Imagine designing a 350-ton train, casually strolling through the complex atriums and ventricles of the human heart, or having the infinite world of outer space right at your fingertips. The Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia offers such opportunities. One of many continuing exhibits, Space Command provides over 30 interactive stations that equip minds of all ages with the knowledge and awareness of worlds beyond our own. The Institute’s newest addition, Amazing Machine, offers a novel, awe-inspiring glimpse into the mechanics of some of life’s most common every-day instruments, such as the vacuum cleaner.
Present now through April at the Franklin is the continuing Chronicles of Narnia Exhibition, providing sets and props designed to take students on an interactive journey through the imaginative world of Narnia. Also, the innovative exhibit Galileo displays Galileo’s accomplishments and contributions to modern day math and science, while depicting his relationship with the powerful Medici family. Galileo's paintings, prints, manuscripts, and instruments are also exhibited, and this is the first time one of his last two telescopes has left Italy. Galileo is on display from April 4 to September 7, 2009.
Further offerings of this multi-dimensional museum include the spectacular Tuttleman IMAX Theater, which places the audience in a dome that wholly involves them in the onscreen action, the cinematic Franklin Theater, and the historic Fels’ Planetarium. Recently renovated, Fels’ Planetarium was only the second planetarium in the country, built in 1933. Please check the Franklin Institute website for up-to-date theater showings and times.
- Danielle Baldassini
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- Science Museum: 9:30am - 5:30pm Daily
- Admission:
- Sci-Pass (exhibits, live show, and one planetarium show): $14.25 Adult, $13.25 Senior/Military/Student, $11.50 Child
- Children under 2: Free
- Metro Stop:
- If traveling by SEPTA’s Regional Rail, 30th Street Station and Suburban Station are both short cab rides away. If traveling by the PATCO Hi-Speedline from South Jersey, you can take it to 15th/16th Streets and Locust. From there, the Institute is either a short cab ride or moderate walk away.
- Contact:
- Location: 222 N. 20th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Phone: 215-448-1200
- Website: www2.fi.edu
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