The Franklin Institute, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of America’s most renowned and respected museums and a leading destination for STEM education. When considering a visit to this iconic institution, one of the key details visitors need to know is how much tickets cost.
Quick Overview of Ticket Prices
The baseline, standard “Basic Admission” ticket to The Franklin Institute costs $23 for adults, $19 for children ages 3-11, and is free for children 2 and under. There are also various upgrades and package options available:
- Giant Heart Experience – $30 for adults, $25 for children
- IMAX movie – $9 for adults, $8 for children
- Planetarium show – $9 for adults, $8 for children
- “The Franklin Double” package with museum admission plus an IMAX or planetarium show – $29 for adults, $24 for children
- VIP Packages like “The Ultimate Franklin Experience” with admission, one IMAX film, and access to special exhibits – $45
Memberships, group rates, and other discounts are also available. On “Free First Sunday” each month, general admission is free for everyone.
Detailed Ticket Options and Pricing
Here is a more in-depth look at the different ticket options and prices for The Franklin Institute:
Basic Admission Tickets
- Adult (ages 12 and up) – $23
- Children (ages 3-11) – $19
- Infants 2 and under – Free
Basic admission tickets grant access to the museum’s permanent and special rotating exhibits. Tickets are valid for the whole day, so visitors can enter and exit multiple times.
Giant Heart Experience
- Adults – $30
- Children – $25
This ticket option includes basic admission plus an extended, guided tour of The Franklin Institute’s iconic giant walk-through heart exhibit. Guests learn all about cardiovascular science and health as they explore the giant arteries and ventricles.
IMAX Movies
- Adults – $9
- Children – $8
IMAX movie showings on the museum’s massive 4-story tall IMAX screen are available as add-ons to general admission. There are generally 2-3 different IMAX films to choose from daily.
Planetarium Shows
- Adults – $9
- Children – $8
Like IMAX movies, planetarium shows exploring space and astronomy can be added onto basic admission tickets. Various showings run throughout the day in the museum’s Fels Planetarium.
“The Franklin Double” Packages
- Adults – $29
- Children – $24
The Franklin Double packages include basic museum admission plus a choice of either an IMAX movie or planetarium show. This combo deal saves about $2 compared to purchasing tickets separately.
VIP Packages
The museum offers various special VIP packages, usually only available with advance online booking. Options include:
- “The Ultimate Franklin Experience” – $45. Includes admission, 1 IMAX film, access to special exhibits, and express entry.
- “Ben’s VIP Tour” – $150. Guided museum tour for up to 6 people plus express entry, an IMAX film, and cafe meal voucher.
Memberships
Becoming a member of The Franklin Institute grants year-long free admission and other benefits like discounts on films, events, and purchases. Membership levels include:
- Individual – $135/year
- Dual/Family – $165/year
- Grandparent – $165/year
Group Rates
Discounted group rates for 10 or more visitors are:
- Adult groups – $21 per person
- Child groups – $17 per person
- Add-ons like IMAX films around $2 off regular price per person
Free First Sunday
On the first Sunday of every month, general museum admission is free for all visitors. However, IMAX films, planetarium shows, and special ticketed exhibits still require standard paid tickets.
When Are Discounts and Free Admission Available?
In addition to the monthly Free First Sunday, there are other ways to visit The Franklin Institute for free or at a discounted price:
- Free First Sunday – Free general admission on the first Sunday of each month
- Evening Hours – Free general admission from 5-8 pm every Wednesday
- Bank of America Museums on Us – Free first full weekend of each month with Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card
- Military Discounts – Active duty military get $2 off general admission with ID
Educators can also get free admission and special rates on field trip visits, and discounts are offered for SNAP benefit recipients.
How Do The Franklin Institute Tickets Work?
Franklin Institute tickets can be purchased in advance online, over the phone, or at the museum’s on-site box office. Here are some key things to know about how tickets work:
- Printed paper tickets or mobile tickets on your phone are scanned for entry
- Separate timed entry tickets are required for special exhibits
- IMAX and planetarium shows require purchasing a ticket for a specific showtime
- Tickets allow same-day re-entry, except for IMAX/planetarium shows
- Tickets are non-refundable, but can be exchanged for another date
VIP and package tickets often come with vouchers redeemable inside the museum for films, meals, etc. Tickets can sell out for peak periods, so advance purchase is recommended.
Conclusion
A world-renowned museum boasting fascinating exhibits and films, The Franklin Institute offers a memorable educational experience. While standard adult admission starts at $23, various discounts, package deals, and membership options are available. Advance online ticket purchase is suggested, especially for busy times like spring/summer and holidays. With interactive science and space exhibits, IMAX movies on a giant screen, and historic artifacts, The Franklin Institute delivers an exceptional value that makes the admission cost worthwhile.