Space
Develop an out-of-this-world appreciation for the night sky. Explore the phases of the Moon as you learn about the Earth’s only natural satellite. See how the Sun affects each planet in the solar system. Construct a rover and watch how it fares on rocky terrain. And more!
Mission Control
Watch four displays with live data from the International Space Station including current position, crew, photos, and upcoming passes of the ISS that will be visible from Philadelphia.
Scope Lobby
Just inside the 20th Street entrance, a gallery of antique microscopes and telescopes brings to life the ways humans have used lenses to look outward and inward for hundreds of years.
Reflections of Greatness Mural
Painted by Philadelphia artists Evan Lovett and Frank Chapell, the mural depicts an astronaut in space. The International Space Station is reflected in the astronaut’s mask, with sunrise over Earth in the background.
Coming Soon!
All New Space Exhibit Opens Fall 2023
Feed your curiosity about what lies beyond in an all-new exhibit designed to inspire a new generation to feel excitement for the great explorations of the future—a return to the moon, travel to Mars, and the technological advancements in space science that benefit life on Earth.
Get ready to witness the wonders of space. From interactive displays to state-of-the-art simulations, the two-story exhibit promises an immersive sensory experience, transporting you to distant galaxies, unveiling the secrets of celestial bodies, and showcasing the groundbreaking technologies shaping the future of space exploration and the diversity of careers within companies embedded in this space.
Don't miss the chance to embark on an extraordinary journey through the cosmos. Opening in Fall 2023, an awe-inspiring experience for guests of all ages. Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a science lover, or simply curious about the mysteries of the universe, this exhibit will ignite your imagination and leave you with a deeper understanding of our place in the cosmos.
Members will be invited to see it first!
Every visit to the science museum is FREE for members. Join today!
Your New Franklin Institute Experience
The launch of this new Space exhibit is the first of a series of exciting science topics we will explore through a collection of innovative exhibits developed and rolled out over the next several years to support a bold vision that intersects education with entertainment to deliver a reimagined Franklin Institute experience.
The exhibits will transform the way we communicate information, tell diverse science stories, and deliver awe-inspiring encounters with the latest in science and technology.
The current Space exhibit closes September 20, 2023.