you could read them without having to cram up front and push people out of the way. For the first time in my life, I I actually ready every single description. I also thought the room with his tomb was done really well - they used all kinds of media in there, from the floor, to videos, to actual artifacts. Really well done.
Maybe I should have reviewed or whoever put together King Tut and Bodies, but since they were at the FI, the FI got reviewed. I am always amazed at how different they can make the museum look. Bodies, dark like you were in the human body, King Tut, as though you were in a pyramid. It's pretty neat how much work goes into these exhibits.
All in all, I'm PSYCHED for the next exhibit - REAL PIRATES!!! Arrrrgh. I'll review that once I go, which should be pretty soon after its opening.
Again Philly what is up with the harsh crowd? Science museum = kids. You as a yelper lose stars for not expecting that. I thought this place was really cool. There are tons of hands on exhibits and things to see and do. My only regret was not spending more time here. Just too much to do in town.
Yes, I too came here as a kid. Excellent scientific exhibits for all, but yes it's mainly for children to love and learn. Benjamin Franklin was not only a great statesman, but scientist, and ladies' man too. His signature on the Declaration of Independence, and scholarly diplomacy helped shape our nation as a whole.
Love the 'tute.
Just saw the Real Pirates exhibit. They have really upped the ante on the entertainment factor! For some reason, there wasn't a lot of people there, but this is not one to pass up. Better than the Tut exhibit (although, that's not saying much).
I can't believe I left without checking out the new 3D theater. Totally forgot about it. Stupid brain!
I love this place! Though I may be a little older than their target audience, I don't think you're ever too old to climb through the giant heart or use the time machine to see what you'll look like in 30 years. I also made a fantastic discovery last week; they have half price admission an hour before closing time, and free admission 30 minutes before closing time!!
I absolutely love this place. This is the only museum I can go into without loosing my attention span near the end of the trip. There is so much to learn some things are pretty apparant, but others are very informative. The exhibit that stood out to me the most was the exhibit on electricity and early technology. I actually spent an hour on this exhibit alone where as I only spend a maximum of ten minutes at the other exhibits although cool, just less interesting. Another fun place to visit if your even in Philedelphia plus you probably could find an excellent cheesesteak not too far away.
Back at my parents' for a week, I find myself browsing Yelp Philadelphia on the desktop computer in the living room. My wireless is being a twat. And so here I am, looking at one poor review for the Franklin Institute.
Now, I can't honestly remember many details about this place except a few: hanging on the ropes of a ginormous scale that demonstrated something about weight. Running through the pulsing plastic heart until I couldn't really breathe properly. Magnets. Globes suspended in air by directed gusts of air. Sleeping over in the dark museum as a Girl Scout. The movies.
Two stars just doesn't take into consideration the audience or its success. The Franklin Institute is where the Magic School Bus meets Bill Nye, and you can actually touch everything. Kudos to an educational and fun place for kids that didn't hit boring until the tenth time I went. Perhaps it's gone down hill since over a decade ago, and it's probably boring for the adults dragged along by their munchkins, but in theory the Institute is a good place.
Ancient civilizations always fascinate me. Be it Rome, Greece, Maya, or Egypt, I find it all very alluring. I went to see the King Tut exhibit and just in time, as it turns out. This was the last scheduled week for it. I was disappointed. Oh, yeah, it had the Egyptian artifacts alright. But no Boy King to be found, just his trappings. I expected to see his mummy, or at least the encasement that harbored his remains. Instead...I saw things found within the tomb itself. I did, however, like the way that visitors were led through a series of chambers that built up to this anti-climactical event. I learned a lot of Egyptian history.
Anyhow, the early Sunday morning walk to and from the museum and the last weekend of summer in Philadelphia made it all worthwhile. I discovered the Reading Terminal Market and the Borst. I rediscovered Eulogies on Chestnut Street. Love that place. But the Egyptian exhibit left me wanting for more. Wasn't cheap either. I saw a much better Egyptian exhibit at the Smithsonian 20 or so years ago and it didn't cost me anything.
The museum was cool however. Lots of interactive stuff that appeals to the 5 ft. and under crowd. In the Living Heart, I started to have chest pains somewhere between the left ventrical and the vena cava. Kidding. Lose the heart (and some of the other outdated exhibits)
There is lots to do here, but I would say it is mainly for kids. I enjoy learning history of how things came to be, how the human body functions, how trains work... But the Franklin Institute was filled with kids when I visited a while ago. I walked throught "The Human Heart" was was then a little grossed out by the sound of kids coughing in the structure and sneezing on the walls.
Being a teacher, I understand that kids are kids, but I think that some of the exhibits could use an anti-bacterial wipe down, ya know?
I saw the Body Works exhibit here. Talk about creepy and not for kids. I did see high school kids touching the plasticized human parts though. I think that there should have been more security around the exhibit. At least I can say I saw it and never have to view the exhibit again. It was a controversial one: scientific in the first couple of rooms, then morbid and gross in the following rooms...
It seems that every adult that grew up in the Philadelphia Area has 'fond' memories of this museum, but as an adult going out to this science museum expecting something different than what I saw, I can't say that I'm fond of the Franklin Institute.
As there were no special exhibits that would be more 'for adults', my review is based on my experience in the regular museum.
Coming from the Boston Area and growing up with the Boston Museum of Science, I found the Franklin Institute to be a huge playground that offered very little in the way of stimulating education and science for children (or amusement for the adults that are with them). The exhibits contained very little scientific information. The special live shows were lacking in the depth that I have seen presented at other science centers in Connecticut, Boston, Los Angeles, And New York. It felt like I was in a very expensive Chucky Cheese.
The majority of the interactive exhibits were broken and kids where left just pounding on things saying, "What's wrong with this thing," then running off to the next thing. The human heart was claustrophobic to go through especially when there are children trying to play tag in it while others are going through.
Go here for the iMax theater or a special exhibit, but don't waste your time going through by yourself or with your kids.
The Franklin Institute needs to have a discussion about the direction of their museum especially as a center for education for youths.
I wish I could just say the Franklin Institute is a place I have fond childhood memories of. But that wouldn't be entirely true because I still go there when a cool new exhibit comes around. And it is often. Whether it's Star Trek or Star Wars, the Franklin Institute knows how to put together a interesting and educational exhibit for all ages. The pirate and animation ones have been some of my favorites of the past few years. Of course, there's also the big walk through heart and the planetarium, both great attractions. The only thing I find these days is that after visiting the current exhibit, there isn't much else to do. It only takes a day or so to see everything they have to offer and after that there's not much reason to see it again. And yes, there are a lot of kids running around using things but... it is an interactive science museum and kids are the target audience. Overall, it's a great place to have in the city and a definite must-see for anyone who hasn't before.
I have many fond memories at this interactive science museum. It's a great place to take the kids. And it's undergoing a super overhaul, so I'm sure the exhibits are only going to get better.
One of the main highlights is a walk through human heart. Really neat.
Also a good place for adults when travelling exhibits are open. I was there for the Titanic exhibit. I am counting down the days until the King Tut exhibit comes. Really cool.
The giant heart isn't the only FI attraction well-suited for making out in. Fels Planetarium, anyone? "The Sky Tonight," the classic stars presentation, is just like the show Dean & Co. go to see in "Rebel Without a Cause."
As for the rest of the attractions: kids stuff for sure. But what's wrong with that? I never learn anything memorable in museums anyway. Books and internet are my learning venues of choice. Anywhere else, my brain is on standby.
On second thought, though, adults will definitely find the programming stimulating at the IMAX theatre---which is awesome in itself (still possibly the only one of its kind in Philly proper).
The Franklin Institute used to be one of my favorite education destinations as a wee bairn. I loved the planetarium because I'm a star geek. I liked the pendulum and I really loved the heart. It's a great introduction for kids to the world of science, particularly physics because it's so easy to demonstrate to kids how physics works-- you don't need fancy language just balls, feathers, and things going up and down. This is also true of electricity. It's so damn easy to make it interesting and awe-inspiring.
It's more difficult to do this with biology and chemistry. You need a lot of backstory that is hard to put in a way that kids get in this type of info-tainment environment. However, as far as anatomy and physiolgy with a dose of biology, the Body Worlds exhibit was one of the best things I've EVER seen. I am also a huge fan of bodies and am not easily put off by their capabilities of being repulsive. So this was the show for me.
In all, the 'permanent collection' is pretty much an introduction to science for the tots, while their exhibits often appeal to an older crowd, as they are much more specific and involved. I can't wait to see the King Tut exhibit!
We went to see King Tut here. A great day. The Franklin has a lot to offer adults and kids in their learning endeavors. Highly recommended.
This was my favorite museum as a kid and on subsequent visits I've seen it struggle awkwardly with a rapidly changing world. I've been twice in the last 18 months, first since the early 90s and I'm really amazed with how it has managed to keep the tradition and wonder of an old and classic museum while having the feel of a current and relevant science museum. If my kids could yelp, they'd go on forever. This is the best museum in the city for families, yet it goes to great lengths to hold the interests of adults. The King Tut exhibit last year was incredible.
Unfortunately, George is exactly right about FI. I have magical memories of this museum, but those impressions do not match those that I have when I walk in as an adult. The permanent exhibits aren't terribly engaging. How could they be? They never change, and since they cater to a public that isn't exclusively scientists & that includes children, they can only delve so deep into the content presented.
If you're considering visiting and you've never been here before, it's DEFINITELY worth your time. You'll likely find the exhibits interesting if it's your first time; it just doesn't seem to have much repeat visit value for an adult. Some things are certain: children love this place no matter which temporary exhibit is in town, and the IMAX theater rocks no matter how old you are & no matter how many times you've been here.
Setting the exhibits aside, the building is an amazing property. When I visit this place now, I find myself wandering all of the floors to check out the aesthetics of different spaces. I don't pay much attention to the displays and such. Even if you aren't thrilled with FI itself, spend some time on the lovely Parkway while you're there.
I didn't grow up in the 215, and going to Franklin for the first time at 20, I still had a ball and a half.
If memory serves, Titanic was the exhibit of the day, and I was so impressed with their glacier machine and the artifacts that I could actually TOUCH. I respect FI for getting contemporary on us, and realizing that the little childrens do love touching history.
I must say too, I was impressed that this wonderful science museum is housed in such an old/stately building. That's cool. And one of my highlights was watching school children run around the marble interior room.
I think the whole Parkway is just "grande." I can understand, from my own conclusions with similar places, how it sucks when things change for the different. Still, I think this place is pretty all right - a little less strategically placed gift shop though, times are hard, and after the price of admission, parents need breaks.
I missed Body Worlds :(
As a child I loved this museum, but returning as an adult I was very disappointed. There where a lot of really depressing diseases, and I watched as children cried at the aging computer. Also there was a heavy emphasis on AIDS which was also very disturbing, especial for an eight year old.
On the flip side I went to the opening of the King Tut exhibit. I was at first impressed that this is the only city in the area that was picked to display it, but it was astounding. With the package I did was for premier member invite, so I did get a little extra. It began with a decent brunch buffet, nothing to fancy, than a lecture by the curator from Egypt, a walking tour of the exhibit, and than the amazing imax film. It was a very nicely spent five hours on a Sunday afternoon. I highly recommend that you make it to see it. It has not been here since the late seventies, so who knows when you will get another chance.
