The Franklin Institute
@franklininstitute.bsky.social
Igniting curiosity for science since 1824 ⚡
LAST CHANCE BODY WORLDS: Vital
Coming Soon! Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition 🎢
LAST CHANCE BODY WORLDS: Vital
Coming Soon! Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition 🎢
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.
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.
December 17, 2025 at 6:11 PM
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.
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
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
December 15, 2025 at 6:09 PM
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
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
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
December 12, 2025 at 8:55 PM
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
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.
📅 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.
December 11, 2025 at 3:49 PM
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.
📅 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
https://bit.ly/4odFqtZ
December 8, 2025 at 6:09 PM
#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
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!🥂
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!🥂
December 6, 2025 at 4:45 AM
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!🥂
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!🥂
This Giving Tuesday, help us IGNITE a lifelong love of science and technology! 🔥
Gifts to the Franklin Fund power everything we do, including supporting 150 students in our intensive PACTS and STEM Scholars programs.
DONATE TODAY: https://bit.ly/4odadqT
Gifts to the Franklin Fund power everything we do, including supporting 150 students in our intensive PACTS and STEM Scholars programs.
DONATE TODAY: https://bit.ly/4odadqT
December 2, 2025 at 6:37 PM
This Giving Tuesday, help us IGNITE a lifelong love of science and technology! 🔥
Gifts to the Franklin Fund power everything we do, including supporting 150 students in our intensive PACTS and STEM Scholars programs.
DONATE TODAY: https://bit.ly/4odadqT
Gifts to the Franklin Fund power everything we do, including supporting 150 students in our intensive PACTS and STEM Scholars programs.
DONATE TODAY: https://bit.ly/4odadqT
Give the gift of Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition—the world premiere exhibit that takes guests inside the imaginative, innovative world of themed entertainment.
It's easy with a Franklin Institute gift certificate! https://bit.ly/48dgxZt
It's easy with a Franklin Institute gift certificate! https://bit.ly/48dgxZt
November 28, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Give the gift of Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition—the world premiere exhibit that takes guests inside the imaginative, innovative world of themed entertainment.
It's easy with a Franklin Institute gift certificate! https://bit.ly/48dgxZt
It's easy with a Franklin Institute gift certificate! https://bit.ly/48dgxZt
To all of YOU who explore with us year-round, we’re so grateful. 🧪🍂
From our staff and performers to our scientists, scholars, and the amazing community that supports us—you’re the (Giant) heartbeat of this place. ✨🫀
We’re open Friday (11/28) and all weekend for second helpings of science fun! 🥧🦃
From our staff and performers to our scientists, scholars, and the amazing community that supports us—you’re the (Giant) heartbeat of this place. ✨🫀
We’re open Friday (11/28) and all weekend for second helpings of science fun! 🥧🦃
November 27, 2025 at 3:48 PM
To all of YOU who explore with us year-round, we’re so grateful. 🧪🍂
From our staff and performers to our scientists, scholars, and the amazing community that supports us—you’re the (Giant) heartbeat of this place. ✨🫀
We’re open Friday (11/28) and all weekend for second helpings of science fun! 🥧🦃
From our staff and performers to our scientists, scholars, and the amazing community that supports us—you’re the (Giant) heartbeat of this place. ✨🫀
We’re open Friday (11/28) and all weekend for second helpings of science fun! 🥧🦃
🚨 We’re extra thankful this year—for our Live Science Shows and YOU!
To celebrate, we’re giving away exclusive Kyle Confehr x Sci Store merch during surprise live science demos all weekend long (Nov. 28-30)! 👀🎁
Don’t miss your chance to see science live—and maybe snag some exclusive goodies! 🚀
To celebrate, we’re giving away exclusive Kyle Confehr x Sci Store merch during surprise live science demos all weekend long (Nov. 28-30)! 👀🎁
Don’t miss your chance to see science live—and maybe snag some exclusive goodies! 🚀
November 24, 2025 at 6:08 PM
🚨 We’re extra thankful this year—for our Live Science Shows and YOU!
To celebrate, we’re giving away exclusive Kyle Confehr x Sci Store merch during surprise live science demos all weekend long (Nov. 28-30)! 👀🎁
Don’t miss your chance to see science live—and maybe snag some exclusive goodies! 🚀
To celebrate, we’re giving away exclusive Kyle Confehr x Sci Store merch during surprise live science demos all weekend long (Nov. 28-30)! 👀🎁
Don’t miss your chance to see science live—and maybe snag some exclusive goodies! 🚀
Explore the wonders of the night sky with Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts at Science After Hours: Celestial Sips (21+). 🥂
Enjoy live music plus a full lineup of out-of-this-world programming to keep the night glowing!🔭
📅: Friday, Dec. 5
🎟️: https://bit.ly/4mXAiK0
Enjoy live music plus a full lineup of out-of-this-world programming to keep the night glowing!🔭
📅: Friday, Dec. 5
🎟️: https://bit.ly/4mXAiK0
November 21, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Explore the wonders of the night sky with Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts at Science After Hours: Celestial Sips (21+). 🥂
Enjoy live music plus a full lineup of out-of-this-world programming to keep the night glowing!🔭
📅: Friday, Dec. 5
🎟️: https://bit.ly/4mXAiK0
Enjoy live music plus a full lineup of out-of-this-world programming to keep the night glowing!🔭
📅: Friday, Dec. 5
🎟️: https://bit.ly/4mXAiK0
We are clearing the runway! ✈️
After years of soaring fun, Franklin Air Show will soon make its final descent as we make room for a sunnier experience.
Visit the exhibit today before it is cleared for departure on January 5, 2026.
After years of soaring fun, Franklin Air Show will soon make its final descent as we make room for a sunnier experience.
Visit the exhibit today before it is cleared for departure on January 5, 2026.
November 20, 2025 at 4:50 PM
We are clearing the runway! ✈️
After years of soaring fun, Franklin Air Show will soon make its final descent as we make room for a sunnier experience.
Visit the exhibit today before it is cleared for departure on January 5, 2026.
After years of soaring fun, Franklin Air Show will soon make its final descent as we make room for a sunnier experience.
Visit the exhibit today before it is cleared for departure on January 5, 2026.
Our friends at the United States Mint may be moving on from the penny, but Ben Franklin’s wisdom continues to make perfect cents. 🪙
#DYK: Franklin never actually said, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” He did, however, write in the 1737 Poor Richard’s Almanack: “A penny saved is two pence clear.”
#DYK: Franklin never actually said, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” He did, however, write in the 1737 Poor Richard’s Almanack: “A penny saved is two pence clear.”
November 13, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Our friends at the United States Mint may be moving on from the penny, but Ben Franklin’s wisdom continues to make perfect cents. 🪙
#DYK: Franklin never actually said, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” He did, however, write in the 1737 Poor Richard’s Almanack: “A penny saved is two pence clear.”
#DYK: Franklin never actually said, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” He did, however, write in the 1737 Poor Richard’s Almanack: “A penny saved is two pence clear.”
It’s a celebration of cosmic proportions, and you’re invited! ✨
Join us for Science After Hours: Celestial Sips on December 5, where craft cocktails, rooftop stargazing, hands-on science, and celestial vibes collide. 🌙🍸
Explore featured programming & secure your tix ⬇️
https://bit.ly/4mXAiK0
Join us for Science After Hours: Celestial Sips on December 5, where craft cocktails, rooftop stargazing, hands-on science, and celestial vibes collide. 🌙🍸
Explore featured programming & secure your tix ⬇️
https://bit.ly/4mXAiK0
November 12, 2025 at 6:10 PM
It’s a celebration of cosmic proportions, and you’re invited! ✨
Join us for Science After Hours: Celestial Sips on December 5, where craft cocktails, rooftop stargazing, hands-on science, and celestial vibes collide. 🌙🍸
Explore featured programming & secure your tix ⬇️
https://bit.ly/4mXAiK0
Join us for Science After Hours: Celestial Sips on December 5, where craft cocktails, rooftop stargazing, hands-on science, and celestial vibes collide. 🌙🍸
Explore featured programming & secure your tix ⬇️
https://bit.ly/4mXAiK0
Set your clocks back this Sunday! ⏰
Benjamin Franklin didn’t invent Daylight Saving Time—he just wanted to save candlelight in 1784.
Watch time in motion at The Franklin Institute’s Foucault’s Pendulum and use your extra hour for hands-on science! 🌍🫀
Benjamin Franklin didn’t invent Daylight Saving Time—he just wanted to save candlelight in 1784.
Watch time in motion at The Franklin Institute’s Foucault’s Pendulum and use your extra hour for hands-on science! 🌍🫀
November 2, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Set your clocks back this Sunday! ⏰
Benjamin Franklin didn’t invent Daylight Saving Time—he just wanted to save candlelight in 1784.
Watch time in motion at The Franklin Institute’s Foucault’s Pendulum and use your extra hour for hands-on science! 🌍🫀
Benjamin Franklin didn’t invent Daylight Saving Time—he just wanted to save candlelight in 1784.
Watch time in motion at The Franklin Institute’s Foucault’s Pendulum and use your extra hour for hands-on science! 🌍🫀
🎃 Happy Halloween! 👻 There’s no better way to celebrate than by exploring the science behind... of fear!
Our Chief Bioscientist, Jayatri Das, breaks down why we fear — and how our brains react when things get spooky. 🧠💀
Feeling brave? Step into our Your Brain exhibit to put your fears to the test!
Our Chief Bioscientist, Jayatri Das, breaks down why we fear — and how our brains react when things get spooky. 🧠💀
Feeling brave? Step into our Your Brain exhibit to put your fears to the test!
October 31, 2025 at 9:07 PM
🎃 Happy Halloween! 👻 There’s no better way to celebrate than by exploring the science behind... of fear!
Our Chief Bioscientist, Jayatri Das, breaks down why we fear — and how our brains react when things get spooky. 🧠💀
Feeling brave? Step into our Your Brain exhibit to put your fears to the test!
Our Chief Bioscientist, Jayatri Das, breaks down why we fear — and how our brains react when things get spooky. 🧠💀
Feeling brave? Step into our Your Brain exhibit to put your fears to the test!
Tickets are NOW on sale for the world premiere of Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition, opening February 14! 🎢
The all-new exhibition takes guests inside the imaginative, innovative world of themed entertainment through the lens of Universal’s fan-favorite attractions.
https://bit.ly/4n73yOC
The all-new exhibition takes guests inside the imaginative, innovative world of themed entertainment through the lens of Universal’s fan-favorite attractions.
https://bit.ly/4n73yOC
October 29, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Tickets are NOW on sale for the world premiere of Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition, opening February 14! 🎢
The all-new exhibition takes guests inside the imaginative, innovative world of themed entertainment through the lens of Universal’s fan-favorite attractions.
https://bit.ly/4n73yOC
The all-new exhibition takes guests inside the imaginative, innovative world of themed entertainment through the lens of Universal’s fan-favorite attractions.
https://bit.ly/4n73yOC
🎃 Spooky Science Day is officially wrapped up like a mummy! The science today was fang-tastic! 🧛
A spook-tacular shoutout to all our guests! 👻 Your costumes were un-boo-lievably good! 🕸️ Happy Halloween!
A spook-tacular shoutout to all our guests! 👻 Your costumes were un-boo-lievably good! 🕸️ Happy Halloween!
October 25, 2025 at 8:55 PM
🎃 Spooky Science Day is officially wrapped up like a mummy! The science today was fang-tastic! 🧛
A spook-tacular shoutout to all our guests! 👻 Your costumes were un-boo-lievably good! 🕸️ Happy Halloween!
A spook-tacular shoutout to all our guests! 👻 Your costumes were un-boo-lievably good! 🕸️ Happy Halloween!
🎃 Some pumpkins were definitely harmed in the making of this video… and you can join the fun on Oct. 25 for Spooky Science Day! 👻
🎟️ Free with general museum admission: https://fi.edu/en/events-calendar/20251025/spooky-science-day
🎟️ Free with general museum admission: https://fi.edu/en/events-calendar/20251025/spooky-science-day
October 22, 2025 at 4:03 PM
🎃 Some pumpkins were definitely harmed in the making of this video… and you can join the fun on Oct. 25 for Spooky Science Day! 👻
🎟️ Free with general museum admission: https://fi.edu/en/events-calendar/20251025/spooky-science-day
🎟️ Free with general museum admission: https://fi.edu/en/events-calendar/20251025/spooky-science-day
🛩️ #FunFact: In 1933, Amelia Earhart and Orville Wright visited TFI to celebrate the opening of Aviation Hall!
Today, you can see a model of Earhart’s red, record-breaking Lockheed Vega 5B, nicknamed “Little Red Bus,” in our Hamilton Collections Gallery.
📸: FI Cat. #7820
Today, you can see a model of Earhart’s red, record-breaking Lockheed Vega 5B, nicknamed “Little Red Bus,” in our Hamilton Collections Gallery.
📸: FI Cat. #7820
October 20, 2025 at 6:57 PM
🛩️ #FunFact: In 1933, Amelia Earhart and Orville Wright visited TFI to celebrate the opening of Aviation Hall!
Today, you can see a model of Earhart’s red, record-breaking Lockheed Vega 5B, nicknamed “Little Red Bus,” in our Hamilton Collections Gallery.
📸: FI Cat. #7820
Today, you can see a model of Earhart’s red, record-breaking Lockheed Vega 5B, nicknamed “Little Red Bus,” in our Hamilton Collections Gallery.
📸: FI Cat. #7820
🏀 Think you’ve got game?
This #NationalSportsDay, hit the turf at SportsZone to explore the science behind your best plays!
Use motion-tracking tech, test your speed, and discover how physics and physiology shape every move. 💪⚙️
This #NationalSportsDay, hit the turf at SportsZone to explore the science behind your best plays!
Use motion-tracking tech, test your speed, and discover how physics and physiology shape every move. 💪⚙️
October 16, 2025 at 3:53 PM
🏀 Think you’ve got game?
This #NationalSportsDay, hit the turf at SportsZone to explore the science behind your best plays!
Use motion-tracking tech, test your speed, and discover how physics and physiology shape every move. 💪⚙️
This #NationalSportsDay, hit the turf at SportsZone to explore the science behind your best plays!
Use motion-tracking tech, test your speed, and discover how physics and physiology shape every move. 💪⚙️
🧠 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!
Experience refreshed interactives, new art installations and a space designed to spark curiosity and convos about Your Brain.
Experience refreshed interactives, new art installations and a space designed to spark curiosity and convos about Your Brain.
October 13, 2025 at 6:55 PM
🧠 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!
Experience refreshed interactives, new art installations and a space designed to spark curiosity and convos about Your Brain.
Experience refreshed interactives, new art installations and a space designed to spark curiosity and convos about Your Brain.
Thanks for making Fright @ Night a scream! 👻 We hope you had a scary good time. 🦇
Next up: Celestial Sips—where cocktails meet constellations. 🌙🍸
🗓️ Friday, Dec. 5 | 7:30–11:30PM | 21+
🎟️ Reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/4mXAiK0
Next up: Celestial Sips—where cocktails meet constellations. 🌙🍸
🗓️ Friday, Dec. 5 | 7:30–11:30PM | 21+
🎟️ Reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/4mXAiK0
October 11, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Thanks for making Fright @ Night a scream! 👻 We hope you had a scary good time. 🦇
Next up: Celestial Sips—where cocktails meet constellations. 🌙🍸
🗓️ Friday, Dec. 5 | 7:30–11:30PM | 21+
🎟️ Reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/4mXAiK0
Next up: Celestial Sips—where cocktails meet constellations. 🌙🍸
🗓️ Friday, Dec. 5 | 7:30–11:30PM | 21+
🎟️ Reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/4mXAiK0
A Supermoon Is Coming Tonight! ✨🌕
🌓 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: fi.edu/en/blog/october-2025-supermoon-explained
#SuperMoon #FranklinInstitute
🌓 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: fi.edu/en/blog/october-2025-supermoon-explained
#SuperMoon #FranklinInstitute
October 2025 Supermoon Explained
If you're looking to up your minimum monthly requirement of lunar light, tonight's the night to get a full charge. This month's full moon occurs Oct. 6 at 11:48p ET. More importantly, it occurs at this month's lunar perigee, creating an instance of ‘sup...
fi.edu
October 6, 2025 at 9:35 PM
A Supermoon Is Coming Tonight! ✨🌕
🌓 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: fi.edu/en/blog/october-2025-supermoon-explained
#SuperMoon #FranklinInstitute
🌓 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: fi.edu/en/blog/october-2025-supermoon-explained
#SuperMoon #FranklinInstitute
Let’s make this postseason electric! ⚡ Go Philadelphia Phillies! ⚾
October 4, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Let’s make this postseason electric! ⚡ Go Philadelphia Phillies! ⚾