The Franklin Institute
PHILADELPHIA, 2006 - In 1824, The Franklin Institute was established as the first professional organization of mechanical engineers and professional draftsmen in the United States. The Franklin Institute has survived for more than 175 years, finding ways to adapt, flourish, and create opportunities for expanding knowledge. Evolving over the years, but retaining a passion for exploration and discovery, the heart of the Institute’s mission remains public science and technology education - through interactive exhibits, theater-based programming, educational programs and outreach.
The Franklin Institute is composed of three centers of division, The Science Center, The Center for Innovation in Science Learning, and The Benjamin Franklin Center.
Tutankhamun and the Golden Age
of the Pharaohs
Photo courtesy of National Geographic Traveler
The Science Center is the flagship of The Franklin Institute. It develops, maintains, and presents exhibits and programs which inspire a passion for science and technology learning. The Science Center includes many interactive exhibits, the Fels Planetarium, and the Tuttleman IMAX Theater. Permanent interactive exhibits include: Sir Isaac’s Loft: Where Art & Physics Collide, Electricity Hall, Franklin…He’s Electric, The Franklin Air Show, KidScience, Space Command, The Sports Challenge, The Train Factory, and The Giant Heart: A Healthy Interactive Experience.
The Center for Innovation in Science Learning (CISL), in support of its commitment to bringing technology and science education to the public, focuses on supporting teachers and administrators, enhancing the use of technology in teaching, and providing educational services on line. The CISL has developed a special focus on girls and young women in science, and also on young leaders in science.
The Benjamin Franklin Center of The Franklin Institute has hosted The Franklin Awards Program, one of the oldest and most prestigious comprehensive science and technology awards program in the world. The program recognizes extraordinary achievements in selected areas of science and technology – including Chemistry, Life Science, Physics, Engineering, Earth Science and Computer & Cognitive Science. Many Benjamin Franklin Medal laureates have eventually won the Nobel Prize.
The Benjamin Franklin Center also oversees the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, one of the few national memorials outside of Washington, D.C. Congress dedicated Memorial Hall, featuring a 20-foot high marble statue of Benjamin Franklin, as a national monument in 1976.
Currently undergoing a major renaissance, The Franklin Institute initiated a $62 million Capital Campaign to launch eight new, interactive, theme-based, state-of-the-art exhibits through 2006, as well as renovate its museum theaters, retail store, and public areas. The Franklin Institute is Pennsylvania's most visited museum, and in 2004, experienced its best attendance year in history, with over 1 million visitors.