Benjamin Franklin Museum

Five rooms about Franklin’s character

The museum arranges Franklin’s story around his personality and interests rather than presenting it as a simple timeline. Its five rooms explore qualities such as curiosity, ambition, rebellion and strategic thinking. The layout brings together different parts of his life, from printing and science to public service and diplomacy.

Interactive displays, computer animations, films and written material help explain his work and ideas. Some exhibits invite visitors to take part, which makes the visit accessible to children as well as adults. Personal objects and reproductions add a physical dimension to stories about Franklin’s inventions and daily life. The collection includes objects such as a chess set and eyeglasses, alongside items associated with his experiments and pursuits.

The displays also draw on Franklin’s own words. Excerpts from his writings and familiar sayings provide a way to encounter his character alongside accounts of his public achievements. The museum covers his roles as a printer, scientist, inventor, writer, politician and diplomat, as well as his involvement in civic institutions.

A museum beneath Franklin Court

The museum is underground in Franklin Court, on the site of Franklin’s first permanent home in Philadelphia. It was built around archaeological remains connected with the house. In the courtyard above, the foundations of Franklin’s home and the remains of his grandson’s printing business help place the exhibits in their physical setting.

The National Park Service reopened the museum after a renovation in 2013. Its underground location makes the courtyard an important part of the visit: you can see traces of the buildings at ground level, then explore the exhibits below. The Franklin Court Printing Office is next door, where displays and demonstrations relate to how an eighteenth-century printing office worked and the role print played during the American Revolution.

Planning a visit

The museum is at 317 Chestnut St, between Market and Chestnut streets, and close to Independence Hall. Plan on roughly 45 to 60 minutes for the exhibits, with additional time if you want to explore the courtyard and nearby printing office.

An elevator provides access to the main exhibit area. Wide aisles and displays placed within reach support access for visitors with mobility needs, and accessible restrooms are available. The museum is suitable for families, with hands-on elements and films to keep younger visitors involved. If you have a question about Franklin or an exhibit, park rangers may be available to speak with visitors.

The museum has a gift shop. Admission is charged, and advance ticket planning is recommended. Check the National Park Service website for current visitor information before you go. The nearby courtyard remains and printing office give you more to see in Franklin Court, including options beyond the paid museum visit.