Four-hundred years ago in Padua, Italy, Galileo Galilei turned a homemade telescope to the sky, and knowledge about the universe changed forever.

When the word went out that Galileo's telescope and other instruments, paintings and prints from the priceless Medici collection would leave Florence for the first time during this anniversary year, science museums throughout the world were intrigued. But the exclusive showing did not go to New York or Chicago, London or Tokyo. The extraordinary exhibit, Galileo, the Medici and the Age of Astronomy, is only at Philadelphia's Franklin Institute, through Sept. 7.

Instruments belonging to Galileo, as well as rare instruments, paintings, prints and manuscripts from the priceless Medici collection are on display.

Founded in 1824 to teach the mechanical arts and named for Philadelphia's own prolific inventor, Benjamin Franklin, the institute long has been a welcoming place for pioneering scientists. The museum has been a pioneer in astronomy, as well. The Fels Planetarium, opened in 1934, is the nation's second oldest. The planetarium shows will be a natural tie-in to the Galileo exhibit.

Along with crowds for Galileo, the eclectic Franklin will likely draw large numbers of visitors for another big show, Star Trek: The Exhibition, featuring the world's most comprehensive collection of more than 200 authentic Star Trek objects, on display through Sept. 20.

The Franklin Institute (222 North 20th St. at Benjamin Franklin Parkway; 215-448-1200; www.fi.edu) is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The basic Sci-Pass, $14.75 adults, $12 children, includes exhibits, live shows and one planetarium show. The Bloom observatory is open daily, weather permitting.

WHERE TO STAY

Many Philadelphia hotels are offering special rates or packages that include two VIP tickets to the exhibit, allowing immediate entry bypassing any waiting line. A full listing can be seen on the Franklin Institute website, www.fi.edu or at www.gophila.com.

Loews Philadelphia Hotel (1200 Market St.; 215-627-1200) offers the ''Galileo Astronomy VIP Package'' from $165 for two. The Inn at Penn (3600 Sansom St.; 215-222-0200) has the ''Galileo and Medici'' package from $234, including parking, breakfast and three-course dinner. Embassy Suites Philadelphia Center City (1776 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-561-1776) offers two-room suites with kitchenettes, breakfast and evening reception, from $169.

WHERE TO EAT

Florence is Philadelphia's Sister City. Enjoy the Italian connection at these restaurants with Tuscan specialties: Vetri (1312 Spruce St.; 215-732-3478): Pastas $19-$22, entrees $35-$36. Ristorante La Buca (711 Locust St.; 215-928-0556): Seafood specialties, pastas $11-$15, entrees $16-$30. Melograno (2012 Sansom St.; 215-875-8116): No reservations and popular, so expect a wait; BYOB; entrees $15-$27. Tre Scalini (1915 E. Passyunk Ave.; 215-551-3870): South Philly BYOB; entrees $15-$20.

-- ELEANOR BERMAN

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