The Franklin Institute Science Museum, Philadelphia (must see)
The Franklin Institute Science Museum, named in honor of the renowned American scientist and statesman Benjamin Franklin, stands as a hallmark of science education and development in the United States. Established in 1824, it is one of the country's oldest institutions dedicated to science. Located in Philadelphia, the museum also includes the esteemed Benjamin Franklin National Memorial.
The Science Center within the museum caters to a diverse audience, offering exhibitions that appeal to both adults and children. The first floor is particularly notable for its focus on space and includes a Planetarium, providing an immersive experience into the wonders of the cosmos. On the second floor, visitors will find a gift shop along with two interactive and educational exhibits, one about the brain and the other about the heart, both designed to be engaging and informative. The third floor takes a deep dive into the world of inventions and machines, featuring fun educational games that illuminate the creative process behind technological advancements. For those interested in astronomy, the fourth floor houses an observatory equipped with a large telescope, offering a closer look at the night sky.
Adding to the museum's historical significance is the Budd BB-1 Pioneer, displayed prominently in front of the museum. This aircraft, notable for being the first stainless steel airplane, was built by the Edward F. Budd Manufacturing Corporation and has been a part of the museum's exhibit since 1935.
Furthermore, The Franklin Institute is renowned for its longstanding commitment to recognizing excellence in science and technology. Since its inception in 1824, it has administered the longest continuously awarded science and technology awards program in the United States and one of the oldest globally. This tradition underscores the institute's ongoing dedication to fostering scientific inquiry and education.
The Science Center within the museum caters to a diverse audience, offering exhibitions that appeal to both adults and children. The first floor is particularly notable for its focus on space and includes a Planetarium, providing an immersive experience into the wonders of the cosmos. On the second floor, visitors will find a gift shop along with two interactive and educational exhibits, one about the brain and the other about the heart, both designed to be engaging and informative. The third floor takes a deep dive into the world of inventions and machines, featuring fun educational games that illuminate the creative process behind technological advancements. For those interested in astronomy, the fourth floor houses an observatory equipped with a large telescope, offering a closer look at the night sky.
Adding to the museum's historical significance is the Budd BB-1 Pioneer, displayed prominently in front of the museum. This aircraft, notable for being the first stainless steel airplane, was built by the Edward F. Budd Manufacturing Corporation and has been a part of the museum's exhibit since 1935.
Furthermore, The Franklin Institute is renowned for its longstanding commitment to recognizing excellence in science and technology. Since its inception in 1824, it has administered the longest continuously awarded science and technology awards program in the United States and one of the oldest globally. This tradition underscores the institute's ongoing dedication to fostering scientific inquiry and education.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Philadelphia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
The Franklin Institute Science Museum on Map
Sight Name: The Franklin Institute Science Museum
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Create Your Own Walk in Philadelphia
Creating your own self-guided walk in Philadelphia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
University of Pennsylvania Walking Tour
As America's first university, The University of Pennsylvania (aka Penn or Upenn, for short) has a history stretching back to the mid-18th century, closely bound with the city's colonial past and the birth of the United States. Initially, this Ivy League institution emerged as the College of Philadelphia, one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the US Declaration of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia
Benjamin Franklin's journey to becoming one of the most influential figures in Revolutionary America began when he, as a teenager, ventured from a Puritan family in Boston to Philadelphia. This city would not only become his home but also a stage for his remarkable life as a writer, printer, philosopher, postmaster, scientist, inventor, statesman, and diplomat. His life epitomizes the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Philadelphia Introduction Walking Tour
The sixth largest city in the United States and the largest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is a dynamic city heaped with old-world charm and contemporary infrastructure. Notable for its rich history, primarily as the birthplace of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Often called Philly, Philadelphia is also known as the City of Brotherly Love – a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Often called Philly, Philadelphia is also known as the City of Brotherly Love – a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Rocky Movie Sites Walking Tour
There's hardly any other character, fictional or real, as iconically Philadelphian as Rocky. Indeed, this American sports drama franchise, centered on the boxing career of Rocky Balboa, released in 1976, has become synonymous with and arguably done more for the city of Philadelphia than anyone else since Ben Franklin.
The cultural phenomenon was created by Sylvester Stallone, who wrote,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.3 Km or 3.9 Miles
The cultural phenomenon was created by Sylvester Stallone, who wrote,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.3 Km or 3.9 Miles
Franklin Parkway Walking Tour
Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a scenic boulevard running through the cultural heart of Philadelphia. Named for America's Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, this mile-long tree-lined parkway is lined with several notable sights and world-class museums.
At its heart lies Logan Circle, a charming green space centered around a picturesque fountain. This spot can provide a refreshing break on... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
At its heart lies Logan Circle, a charming green space centered around a picturesque fountain. This spot can provide a refreshing break on... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Philadelphia Old City Walking Tour
King Charles II of England, while seriously indebted to Admiral Sir William Penn, settled his debt in 1681 by granting lands in America to William Penn, the Admiral's Quaker son. A thorn in the King's side, young Penn sailed to America, where he envisioned a utopian society based on tolerance and founded Philadelphia, the "City of Brotherly Love."
The Old City Center, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The Old City Center, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Philadelphia Souvenirs: 13 Unique Gift Ideas from the City of Brotherly Love
Looking for a great gift while visiting Philadelphia? Famous for its history, arts and culture, championship sports teams, and award-winning food and drink, Philadelphia is a top-rated shopping destination. Here, you'll find an amazing selection of items to choose from - something uniquely...