FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When do I need to pay a deposit?
2. What if I have difficulty in making a deposit?
3. Do you accept purchase orders?
4. Are payments refundable if I cancel my visit?
5. Can I have my tickets mailed out to me in advance?
6. My group is less than 15 people. Do you offer exceptions to the group minimum?
7. What happens when my group arrives?
8. What do I need to check in?
9. What happens if my group is running late?
10. Can members of my group bring backpacks? Cameras?
11. What is the average length of time to spend in the museum?
12. Can members of my group use their Franklin Institute membership during our visit?
13. I still have questions. Help!


1. When do I need to pay a deposit?
Groups selecting General Admission must pay a minimum 25% deposit two weeks prior to the date of visit, with the remaining balance being paid upon arrival. Groups selecting Special Exhibits must pay the balance in full two weeks prior to the date of visit.

2. What if I have difficulty in making a deposit?
Please contact us prior to your payment due date! We will be happy to work out an alternative arrangement. If we do not hear from you and payment is not received, your visit will be cancelled.

3. Do you accept purchase orders?
Yes! Purchase Orders can be sent as a form of deposit. Please note that payment will then be due in full upon arrival.

4. Are payments refundable if I cancel my visit?
Visits that are cancelled after payment is received will be issued a credit for a future group visit.

5. Can I have my tickets mailed out to me in advance?
Yes—and it is something we highly recommend! Having your tickets mailed eliminates the need to check in—and to wait in line when your group members are anxious to start exploring. All you need to do is pay in full two weeks in advance of your visit and we will make sure your tickets are sent out to you.

6. My group is less than 15 people. Do you offer exceptions to the group minimum?
Please contact us at 215.448.1200, Option 3, weekdays 9:00AM-5:00PM. We will be happy to try and work with you.

7. What happens when my group arrives?
If you had your tickets mailed, you can immediately begin exploring the museum! For groups that did not have their tickets mailed, weekday arrivals will be greeted by a member of our Guest Services team upon arrival. Group leaders are directed to Ticketing to check in, while the rest of the group is directed into the museum. Weekend arrivals should proceed to the 2nd Floor and assemble in Franklin Hall. The group leader will then proceed to the Ticketing counter to complete check in.

8. What do I need to check in?
Please know your group name and have your confirmation number. You will also be required to provide the number of youth and adults present with the group. If payment is due, please be prepared to make payment.

9. What happens if my group is running late?
Please contact our Group Sales team. While we will strive to reschedule any programs you have, we cannot guarantee their availability.

10. Can members of my group bring backpacks? Cameras?
Backpacks are permitted in the museum, but must be carried at all times. Cameras are also permitted, with photographs allowed in all core exhibits.

11. What is the average length of time a group stays in the museum?
This varies from group to group. The museum offers enough programming and exhibits for an entire day visit, but most groups stay between 2.5 and 5 hours.

12. Can members of my group use their Franklin Institute Membership during our group visit?
Franklin Institute Memberships are not valid for group visits.

13. I still have questions. Help!
That is what we are here for! Our experienced Group Sales team can answer all of your planning questions. Contact us weekdays, 9:00AM-5:00PM, by calling 215.448.1200, Option 3. Our phones tend to get busy between 11:00AM and 1:00PM, so early morning or late afternoon may be a better time to call. You may also email us at reservations@fi.edu. We look forward to talking with you soon!

Contact Group Sales
215.448.1200 - 9:00AM-5:00PM, weekdays
reservations@fi.edu