The Franklin Institute Comprehensive Plan and Renovations

The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest science education centers in the U.S., founded in 1824, and today is both a science center and memorial to honor Benjamin Franklin. It is the most-visited museum in Pennsylvania, and field trips there have been a rite of passage for generations of Philadelphia-area schoolchildren. As it approached its 200th anniversary, The Franklin Institute sought to reevaluate its physical structure and its visitor experience, by updating exhibitions and connecting public spaces. It turned to SmithGroup to develop a comprehensive plan for phased building and gallery renovations and subsequently awarded the firm the first phase of the plan’s implementation.

The comprehensive plan for the reimagined Franklin Institute envisions a more welcoming, open and intuitive experience with enhanced core exhibitions to spark wonder and curiosity. The planning process began with a thorough evaluation of the physical structure, establishing a prioritized list of repairs and upgrades. At the same time, the team conducted field surveys, interviews and workshops with staff and community stakeholders to understand their needs and refine strategies for upgrading the visitor experience. The studies clarified three key challenges to address: enhance visitor flow and navigation which had become awkward over the course of multiple previous additions; upgrade and update the exhibits and interpretive objectives to better engage current and future learners; and create a more stable environment to responsibly house and interpret the museum’s collection.

The first phase of implementation is the renovation of the former "Train Factory" exhibit, transforming 10,000 square feet into a two-story space that gives visitors a curated behind-the-scenes glimpse of The Franklin Institute’s vast collection of artifacts. The beloved 350-ton Baldwin locomotive, displayed at the museum since 1933, is central—literally and figuratively—to the reimagined gallery. The design removes the slab to one side of the locomotive, exposing the supporting trusses below (which were originally intended as an engineering exhibit) and creates a bold, airy two-story gallery. The resulting spatial separation between a visitor gallery mezzanine and a staff-only collections suite below allows for the engaging display and interpretation of collections objects and access to the locomotive, while balancing the security and functional needs of collections staff. For the first time, visitors can appreciate the breadth of the museum’s collection, take deep dives into selected works on display through interactive content, and see the museum’s dedicated collections staff at work. 

This exciting initial phase of the comprehensive plan thoughtfully balances the updating of an established museum for a modern audience, retaining the historic integrity of the monumental 1930’s Classic Revival building envelope, and bringing more stories of its rich collection to the public. Light penetration is carefully moderated with UV film and solar shades; mechanical systems gradually modulate in response to seasonal changes to keep temperature and relative humidity in acceptable ranges. The renovation successfully retains and cares for what the public holds dear about The Franklin Institute and ensures that the museum continues to inspire curious minds for decades to come.