At The Franklin Institute, we are dedicated to meeting or exceeding Federal, state, and local accessibility standards and to ensuring the full integration of individuals with disabilities who use our facilities.
For more information about accessibility at The Franklin Institute, or to request accommodations we invite you to contact the Guest Services department at 215.448.1200 or guestservices@fi.edu.
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.
Visitors Using Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are available upon request at the Atrium Ticketing Desk or at the 20th Street Business desk.
Parking
Designated parking in The Franklin Institute garage for vehicles bearing handicapped parking placards or license plates are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Restroom Facilities
Visitors who use wheelchairs will find accessible stalls in the following restrooms:
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Wisdom Hall (2nd level)
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Atrium (2nd level)
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Planetarium Lobby (1st level)
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20th Street Entrance / Lunchroom Lobby (1st level)
Baby-changing stations can be found in the following restrooms:
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Planetarium Lobby (1st level)
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20th Street Entrance / Lunchroom Lobby (1st level)
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Outside of the Your Brain exhibit (2nd level)
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Atrium (2nd level)
The infant feeding room is located on the first floor.
American Sign Language Interpreters
American Sign Language Interpreters are available, subject to the availability of an interpreter, and provided at the discretion of management. 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.
Sensory Friendly Options
For visitors with sensory differences or with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, we offer a few amenities to improve your experience. There are sensory backpacks at the Information Desks that can be borrowed during your visit. They contain items like sensory guide alerts, noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, and fidgets. The list of sensory alert maps is below. Some quieter and less stimulating exhibits are Your Brain and Space. And 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.
Download Sensory Alert Maps:
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.