Every museum trip has two personalities:
🔍 One who reads every plaque.
🚶♀️ One who’s already three exhibits ahead.
And somehow, they always come as a pair.
So… which are you? Tag your opposite museum wanderer below. 👀
Pi Day is just around the corner… or should we say circle? 🥧
Celebrate 3.14 with Pi-themed fun for all ages:
🌌 Pi in the Sky Tonight show
🔢 Pi digit challenge + a sweet reward from Federal Donuts & Chicken
🧠 Brain Awareness activities
📅 3.14 | 11AM – 3:14PM
🎟️ Free with admission
THANK YOU from the bottom of our Giant Heart! 🫀
Because of you, we’re honored to be named one of the Top 10 Best Science Museums and Best Planetariums in the nation for 2026 by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 🏆
Discover what earned us a spot in the Top 10. We can’t wait to welcome you! 🚀
Look up! 👀✈️
Our 1911 Wright Model B Flyer now lives in the sky of our Atrium! Suspended overhead, this legendary aircraft is one of the most intact original Wright airplanes in the world and a true symbol of the dawn of flight.
Come experience history from a whole new angle.
✈️ FI Cat. #2885
The thrills start now! 🎢The world premiere of Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition is here!
This Presidents' Weekend, be one of the first to experience the artistry, creativity, and technology that turn ideas into groundbreaking global attractions.
Secure your tickets: https://bit.ly/49lKHLR
You are so close to stepping inside the creative and innovative world of theme parks through the lens of Universal’s fan-favorite attractions!
🌎 Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition opens this weekend!
🎟️ Grab your tickets today: https://bit.ly/402RSmK
2026 is a momentous year, and today we celebrate our 202nd year! 🎂
In celebration, we debuted Franklin’s Spark, a 120-degree, multi-sensory dome experience that brings Ben’s spirit of curiosity to life on an unprecedented scale.
Feel the spark for yourself inside the memorial!⚡
Picture yourself at this world premiere exhibit 📸
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition is days away from opening, and it’s your chance to pose with your favorite character costumes.
🎟️ Don’t miss out! Grab your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3Z9pHST
Snow… on fire?! 👀❄️🔥
When calcium carbide meets water, it releases flammable acetylene gas (aka a snowy science explosion!)
We're open & bringing the heat all weekend long!
Catch Fox in our Combustion or Liquid Air Show & leave this fiery science fun to our pro science performers!🧪
#OnThisDay: 72 years ago, the iconic Giant Heart welcomed its first visitors on January 29, 1954. 🫀
⬇️ See the Giant Heart through the years!
📸: FI Cat.# PR188.10, FI Cat.# PR704.1, and FI Cat.# PR188.5, Photographer Joseph J. Barton
Buckle up! This ride is about to launch! 🎢
Step inside the creative world of theme parks through the lens of Universal’s fan-favorite attractions.
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition is racing into TFI on Feb. 14!
Secure your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3Y4eNNG
See this balloon pop explosion! 👀🎈💥
Did you know TFI members get exclusive early access and save with special pricing on Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition? 👀
Members can explore the world premiere one day early on Feb. 13, plus enjoy tons of year-round perks.
Join or renew today: https://bit.ly/4bHc4Sa
Happy Birthday, Ben! 🎂
No better way to celebrate Benjamin Franklin’s 320th Birthday than by honoring the spirit of inquiry and discovery, and inspiring a passion for learning about science and technology!
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate his big day!
We know we’re #1 in your Giant Hearts, now help us make it official! 🫀
TFI has been nominated for Best Science Museum and Best Planetarium in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 🏆
🗳️ Vote DAILY through 2/9: https://bit.ly/45SPOkw
We’re officially 1️⃣ month out from uncrating the world premiere of Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition!
Get ready to explore the stories, creativity, and thrills behind Universal’s most iconic attractions.
Don’t miss your chance to be there when it all opens on Feb. 14: https://bit.ly/449dP6l
Our namesake just got his own starter pack ⚡️
This Saturday, Jan. 17, from 11 AM- 3 PM, celebrate Ben’s Birthday Bash like it’s 1706! 🎉 Don't forget to dress like Ben!
https://bit.ly/49z507p
👓: FI Cat. #6160
⚡Rod: FI Cat. #740
Glass Armonica: FI Cat. #80-1
👔: National Museum of American History
Ever seen a combustion show in action? 🔥
The reactions say it all—it's a must-see! Get ready to be amazed as things heat up! We break down the three essential ingredients needed for any combustion reaction in this fiery show.
Think you know all three? 🤔 Catch a show and see if you’re right!
🚨 New Show Alert: Encounters in the Milky Way! 🌌
Narrated by Pedro Pascal, this show takes you on a time-traveling adventure through the cosmic forces shaping our galactic neighborhood.
Fels Planetarium, presented by PNC Bank, is free to enjoy with general admission.
You’re Invited to Ben Franklin’s Birthday Bash! 🥳
This electrifying celebration is packed with hands-on fun, games, music, and a few surprises you won’t want to miss!
🎉 Join the party: https://fi.edu/en/events-calendar/20260117/bens-birthday-bash
Happy New Year! 🎊
We’re gearing up for a year packed with memorable moments, discovery, and fun.
Make 2026 one to remember, start planning your visit to The Franklin Institute today!
2025 went out with a bang! 💥
Thank you for exploring, experimenting, and making memories with us all year long.
We’ll be closed on New Year’s Day (1/1/26), but we can’t wait to open the doors to a brand-new year of curiosity, discovery, and science fun! ✨
Looking for something fun to do this holiday break? Of course, TFI is the place to be.
Seasonal Science is full steam ahead now through Dec. 30.
Start planning your visit today: https://fi.edu/en/events-calendar/20251220/seasonal-science-holiday-programming
🚨 Reminder: We are closed on Dec. 31.
The science fun doesn’t stop! Fox is here to show you how to make festive Jingle Slime right at home.
We can’t wait to welcome you back on Dec. 26 as Seasonal Science continues through Dec. 30!
Plan your visit: https://bit.ly/4psWf5U
🚨 Reminder: We are closed Dec. 24–25, 2025 and Jan. 1, 2026.
Today we celebrate Wright Brothers Day ✈️
OTD in 1903: Orville and Wilbur Wright made history with the first successful powered flight.
See the original 1911 Wright Model B in Franklin Air Show. Though the exhibit departs on Jan. 5, stay tuned for where the plane will soon land in the museum.
Ben’s getting a fresh shine for 2026! ✨🧼
The twenty-foot Seravezza marble seated figure just got a light cleaning as we spark up an electrifying year ahead.⚡
Until then, stop by the free-to-visit Benjamin Franklin National Memorial and stay for the hands-on science fun.
📸: FI Cat.# 6288 B
Your TFI Holiday Gift Guide is here! 🎁
Our Sci Store is stocked with this season’s most-loved finds. Swing by (no ticket needed!) and discover something perfect for everyone on your list.
In a rush? Visit our website to gift tickets to our traveling exhibit or a membership: https://bit.ly/4iRpFYN
Celebrate the season with hands-on fun and fan-favorite experiences!
📅 Dec. 20–30
🏗️ Creation Station is BACK! Build, stack & create!
🆕 Planetarium Show: Reason for the Seasons
❄️ Live Science Shows with a Holiday Twist!
🎁 Shop our Sci-Store & gift a membership!
🚨We are closed on December 24 & 25.
#ICYMI: We’re bringing the theme park world to life with Universal Destinations & Experiences' Jaws, Illumination’s Minions, The Secret Life of Pets and Sing, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, Jurassic World, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon, Universal Monsters, and more.
https://bit.ly/4odFqtZ
Nothing beats an evening of science, stars, music & great company. 🔭⭐
Huge thanks to everyone who joined us for Science After Hours: Celestial Sips—and to Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts for guiding our journey through the universe as we raised a glass to the cosmos. 🌌
Here's to staying curious!🥂
