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Masonic TemplevsThe Franklin Institute
Both are rated very highly by those who travel for a living. Overall, The Franklin Institute ranks significantly higher than Masonic Temple. The Franklin Institute comes in at #3 in Philadelphia with accolades from 11 publications like Travel + Leisure, Fodor's and Frommer's.
Masonic Temple
Fodor's
Concierge
Not For Tourists
Michelin Guide
National Geographic
Where
Atlas Obscura Michelin Guide
Frommer's
Lonely Planet
1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
From $0/night
Fodor's "The temple is one of the city's architectural jewels, but it remains a hidden treasure even to many Philadelphians." Full review
Concierge "The city's best-kept secret, this ornate 19th-century temple designed to house the state's Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania hides in plain sight across from City Hall."
Not For Tourists "Giant staircases and oak appointments."
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"This Medieval Norman-style granite structure (1873) marked by spires and towers was conceived by Masonic brother James Windrim." Full review
National Geographic "“Stunning architectural features that look like wood or stone but are actually ornate plaster”...Stone Norman cathedral exterior and huge, lavish interior rooms with such themes as a Grecian temple " Full review
Where "This 1873 National Historic Landmark features seven richly decorated halls and serves as the home to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania." Full review
Atlas Obscura "Huge masonic hall in Philadelphia with lavishly themed rooms. " Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"This Norman-style granite temple with spires and towers was conceived by freemason James Windrim." Full review
Frommer's "Quite apart from its Masonic lore, the temple -- among the world's largest -- is one of America's best on-site illustrations of the use of post-Civil War architecture and design." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Fans of secret societies and over-the-top interior design will love a tour of this church-like building." Full review
The Franklin Institute Fodor's Concierge
Travel + Leisure Michelin Guide Frommer's Not For Tourists
Afar Magazine National Geographic Where Atlas Obscura Show All Reviews
222 N 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
From $0/night
Fodor's "Founded more than 175 years ago to honor Benjamin Franklin, this science museum is as clever as its namesake, thanks to an abundance of dazzling hands-on exhibits." Full review
Concierge "You gotta love the walk-through heart, which thankfully has been refurbished and expanded since it was built in 1953."
Travel + Leisure "The walk-through, pulsing model of the human heart at this well-heeled science emporium is macabre enough to enchant children." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Founded in 1824 to teach science to artisans and mechanics, the Franklin Institute and its museum have made science entertaining." Full review
Frommer's "The Franklin Institute isn't just kid stuff. All ages love this thoroughly imaginative trip through the world of science." Full review
Not For Tourists "IMAX, Planetarium and lots of kiddie-fare."
Afar Magazine "Be diligent about spending some time at Pennsylvania’s most visited museum." Full review
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Be sure to allow enough time to make your way through the museum’s multiple floors, where entertaining and educational exhibits await.
National Geographic "Mr. Wizard kind of interactive activities that keep the kids busy for hours." Full review
Where "The city’s celebrated, family-friendly science museum explores the history and future of science through hands-on exhibits such as "Your Brain," "Changing Earth," and "Electricity." Full review
Atlas Obscura "A daily replay of the experiment that proved the rotation of the Earth. " Full review
