What is Franklin Institute Famous For?
The Franklin Institute is a renowned science museum located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since its founding in 1824, the institute has been dedicated to promoting science education and inspiring curiosity about the world around us. With over 400,000 square feet of exhibits and interactive displays, the Franklin Institute is a must-see destination for anyone interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
One of the institute’s most famous exhibits is the Giant Heart. This massive, walk-through heart replica stands at 28 feet tall and 32 feet wide, allowing visitors to explore the inner workings of the human heart. The exhibit includes a series of chambers and valves that mimic the real heart’s functions, and visitors can even climb through the arteries and veins to see how blood flows through the body. The Giant Heart has been a beloved attraction at the Franklin Institute since it was first installed in 1954 and remains one of the museum’s most popular exhibits.
Another iconic exhibit at the Franklin Institute is the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. This 20-ton, 30-foot-tall statue of Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers, is located in the center of the museum’s rotunda. Visitors can climb the stairs to stand beneath the statue and learn about Franklin’s life and accomplishments as a statesman, inventor, and scientist. The memorial also includes a series of exhibits on Franklin’s many inventions and scientific discoveries, including his famous experiments with electricity.
In addition to these iconic exhibits, the Franklin Institute is home to a wide range of interactive exhibits and displays that explore various scientific concepts and phenomena. The museum’s hands-on approach to science education encourages visitors of all ages to engage with science in a fun and interactive way. Some of the most popular exhibits at the Franklin Institute include:
Your Brain: This exhibit explores the inner workings of the brain, including its structure, function, and development. Visitors can participate in a variety of interactive activities, including brain teasers, memory games, and tests of visual perception.
SportsZone: This exhibit uses sports as a way to explore physics and engineering concepts. Visitors can try their hand at a variety of sports-related challenges, including pitching a baseball, shooting a basketball, and running a race.
Electricity: This exhibit explores the properties of electricity and magnetism. Visitors can experiment with static electricity, learn about different types of circuits, and see how electromagnets work.
Space Command: This exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the solar system and beyond. Visitors can explore the planets, learn about the history of space exploration, and even participate in a simulated mission to Mars.
The Franklin Institute is also known for its commitment to science education and outreach. The institute offers a wide range of educational programs and resources for students and teachers, including field trips, workshops, and distance learning programs. The museum also hosts a variety of public lectures, workshops, and special events throughout the year, featuring prominent scientists, inventors, and researchers.
One of the most popular events at the Franklin Institute is the Philadelphia Science Festival, which takes place each year in April. This week-long celebration of science includes a variety of events and activities throughout the city, including hands-on science experiments, educational workshops, and interactive exhibits. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year and has become a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar.
Overall, the Franklin Institute is a unique and engaging science museum that offers something for everyone. From the iconic Giant Heart and Benjamin Franklin National Memorial to the museum’s wide range of interactive exhibits and educational programs, the institute is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, a science enthusiast, or just curious about the world around you, the Franklin Institute has something to inspire and educate.
Why Visit Franklin Institute?
Here are some of the top reasons to visit the Franklin Institute:
- Iconic Exhibits
The Franklin Institute is home to several iconic exhibits that have become synonymous with the museum. The Giant Heart, a 28-foot tall and 32-foot wide walk-through heart replica, is one such exhibit. It allows visitors to explore the inner workings of the human heart, including its chambers and valves, and how blood flows through the body. Visitors can even climb through the arteries and veins, making the exhibit both educational and fun. The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial is another iconic exhibit located in the center of the museum’s rotunda. This 20-ton, 30-foot-tall statue of one of America’s founding fathers features a series of exhibits about Franklin’s life and accomplishments as a statesman, inventor, and scientist.
- Interactive Exhibits
The Franklin Institute’s interactive exhibits allow visitors of all ages to engage with science in a fun and interactive way. From exploring the inner workings of the brain in the Your Brain exhibit to learning about electricity and magnetism in the Electricity exhibit, there’s something for everyone. The SportsZone exhibit allows visitors to explore physics and engineering concepts through sports-related challenges, such as pitching a baseball or shooting a basketball. Space Command takes visitors on a journey through the solar system and beyond, allowing them to explore the planets, learn about the history of space exploration, and even participate in a simulated mission to Mars.
- Science Education
The Franklin Institute is committed to science education and offers a wide range of educational resources and programs for students and teachers. From field trips and workshops to distance learning programs, the museum provides a variety of ways for students to engage with science outside of the classroom. The institute also hosts a variety of public lectures, workshops, and special events throughout the year, featuring prominent scientists, inventors, and researchers.
- Philadelphia Science Festival
The Philadelphia Science Festival, held annually in April, is a week-long celebration of science throughout the city. The festival includes a variety of events and activities, including hands-on science experiments, educational workshops, and interactive exhibits. The Franklin Institute plays a key role in the festival, with many of its exhibits and educational resources available to festival-goers.
- History
Founded in 1824, the Franklin Institute has a rich history that is evident throughout the museum. The institute was named after Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers and a renowned scientist and inventor. The museum’s exhibits and displays highlight Franklin’s contributions to science and technology, as well as his impact on American history. Visitors can learn about the history of the institute itself, as well as the broader history of science and technology.
- Family-Friendly
The Franklin Institute is a great destination for families with children of all ages. The museum’s interactive exhibits and hands-on activities provide a fun and engaging way for children to learn about science. The museum also offers a variety of programs specifically designed for families, such as family workshops and family sleepovers.