The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute is a Philadelphia science educational institution described at its own website and on Wikipedia.

User Experiences of the Franklin Institute

"I Especially Like Night Skies"

When my wife and I went to the F.I. in summer 2010, I learned about, and went back twice (and counting) for the Night Skies monthly event.  Some highlights of my experience:

• It's more than just an evening of observation. There are free planetarium shows and more, which adds up to a challenging time deciding how to make choices that maximize your enjoyment of the evening. All for one admission price of $5. Great value!
  

• The first time I went, only one telescope was open for public viewing.  The second time, they had four, so I spent less time waiting in line and more time gazing at celestial wonders.

• Chief astronomer Derrick Pitts, who gave a talk and also helped guide and educate visitors on the observation deck, was especially pleasant to meet. Sorta like Neil deGrasse Tyson.

PaulSank 22:01, 11 February 2011 (EST)

"A Wildly Enthusiastic Member"

In early June 2011, I bought an individual membership at $50, thinking it looked like a great deal, but wondering if I'd ever actually use it. Two months later, I've been to the place twelve (12) times! And I've upgraded my membership a notch.

My advice to the new visitor is to give it all day! Get there at 9:30am. Schedule some breaks throughout the day to refresh yourself. The place is inexhaustible and can easily keep you going 'til 5:00pm. Keep abreast of the day's Planetarium shows and live demonstrations, which will give you some additional sit-down time when you choose a few to enjoy. Overall, give yourself the big once-over in the morning, all three floors, and then after that you go back to what might be some of your favorite displays and give them a greater amount of attention.

Seriously, after 12 visits I have yet to fully do everything. Only a fraction of the place has received all the attention it deserves from me. I'm sure it'll be quite a few visits before I can finally say, OK, now I've actually done everything enough to say I've completely done the place.

Another recommendation: Don't be afraid to talk to people. The usual social barriers that might inhibit you in, say, a subway, don't apply at the FI. Conversations can be started quite easily just by commenting on an exhibit while you and someone else are looking at it.

PaulSank 16:12, 10 August 2011 (EDT)