At The Franklin Institute, we're committed to ensuring every guest enjoys the best possible experience. We strive to meet or exceed Federal, State, and local accessibility standards, welcoming individuals with disabilities into our facilities seamlessly.
Your experience during your visit may involve varying amounts of walking and standing, depending on your chosen activities. Please know that our dedicated guest services team is here to assist you in the most convenient and efficient ways possible. They can offer guidance on optimal routes, share helpful shortcuts, and suggest resting spots tailored to your preferences and needs.
Have questions or specific needs? Feel free to reach out to our Guest Services department in advance at 215.448.1200 or guestservices@fi.edu. We're here to assist you!
Getting Here
Accessible Parking
Paid self-parking, including first-come, first-served spots for vehicles bearing valid DMV handicapped parking stickers or license plates, and under 6’5” tall, is available in the Museum garage during regular Museum hours (space limited). An elevator is available to take guests up to the Ticketing Desk on the Atrium level. For information on accessible vans greater than 6’5” tall, please email guestservices@fi.edu prior to your visit.
Guest Drop-off
Guests may be dropped off near the main Museum entrance and enter through our accessible 20th Street Business Entrance.
Wheelchair Accessible Entrances and Seating
Accessible entrances to The Franklin Institute are located at the 20th Street business entrance or via the parking garage elevators into the Bartol Atrium.
Courtesy Wheelchairs
The Museum has a limited number of manual wheelchairs, which guests may borrow free of charge with a driver’s license or photo ID, available upon request at the Ticketing Desk. Wheelchairs are available on a first come, first served basis.
American Sign Language Interpreters
American Sign Language Interpreters are available, subject to the availability of an interpreter. Requests for an interpreter must be made by phone at 215.448.1200 at least three weeks prior to the visit date. Visitors must reserve and pay for their admission to the museum prior to requesting an interpreter.
Restroom Facilities
Wheelchair accessible restrooms can be found in:
- Wisdom Hall (2nd level)
- Atrium (2nd level)
- Planetarium Lobby (1st level)
- 20th Street Entrance / Lunchroom Lobby (1st level)
Baby-changing stations can be found in the following restrooms:
- Planetarium Lobby (1st level)
- 20th Street Entrance / Lunchroom Lobby (1st level)
- Outside of the Your Brain exhibit (2nd level)
- Atrium (2nd level)
Our infant feeding room is located on the first floor to the left of the double gold elevators.
Service Animals
Any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability as defined by the American with Disabilities Act is welcome in the Museum during regular operating hours.
Seating
Seating is available throughout the museum. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in the Eatery (2nd floor).
Sensory-Friendly Options
Sensory backpacks are available for check-out at our Ticketing Desk. Each backpack is equipped with sensory guide alerts, noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, and fidgets. Backpacks are first come, first served.
If you find the museum too overwhelming and need to leave within 30 minutes of purchasing your ticket, please stop by the Box Office for a return visit voucher to try again on another day.
Visitors Requiring Personal Care Attendants
Visitors with severe disabilities may be accompanied by Personal Care Attendants (PCA) at no additional cost during their visit to The Franklin Institute. This applies to all ticketed events, General Admission, Special Exhibit and Theater showings that the visitor is attending. This also applies to individual, membership, complimentary and group sales tickets.
Visitors with severe disabilities who wish to purchase advance tickets for special exhibits or theater showings should contact 215-448-1200 (option 3) to request complimentary companion tickets for a paid PCA. These tickets must be picked up in person by the visitor and the paid PCA at the Box Office.
Local Access Programs
PA ACCESS Card
Present your PA ACCESS card and receive admission or tickets for up to four people, at $2 each. Not valid with any other offer or group rate. Visitors must present their PA ACCESS card at the Box Office along with a photo ID to receive the discount. Not valid on special exhibitions, special events or features, or with any other offers or groups rate. Advance tickets not required. ACCESS Philly is a region-wide initiative led by Art-Reach. ACCESS admission is available during regular museum hours.
STAMP Passes
Teens from Philadelphia high schools who have a valid Philadelphia student ID receive free admission. Find out more about the STAMP program.
Other Accommodations
Visitors with disabilities who wish to request other accommodations, auxiliary aids and services, or any other modification to TFI policies and procedures should contact guest services at 215.448.1200 or guestservices@fi.edu.