Plan Your Visit: Frequently Asked Questions

How long are my tickets good for? 

Tickets are valid for the day of purchase only. You may apply all or a portion of today’s visit to a Franklin Institute membership prior to leaving the museum today.  

What forms of payment do you accept? 

We accept cash and all major credit and debit cards as forms of payment. 

Can I leave and revisit on the same day? 

Absolutely! Your admission ticket is valid all day for the date purchased, and you will receive a wristband. 

How long does it take to experience The Franklin Institute? 

If you take advantage of all of our exhibitions and experiences, you can spend up to 3 to 4 hours exploring the museum. There’s a lot to see and do at The Franklin Institute! 

Where can I park? 

The Franklin Institute’s parking garage has a limited number of spaces and reaches capacity often. You can find more information about nearby garages on our Directions & Parking page.

Can we take pictures? 

Yes, feel free to take lots of pictures, and use #FranklinInstitute on your social media posts! For the safety of all guests, please leave selfie sticks, monopods and tripods at home. Please turn off your flash when taking photographs. You’ll get better photos with the flash off and our other guests will appreciate it! 

Is the museum wheelchair accessible? 

Yes! However, some experiences and exhibitions have limited accessibility. For more information, check out our Accessibility page or contact our Guest Services team at 215.448.1200 or guestservices@fi.edu.

Do you have wheelchairs? 

Yes, standard manual wheelchairs are available upon request at the Ticketing desk. Visitors must leave a valid driver’s license or photo ID with the Ticketing desk while using the wheelchair. 

Do you allow strollers? 

Yes, strollers are allowed. However, large toddler carriers, double-sided strollers, and jogging strollers are not allowed in the special exhibition galleries due to space constraints. We do not have strollers to rent or borrow. 

Do you allow pets? 

Service dogs are welcome at the Museum when providing assistance to individuals with disabilities. While we understand that animals other than dogs may provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, dogs and miniature horses are the only animals legally regarded as service animals. Therefore, dogs (and under certain circumstances, miniature horses) are the only animals permitted at the Museum. Service dogs must be under the control of their handler at all times during their visit to the Museum. Leash control is preferred, but under certain circumstances voice or signal control is acceptable. For more information, please contact our Guest Services team at 215.448.1200 or guestservices@fi.edu.

What happens if I arrive late?

We will do everything we can to accommodate you. 

Do you accept PA Access Cards?

Yes! 
 

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.

Are food and drinks allowed in the museum?

Food and drink are not allowed in the exhibitions. We have great options in our Eatery and Café for food and drink to purchase. 

Is there a place to store coats, bags or luggage?

We have lockers for small bags, backpacks, and coats. We are not able to store luggage. 

Is there a lost and found?

Yes! If you lose an item during your visit, please go to ticketing and a Guest Experience team member will assist you. If you realize after your visit that you have left something, please contact us at 215.448.1200. 

Does the Museum have resources for guests with sensory processing needs?  

Yes. Click here for more information on resources and accommodations offered throughout the Museum.

What is the Museum’s policy on breastfeeding? 

Mothers who wish to breastfeed their child may do so in any public area of the Museum. Additionally, there is an Infant Feeding Area located on the first floor near the gold elevators, where nursing mothers who desire more privacy can go. ​​​​Please see our Museum Map for the exact location. 

 

MUSEUM MAP PDF

Do you have a guest code of conduct? 

We’re so glad you asked! We want each visit to be as fun -- and safe -- as possible. To ensure that all guests have a safe, enjoyable and fun experience at The Franklin Institute, please cooperate with these guidelines: 
 
Treat exhibits with respect to keep them in awesome condition for your future visits and the enjoyment of others. 
The Museum is a nonsmoking facility. Smoking of any kind, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited on Museum grounds. 
This is a family-friendly environment. Proper attire, including shirts, pants and shoes, are required at all times. Anyone wearing clothing with language, images or revealing parts of their body that may be offensive or unsanitary to other guests may be asked to leave the Museum. 

 

We’re so glad you asked! We're thrilled that you're interested in ensuring a fantastic and safe experience for all our visitors. To help maintain a welcoming and secure environment, we kindly request your cooperation with the following guidelines:

  • Respect Exhibits: Please treat our exhibits with care and respect to ensure they remain in excellent condition for both your future visits and the enjoyment of others.
  • No Smoking: The Museum is a nonsmoking facility, which includes all forms of smoking, including electronic cigarettes. Smoking is strictly prohibited on Museum grounds
  • Family-Friendly Attire: We aim to provide a family-friendly environment. Therefore, we request that all guests wear appropriate attire, including shirts, pants, and shoes, at all times. If clothing features language, images, or reveals parts of the body that may be offensive or unsuitable for other guests, we may ask individuals to leave the Museum.

Your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines is greatly appreciated, as it contributes to a positive experience for everyone visiting The Franklin Institute. Thank you for your understanding and support!

 

Museum Policies

Do you have Wifi? 

Of course! Connect to the Franklin Institute Guest network. 

Do you have an ATM? 

Yes. It is located on the 2nd Floor behind the Membership Desk. 

Do you have parking spots to charge Electric Vehicles? 

Yes. These are located on level P2 (the street entrance level) in our parking garage. 

Do you have a cafeteria? 

Yes! Our Eatery offers a selection of snacks and entrees, including sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, salads, soups, and more. We also have a Café with a selection of snacks. 

Do you have a gift shop? 

Yes! Be sure to stop by to take home a special reminder of your visit. We have unique and educational mementos that relate to our dynamic exhibit halls. Museum members save 10% on every purchase. 

Can I refund my general admission ticket? 

Tickets are not transferable and may not be refunded but can be exchanged for a different date. 

Can I refund my membership purchase? 

Please note that memberships are nonrefundable, nontransferable and benefits are subject to change. View member program FAQs on our Membership page