Franklin Institute, Philadelphia reach compromise on digital sign

Following a Pennsylvania court battle, Philadelphia and the Franklin Institute have reached a compromise to allow a digital sign outside the museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

But that illuminated sign may be the first and only one of its kind.

After a court ruling about a year ago cleared the way for the digital sign at the venerable museum, city officials started crafting a compromise plan.

“We began to look at how could we work within the court decision and still protect the atmosphere, the ambiance, the general feel of the parkway,” said city managing director Michael DiBerardinis.

The compromise resulted in many changes, he said.

“There’s automatic sensors on the sign so it can dim itself when need be, and there’s 30 seconds in between any change of image,” DiBerardinis said. “No strobe or flashing lights attached to it. “

The sign will be dark from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Museum officials have pressed for the new street-level sign for years to better promote the museum’s exhibits.

DiBerardinis said the sign should be a one-time concession from the city since officials are working to change regulations in order to preclude any other digital signage.