The Franklin Institute Science Museum is among the renowned museums in Philadelphia, situated in Center City Philadelphia, at the junction of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the 20th Street. The history of the Franklin Institute Science Museum dates back to as early as 1824, when its foundation stone was laid inside the Independence Hall, for showing respect to the ingenuity of Benjamin Franklin. However, the construction of the present building of Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia started in 1934, and gradually became the most popular museum of Pennsylvania.
Traveling exhibits at the Franklin Institute Science Museum
‘Identity- an exhibition of YOU’ is one of the popular traveling exhibits in this museum. In this exhibition the visitors are made aware about how different physical, social and psychological elements make up an individual identity. In the ‘Star Wars’ section the visitors are taken into an imaginary world of science where they can see how the robots and the land speeders exist in the world of Star Wars. Tourists should visit the ‘Real Pirates’ to see the world’s first exhibition on authentic pirate treasure. The exhibits like jewelry, gold, cannons and pistols have been recovered from the ocean floor and were a part of the treasure chest of the pirate ship ‘Whydah’. Barry Clifford discovered this ship in 1984 off the coast of Cape Cod.
Permanent exhibits at the Franklin Institute Science Museum
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The Giant Heart, Sir Isaac’s Loft, Franklin National Memorial, The Train Factory, The Franklin Air Show, Sports Challenge are some of the best permanent exhibits in this museum. ‘The Giant Heart’ is a huge model of a walk through heart covering and area of 5,000 square feet. Divided into 4 thematic areas like heart anatomy and physiology, health and wellness, diagnostics and treatment and blood the visitors can experience the functioning of the heart. The Franklin Air Show is one of the best aviation exhibits. Wright Model B Flyer is one of the central exhibits of this museum. Designed by the famous architect John T. Windrim and resembling the Pantheon of Rome, the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial inside this museum exhibits a 20-foot high marble statue of Franklin. This hall houses the personal possessions of Franklin. The marble used for the pillars and floors were imported from France, Italy and Portugal.
Important Tourist Information
The visiting hours of the Philadelphia Franklin Institute Science Museum is from 9:30 am. to 5:00 pm, from Sundays to Thursdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, the museum is open from 9:30 am in the morning till 9:00 pm. at night.
Ticket prices vary with the various age groups.
Visiting Franklin Institute Science Museum is an enriching and fulfilling experience.
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