Members of The Franklin Institute enjoy exclusive access to exhibitions, programs, and events all year round!
Benefits begin as soon as you complete your purchase online! Your membership card will arrive immediately in your confirmation email, and you can begin visiting the museum and reserving advance tickets through the members-only webstore.
Join, Renew or Gift a Membership
Becoming a member supports The Franklin Institute and provides you with incredible benefits.
Select the Option That is Right for You!
Individual Memberships
See below for more information on gift memberships
|
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS |
Dual Membership: |
Innovators: $300 |
|---|---|---|
|
Core member benefits |
1 adult, 1 guest |
1 adult, 1 guest |
|
Special Exhibition tickets (each exhibit) |
|
2 |
|
Franklin Institute parking garage vouchers |
|
2 |
|
Exclusive invitations to special events |
|
✓ |
|
Recognition in The Franklin Institute's Online Honor Roll |
|
✓ |
|
Tax-deductible |
100% |
all but $40 |
Family Memberships
See below for more information on gift memberships
| MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS | Family: $175 | FamilyMAX: $219 | Friends Circle: $400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core member benefits | 2 adults, 4 children | 2 adults, 4 children, 2 guests | 2 adults, 4 children, 2 guests |
| Guest passes for the museum to share with family, friends, and colleagues | 4 | ||
| Special exhibition tickets (each exhibit) | 2 | ||
| Franklin Institute parking garage vouchers | 4 | ||
| Recognition in The Franklin Institute's Online Honor Roll | ✓ | ||
| Tax-deductible | 100% | 100% | all but $180 |
Philanthropic Memberships
| MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS | Patrons Circle: $600 | Discoverers Circle: $1000 |
Benefactor Partner: $1,500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core member benefits | 2 adults, 4 children, 2 guests | 2 adults, 4 children, 2 guests | 2 adults, 4 children, 2 guests |
| Passes for the museum to share with family, friends, and colleagues | 8 | 12 | 12 |
| Special exhibition tickets (each exhibit) | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Franklin Institute parking garage vouchers | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Invitations to exclusive Benefactor Society events | ✓ | ||
| Dedicated Benefactor concierge service | ✓ | ||
| Opportunity to start the Foucault Pendulum (private by request) | ✓ | ||
| Recognition in The Franklin Institute's Online Honor Roll | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Recognition on Benefactor Society screens in the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial | ✓ | ||
| Tax-deductible | all but $280 | all but $380 | all but $380 |
For higher membership levels, learn more about The Benefactor Society.
Membership Guidelines
- Memberships are for a single household and are not transferrable. Photo ID is required to match our household record at check-in.
- Member children are ages 3 - 18.
- Guests, where applicable, must be accompanied by Member(s).
- Parking is first come, first served for all visitors, including Members. Possession of parking vouchers, where applicable, does not guarantee parking. Please note that the garage has limited parking for over-sized vans, trucks and SUVs.
Gift Memberships
When you purchase a gift membership for relatives and friends, you are providing them 1 full year of fun at The Franklin Institute!
Just select "Gift" from the Individual or Family Membership sections above.
Members enjoy exclusive access to exhibitions, programs, and events—plus a portion of your gift is tax deductible, supporting our mission to educate and inspire millions every year.
PLEASE NOTE: For online purchases, all gift membership materials will automatically be sent directly to the gift giver identified as the Billing Contact within the purchasing process. You can expect to receive these materials by mail within 7 business days after completing your purchase.
If you have questions about Gift Memberships or would like to purchase by phone, please call us at 215.448.1200, Option 2.
Exclusive Member Benefits
Our members enjoy the following core benefits that begin as soon as you complete your purchase online! Your membership card will arrive immediately in your confirmation email, and you can begin visiting the museum and reserving advance tickets through the members-only webstore.
- Unlimited FREE admission to the Science Museum and Fels Planetarium
- Special pricing on all ticketed exhibitions
- The Art of the Brick – Coming in early 2024. Stay tuned for more details!
- Exclusive discounts on:
- Franklin Institute parking garage – $5 off
- Sci-Store purchases – 10% off
- Advance ticketing – no service fees
- Invitations to events, lectures and exclusive Franklin@Home programs
- Reciprocal FREE admission to more than 250 ASTC Science Museums (restrictions apply)
- Tax deductibility – your membership also provides critical support that advances The Franklin Institute’s mission to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology. Thank you!
ASTC Passport Program
Membership at an ASTC museum, such as The Franklin Institute, provides free admission to over 250 science and technology centers throughout the world. See below for more details.
Members of The Franklin Institute
As a Franklin Institute Member, you are eligible for Passport admission benefits at participating museums only if:
- The museum is more than 90 miles away as the crow flies from The Franklin Institute; and
- You present physical proof (i.e. Membership card) of your active Franklin Institute Membership and a matching photo ID at the museum’s ticketing desk
Be prepared for your visit. We recommend that you call the museum in advance of your arrival, to confirm participation and the specific Passport benefits you will receive as a Franklin Institute Member. Each museum has the right to define the benefit you will receive, and in most cases it will not match your Franklin Institute Member benefits exactly.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that you call first to confirm your benefit. Museums may have altered hours or special procedures you will need to know about in advance. Some may not be fully opened to the public yet, and could have temporary reciprocal restrictions in place.
See the full list of ASTC Reciprocal Museums. If you see the notation "Proof of Residence Required" next to a museum, it means that your Photo ID must also indicate that your home address also exceeds a 90-mile distance from that museum in order to be eligible for reciprocal benefits.
Members of Participating ASTC Museums
As a Member of a participating museum, you are eligible for benefits at The Franklin Institute only if:
-
Your museum is located more than 90 miles away from The Franklin Institute, as the crow flies,
-
You present physical proof (i.e. Membership card) of your active Membership at a participating museum and a matching photo ID at The Franklin Institute’s ticketing desk; and
-
Your Photo ID indicates your place of residence is more than 90 miles away from The Franklin Institute, as the crow flies.
This does not include ticketed special exhibitions or benefits of Franklin Institute Members for visit upgrades. The Franklin Institute will not contact or take calls/faxes from your home museum. If you do not arrive with the above required proof, reciprocal benefits will be denied.
Pro Tips & FAQs for Members
Membership Basics
When I buy a Membership, when can I begin to use it?
Your Membership is valid at the time of purchase and may be used immediately for access to the museum or for reserving tickets. Please be aware that all Members are required to present photo ID when checking in at the Membership or Ticketing Desk, whether you have your Membership Card with you or not. If the Membership is purchased at the museum, you will receive your Membership Card at that time. If the Membership is purchased online or over the phone, you will receive a receipt via email. ATTACHED to that email is a temporary membership card, which can be used for booking advance tickets or to visit eligible ASTC Passport Program museums. Your permanent card(s) will be printed at The Franklin Institute when you check in for your first visit. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 215.448.1200.
How do I know when my Membership expires?
The expiration date of the Membership will be printed on your Membership card. All Memberships are valid for one full year. As your expiration date nears, you will receive renewal notices from us in the US mail, email, and by phone, highlighting a special renewal price and some of our upcoming exhibits and events. You will not lose any time on the Membership if renewed before the expiration date. The new Membership will commence when the current one expires.
Can Member children come without a parent?
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you have children who are watched by a babysitter/caretaker/grandparent, they may bring your children to the museum. Please provide the Membership Card, or a copy of the card, to the caretaker and have a note indicating that you are giving them permission to bring your children to the museum.
Can my relatives use my Membership without me?
No, your Membership is for your household. You may not give your Membership card to another relative or friend to be used without you or someone from your household accompanying them. Someone from your actual residence must be present upon checking into the museum for additional guests to use the Membership.
I would like to buy a gift Membership for someone. How can I do this?
To purchase a gift Membership, just select from the Individual or Family Membership sections above. You can also call 215.448.1200 to purchase a gift membership.
Membership Cards
How long will it take to receive my Membership card?
A print-at-home temporary membership card will be emailed to you as soon as your membership purchase is complete. On your first visit to the museum, present this temporary card (printed or displayed on any smartphone/tablet) along with a photo ID, and your permanent card will be printed for you at that time.
How many Membership cards will I receive?
One Membership card is issued per Membership. If a second card is requested, we do require two adult names from the household to be listed on the card; please indicate this to us at the time of purchase or contact the Membership Office at 215.448.1200.
Am I able to use my Membership without having the card?
Yes, although we strongly suggest having the card with you during your visit. Please be aware that all Members are required to present photo ID when checking in at the Membership or Ticketing Desk, whether you have your Membership card with you or not.
My card has been lost/stolen. What should I do?
If your card has been lost or stolen, we can have a replacement made and sent to you. Please contact the Membership Office at 215.448.1200. You can also email us at membership@fi.edu. In the email, please provide your name and home address, so we can locate your Membership record. It can take between 2-3 weeks for your replacement card to arrive in the mail. Members may also request a new card at either the Membership or Ticketing Desks during their next visit and the card will be printed at that time. If you have lost your card and you are planning a visit to a reciprocal institution, please contact the Membership Office at least 3 days in advance of your trip. Once the request has been received, we can fax or email a letter confirming your Membership with The Franklin Institute.
I have moved. How can I change my address?
If you have recently changed your address, please contact the Membership Office at 215.448.1200. You can also email us at membership@fi.edu with your name, old address, and the new address and we will be happy to update your record.
Membership Benefits
How can I order tickets on the weekend?
Please contact the Membership office at 215.448.1200 if you would like to make advance reservations.
To purchase advance tickets online, visit the members-only webstore.
How can I best learn about ALL Membership events?
Additional Member events and updates are announced via our bi-weekly Members' e-mail, Spectacles Online. If you do not currently receive Member e-mail updates, please contact the Membership Office at 215.448.1200 or membership@fi.edu to add your e-mail address to our records. Member e-mail addresses are used for internal purpose only and are not shared with any outside organizations.
Does my Membership allow access to all exhibits for FREE?
All 10 Science Center Exhibits included with General Admission are FREE for Members. Traveling exhibits, however, are offered with exclusive Members benefits, including discounted rates or free tickets. We strongly recommend that you reserve tickets for traveling exhibits in advance, especially during weekends, holiday seasons, and school vacations. To purchase or reserve tickets in advance, visit the members-only webstore or call 215.448.1200.
My child is coming with a school field trip. Is he/she able to use the Membership?
Membership Benefits are valid for household visits only and therefore your child may not use the Membership card while on a field trip. However, groups always receive great discounts on admission and traveling exhibits.
What is ASTC?
ASTC stands for the Association of Science and Technology Centers. The Franklin Institute is a Member organization and this partnership allows for your Franklin Institute Membership to be valid at over 250 science museums around the world. Benefits are set by each host museum and may vary. This program does not typically include any museums within 90 miles of your home museum. Please contact each museum prior to your visit to be sure they offer reciprocity and to get their specific entrance policy. View the ASTC list for additional information and a current listing of participating museums.
Purchase Member Tickets
Avoid long ticketing lines by securing discounted and free tickets in advance. There are no service fees for members! Check in is a breeze when you have your tickets printed, displayed on your smartphone, or waiting for you at will-call.
Member tickets
Or, call a membership representative at 215.448.1200, Option 2.
Contact Membership
215.448.1200 (Option 2)
membership@fi.edu