The Franklin Institute
Walk inside a colossal heart, then follow the experiments and live demonstrations that turn abstract science into something physical and surprising.
Artwork inspired by Charles Sheeler
The Giant Heart is not just an object to photograph: visitors walk through its chambers and follow the route blood takes through the body. In the surrounding Body Odyssey gallery, questions about the brain, circulation, and medical technology become tangible. Pause outside to identify the vessels, then compare that view with what the passage inside makes you notice.
The Franklin Institute spreads beyond anatomy. Planetarium shows, live science demonstrations, and galleries on space, motion, and invention reward a visit built around two or three interests rather than a frantic floor-by-floor sweep. Its namesake is Benjamin Franklin, but this is a science museum, not a historical house. Weekday school groups are common before midafternoon; the museum recommends a later weekday visit for a quieter experience.
- Signature exhibit
- Walk-through Giant Heart
- Included
- Planetarium and live science shows
- Entrance
- 222 N 20th St
Quick guide
- Start in Body Odyssey
- Trace the Giant Heart from its external vessels into the walk-through chamber.
- Choose one live event
- Check today's demonstration or planetarium schedule before deciding which galleries to pair with it.
Know before you go
- Study the anatomy
- Use the Giant Heart to connect vessel colors, chamber shape, and blood flow.
- Compare scales
- Move from the life-size visitor to the enormous model, then back to smaller body-system exhibits.
- Catch a demonstration
- The science shows turn experiments into something you can watch unfold, not only read about.
- Mind the add-ons
- General admission covers the core museum; a touring exhibition may need a separate ticket.
Good to know
The 20th Street entrance and 21st Street garage are on different sides of the complex. General admission includes the permanent science galleries, planetarium shows, and live demonstrations, but not every special exhibition.
Notice these
- The Giant Heart
- Fels Planetarium
- Live science demonstrations