The Franklin Institute | 22,072 followers on LinkedIn. A national leader in science education, igniting curiosity through hands-on exhibits and innovation since 1824. | Founded in 1824, The Franklin Institute is a national leader in science education in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the spirit of inquiry and discovery embodied by Benjamin Franklin, TFI's mission is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology through hands-on exhibits, including Your Brain, Franklin Air Show, SportsZone, Sir Isaac's Loft, Amazing Machine, Wondrous Space, Body Odyssey, and Hamilton Collections Gallery. The Franklin Institute is also home to the Fels Planetarium, the Holt & Miller Observatory, and the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial.