The Franklin Institute
 Frog has been the exclusive caterer at The Franklin Institute since 1987. In that span we have developed a seamless partnership with the Institute’s Sales and Catering department. Together we have helped imagine and create thousands of memorable experiences for our guests ranging from Philadelphia Block Parties to dazzling receptions and elegant sit-down dinners.
The museum hosts events from an intimate gathering for 5 to extraordinary events of 5,000. Events include, but are not limited to: Corporate Events, Social Galas, Weddings, Bar/Bat-Mitzvahs, Presentations, Video Conferencing, Trade Shows, New Product Launches, Museum Wide Events, Family Days, and live music events. Below is an overview of the Museum and its many great spaces, all of which are available for rental. To get further information immediately check the Facility Rental site: http://www.fi.edu/tfi/info/rentals
Franklin Hall and Jordan Lobby
Rich in history, Franklin Hall is possibly the most dramatic space at the Institute and in the region. The monumental marble statue of Franklin, sculpted by James Earle Fraser, was completed in 1938. The statue sits in an 82-foot marble rotunda known as Franklin Hall. In 1972, Congress designated Franklin Hall as the official United States memorial to Benjamin Franklin.
The Franklin statue has provided a dramatic backdrop for the Presidents of countries and companies as well as brides and grooms. The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial is the only national memorial available for private functions. It also can be combined with adjacent spaces including Franklin Gallery, Bioscience and the Bartol Atrium to fully utilize the Main Level of the museum.
When added to the historic and majestic Franklin Hall the adjacent Jordan Lobby can provide two spaces, or one larger space in which to hold your next Wedding, Gala, or Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Jordan Lobby, which is located at the main entrance, is the ideal pre-function space for your event. The lobby’s marble floors and high, hand-painted ceiling add a touch of elegance to your function. For your convenience a deep rich wood and marble desk are available for your use. The lobby can be used as a reception area for Franklin Hall or stand-alone as a reception space or sit-down dinner space.
Franklin Gallery, Electricity Hall & Bioscience
Franklin Gallery is the perfect space for a reception or after dinner dessert station. The Gallery is an interactive tribute to Benjamin Franklin and the Institute. Wrapping around the famous pendulum and adjacent to Franklin Hall, the gallery is an ideal pre-function space when used in conjunction with Franklin Hall.
To further enhance the Franklin Gallery experience, consider adding Electricity and/or Bioscience to your package. Electricity Hall has a distinct historical feel and contains many different examples of electricity and its uses since its conception. Bioscience features the famous Walk-through Heart, as well as interactive exhibits dealing with the science of the human body.
Bartol Atrium
Adjacent to Franklin Hall, this futuristic area is spacious with open-air ambience. The Atrium is the ideal choice to handle overflow for a reception or dancing. The space with its high ceilings and avant-garde design is equally suitable for stand-alone events.
Fel’s Planetarium & Space Command Exhibit
Tired of having your events in the same old galaxy? The new Fel’s Planetarium at the Franklin Institute is the region's newest and most dramatic event location. Frog recently debuted the planetarium and adjacent Space Command exhibit as a combined event site. Have your reception under the stars, as your guests dance and dine, all the while protected from the elements.
Offering cutting-edge planetarium and multimedia technology, the new planetarium will provide visitors with a more intimate and richer viewing experience of the night sky. New enhancements include a state-of-the-art aluminum dome that envelopes the audience and provides the ultimate screen for cosmic projections, upgraded video projection and super-fidelity systems, theater controls, lighting system, carpeting and theater seating, and ADA accessibility.
The best feature for Frog is that the seats can be removed and arranged in any configuration. The space is ideal for a wedding reception. Brides can get married under the stars while guests are dazzled by laser lit skies without any chance of rain. And with guests able to explore the exhibits in Space Command, Fel’s Planetarium is also the perfect place for young and old alike to enjoy the occasion of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
 Weddings at the Franklin Institute
Imagine a ceremony under the stars? Or maybe you’d prefer the majestic dome and marble rotunda of Franklin Hall? With dinner and dancing under the stars? At The Franklin Institute your wedding has endless possibilities. Bound only by your imagination.
The Institute’s event staff and Frog’s Event Managers are waiting to create a package that reflects the tone, taste, and style that is uniquely yours. Imbued with the patina of history, the architecture, and wonder are unique to this truly Philadelphian space. No matter the scope or size of your event, there is no more versatile and intriguing site in the region to have your wedding.
 Conference Center & The Rooftop Deck
The Fifth-floor Conference Center offers state-of-the-art meeting space with integrated audio- visual components. For smaller meetings the center can be converted into smaller rooms. Video Conferencing and Internet connectivity are available in all of the meeting rooms.
The Rooftop Deck affords unique and stunning views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, The Museum District, and The Philadelphia Skyline. The space is ideal for evening receptions, to view events on the Parkway, or in conjunction with the use of the conference center.
The Theatres at The Franklin Institute
Tuttleman IMAX, Fel’s Planetarium, Musser Theater & Stearns Auditorium
The Institute’s four theaters offer various programs for your convenience. Your guests can truly soar in the Tuttleman IMAX Theatre featuring four story images and 56-speaker sound system. The theater may be included with a reception and/or a dinner, and used for product launches, presentations, or meetings.
 The Fel’s Planetarium
Musser Theater seats 150 and is the ideal space for PowerPoint presentations or a breakout room. The theater features state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. In addition, Stearns Auditorium seats 280 and is perfect for larger presentations or musical performances.
About the Building
The museum’s “electric” atmosphere invigorates the imagination and allows children and adults alike to experience the thrill of scientific discovery. We like to think this spills over into every event we do at The Franklin Institute.
The Franklin Institute is available for all of your events and meetings. Built in 1934, the building is a fine example of neo-classical architecture. The avant-garde style Bartol Atrium was added in 1990. Together the two connected buildings are a perfect marriage of the stately and the new. All the more reason Frog’s Philadelphia tradition of innovation and excellence in catering seems right at home.
Location
Convenient and accessible, located where Logan Circle intersects the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, The Franklin Institute Science Museum is a short walk from downtown offices, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, area hotels, and 30th Street Station. It is one of the city’s most exciting and unusual event locations with over 200,00 square feet of usable space.
Getting Started
Frog Commissary’s experienced team of event managers and chefs are eager to get started planning your next event at The Franklin Institute. To inquire about having your next event at Philadelphia’s most versatile and electrifying event site contact the facilities rental department at The Franklin Institute Science Museum at http://www.fi.edu/tfi/info/rentals or call 215-923-6500 or email Frog Commissary.
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