The Franklin Institute

🛩️ #FunFact: In 1933, aviation legends Amelia Earhart and Orville Wright visited The Franklin Institute to celebrate the opening of Aviation Hall! That same year, Earhart offered her bright red, record-breaking Lockheed Vega 5B, affectionately nicknamed “Little Red Bus,” to the museum. Today, you can see a model of Earhart’s plane in our Hamilton Collections Gallery—a Philadelphia Model Aeroplane Association scale model contest winner from 1935. 📸: FI Cat. #7820

Earlier this week, The Franklin Institute was honored to welcome members of the US Navy and United States Marine Corps as part of Philadelphia’s 250th Homecoming celebration. President and CEO Larry Dubinski greeted Major General John F. Kelliher III and Rear Admiral Bradley Andros, along with 10 Navy Sailors and 10 Marines, for a special visit to the museum. Major General Kelliher and Rear Admiral Andros joined Dubinski and Director of Collections susannah carroll for a private tour, which included a viewing of select artifacts—among them, Benjamin Franklin’s ceremonial sword (Silver Dress Sword and Silver-Mounted Leathered Scabbard, FI Cat. # 4437) We extend our sincere thanks to the Navy and Marine Corps for their service and for choosing TFI as a cultural destination during this historic celebration.

🧠 Just like glial cells support your brain behind the scenes, we’ve been hard at work giving the Your Brain exhibit the upgrades it deserves and it’s officially reopened! TFI is open today, October 13, and there’s no better time to explore how your brain works, how it adapts, and why taking care of it matters. 💚 Come experience refreshed interactives, new art installations by Kyle Confehr and Evan Lovett and a space designed to spark curiosity and conversations about brain health.

Last month, our Franklin Institute Ambassadors joined ACHIEVEability's Science Expo, bringing hands-on science fun to families in the community! 🙌 The Ambassadors guided participants through three interactive activities, and Joseph Fox, our Manager of Public Engagement and Theatre Experiences, wowed the crowd with a Live Science Demonstration. 🔬 Ambassadors are a dedicated group of STEM Scholars who represent The Franklin Institute in the community, on the museum floor, and in our PACTS middle school workshops. 👉 Learn more about TFI's Youth Programs here: https://lnkd.in/eQ8P9v42

🌙 Want to laugh and learn some more from Derrick Pitts? Members are invited to an exclusive evening with our Chief Astronomer for an unforgettable night under the stars. 📅 Tuesday, October 21 | 7–10 PM Explore the Fels Planetarium, Holt & Miller Observatory, and our 5th Floor Roof Deck during Night of Astronomy. 🍸 Sip on a cocktail—or a cosmo—as you journey through the cosmos. 🚀 🎟️ Reserve your spot online and join us for an unforgettable celestial experience. Not a member? Learn how to join today: https://bit.ly/4o7iEnY

A Supermoon Is Coming Tonight! ✨🌕 Have you ever wondered what makes a “supermoon” different from a regular full moon? Tonight’s full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth (perigee), so it appears brighter and larger in our sky. 🌓 In our new blog post, we break down the science behind it, explore optical illusions, and even suggest a couple of measurement experiments to try yourself. 👉 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eW3xDieD Get outside tonight, look up, and enjoy the glow. #SuperMoon #FranklinInstitute

Let’s make this postseason electric! ⚡ Go Philadelphia Phillies! ⚾

The Franklin Institute extends its deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, a visionary whose work left a lasting impact on science and the world. In 2003, she was honored with the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science for her pioneering studies with chimpanzees. We are thankful for Dr. Jane Goodall’s lasting contributions to TFI and the legacy she leaves behind.

Transform your next corporate event into something vibrant and unforgettable at The Franklin Institute! In partnership with Seravezza Events, we create experiences that spark connection and celebration—set against the backdrop of our iconic spaces. ✨ Let’s bring your vision to life—contact us today to explore dates, pricing, and customized event options! 📞 https://bit.ly/4mIL8Dn Plus, for a Limited Time Only: Book your holiday event by January 31, 2026, and enjoy $1,500 off your venue rental and a complimentary cocktail hour station. 🍸 📸: Philip Gabriel Photography and Morby Photography #CorporateEvents #FranklinInstitute

The Sci Store just got a shocking makeover—and it’s guaranteed to spark joy! ⚡ The Franklin Institute’s gift shop has been recharged with a fresh new look, electrifying merch, and plenty of surprises waiting to be discovered: 🎨 A bold, Philly-inspired mural by local artist Kyle Confehr, plus science-themed merch to match 🧠 Our newest creation, Dr. Brainstorm, starring on exclusive items (with more on the way!) 🫀 Souvenirs to commemorate iconic exhibits like Body Odyssey (home of the Giant Heart ❤️) and Wondrous Space 🚀 🤳 A selfie wall featuring none other than Ben Franklin ⚡—perfect for your next photo op 🛰️Favorites like Astronaut Ice Cream make a sweet return Stop by, stock up, and see what’s current at the new Sci Store!