Benjamin Franklin Museum Philadelphia
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Benjamin Franklin Museum Philadelphia

4.6
·1k reviews·Philadelphia, United States

Discover the life, inventions, and legacy of Benjamin Franklin through interactive exhibits and a unique 'ghost house'.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more engaging

CrowdLow
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Benjamin Franklin Museum Philadelphia

Benjamin Franklin Museum Philadelphia

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more engaging

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the life, inventions, and legacy of Benjamin Franklin through interactive exhibits and a unique 'ghost house'.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A hidden gem—educational, interactive, and inspiring, bringing Franklin's genius to life!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Interactive Fun for Kids

Engaging exhibits and a squirrel mascot make it great for children! :child:

🚶‍♂️ Explore Nearby

Visit Franklin's grave just a few blocks away for a complete historical experience. :gravestone:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Franklin's Life Journey

Franklin's Life Journey

Explore the interactive exhibits detailing the life, inventions, and legacy of Benjamin Franklin.

The "Ghost House"

The "Ghost House"

Experience a unique steel structure that visually represents Franklin's home and life.

Franklin's Inventions

Franklin's Inventions

Discover the ingenuity behind Franklin's famous inventions, from the lightning rod to bifocals.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Beat the crowds by visiting on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends can get busy, and consider the weather if you plan to explore the surrounding historic area.

Tickets & Accessibility

While admission is generally affordable, check for any special exhibits or events that might affect pricing. The museum is accessible, making it a good option for most visitors.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more engaging
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Good for families with kids
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The third stops are about Ben Franklin! #GhostStories #HauntedPhilly #HistoricPhilly #scaryPhilly #PhillyTok #PHL #215 #FlyEaglesFly
@livetheshowtyme
10.3K likes • 65.3K views

🎯 Interactive Fun for Kids

Engaging exhibits and a squirrel mascot make it great for children! :child: Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore Nearby

Visit Franklin's grave just a few blocks away for a complete historical experience. :gravestone: Reddit

A beautiful place to walk, read, work, and explore 🌿 Send this to someone who needs to go to the Rodin Museum! P.S. Admission to the actual museum inside is Pay What You Wish 📍 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway #philly #museum #phillymuseums #rodinmuseum #benjaminfranklinparkway #thingstodoinphilly
@bon_nappetit
9.6K likes • 118.3K views
Installation of In The East, Brother Benjamin Franklin at the Masonic Museum and Library in historic Philadelphia. #bronzesculpture #monumental #benjaminfranklin #sculptureinstallation #museum #figurativesculpture © In the East, Brother Benjamin Franklin, 2016, Bronze, Stainless Steel, Marble, 108 x 204 inches, Masonic Museum and Library, Philadelphia, PA
jimwestsculptor
133 likes • 2.3K views

💡 Educational & Inspiring

A fascinating look into the life and legacy of a true American innovator. :light_bulb: Reddit

💨 Beat the Heat

Enjoy the good air conditioning, perfect for a summer day in Philly. :snowflake: Reddit

A beautiful place to walk, read, work, and explore 🌿 Send this to someone who needs to go to the Rodin Museum! P.S. Admission to the actual museum inside is Pay What You Wish 📍 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway #philly #phillytok #phillymuseums #rodinmuseum #benjaminfranklinparkway #thingstodoinphilly
@bon_nappetit
7.3K likes • 90.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Interactive Fun for Kids

Engaging exhibits and a squirrel mascot make it great for children! :child: Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore Nearby

Visit Franklin's grave just a few blocks away for a complete historical experience. :gravestone: Reddit

💡 Educational & Inspiring

A fascinating look into the life and legacy of a true American innovator. :light_bulb: Reddit

💨 Beat the Heat

Enjoy the good air conditioning, perfect for a summer day in Philly. :snowflake: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Benjamin Franklin Museum as an educational, interactive, and inspiring hidden gem. It's lauded for its engaging exhibits that bring Franklin's life and inventions to life, making it great for both adults and children. Some note the museum's affordability and comfortable air conditioning. A minor point of reflection for some is learning about Franklin's past ownership of slaves.

"Really cool experience getting to see where his house was and the museum on the grounds that takes you through his life. You can get through pretty quick, and there's interactive stuff for kids. I'd definitely recommend coming to see the museum, and make sure you visit his grave not too far a few blocks."

Andrew Carlisle

"13 Sep 25- Depicts the life journey of this innovator, scientist, philosopher , politician and diplomat. The museum starts with demonstration of printing . Excellent audio visual aids have been used to illustrate his work, family and socio political connects in his life. What a personality !!! Highly recommended for a visit while in Philadelphia."

anand sonsale

"The Benjamin Franklin Museum is a hidden gem in Philadelphia—educational, interactive, and inspiring. It offers a fascinating look into the life, inventions, and legacy of one of America's greatest minds. The exhibits are well-organized and engaging for both adults and kids, with hands-on activities that bring Franklin’s genius to life. The museum does a great job of highlighting his wit, curiosity, and contributions to science, politics, and daily life. A must-visit for history lovers—five stars without a doubt!"

kourosh Eshman

What People Like

Educational and interactive exhibits
Engaging for all ages
Affordable admission

What People Dislike

Learning about slave ownership

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at 317 Chestnut Street in the historic Old City. It's easily accessible by public transportation, including SEPTA buses and the Market-Frankford Line. Many visitors also find it convenient to walk from other historic sites in the area. TikTok

Parking can be challenging and expensive in Old City. While there are garages nearby, consider using public transport or ride-sharing services. Some Reddit users suggest looking for alternatives if you're visiting a nearby attraction like the Franklin Institute, though direct advice for the Benjamin Franklin Museum's parking is scarce. Reddit

Yes, the museum is centrally located in the historic district. It's a pleasant walk from sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. TikTok

From Center City, you can take a bus or the subway. Walking is also an option if you enjoy urban exploration, as some have walked from Rittenhouse Square. TikTok

No, the Benjamin Franklin Museum is located in Old City at 317 Chestnut Street, not on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which is home to other museums like the Rodin Museum and the Franklin Institute. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is generally inexpensive, making it a great value. The museum does not accept the Art Reach program discount but remains affordable. Reddit

It's usually not necessary to book tickets in advance, especially for general admission. However, for special exhibits or peak times, checking their website is always a good idea.

Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Benjamin Franklin Museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

While the museum is already quite affordable, it's worth checking their website for any seasonal promotions or group rates. Reddit

Yes, the museum is designed to be accessible, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find exhibits detailing Franklin's life, inventions, and contributions to society. Highlights include interactive displays and a unique steel 'ghost house' representing his home. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum features interactive exhibits and a squirrel mascot that children find engaging. Reddit

Most visitors can get through the museum relatively quickly, often within an hour or two, depending on how much time you spend with each exhibit. Reddit

The museum utilizes excellent audio-visual aids to illustrate Franklin's work and life, enhancing the visitor experience. Reddit

The museum focuses on Benjamin Franklin himself, exploring his roles as an innovator, scientist, philosopher, politician, and diplomat. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum is conveniently located near many lunch spots and ice cream shops in Old City, perfect for a post-visit treat. Reddit

The museum itself does not appear to have an on-site cafe or restaurant, but there are numerous dining options in the surrounding historic district. Reddit

Old City offers a variety of dining experiences, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, catering to different tastes and budgets. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage upon arrival or ask museum staff. Some exhibits may have restrictions. TikTok

The 'ghost house' structure and displays of Franklin's inventions offer unique visual opportunities. The exterior of the museum and its location in historic Old City also provide great photo backdrops. TikTok

Beyond the museum, Benjamin Franklin's grave is a significant historical site for photos. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway itself, though not where the museum is located, is famous for its statues and museums. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Benjamin Franklin Museum is a fantastic choice for families. Its interactive exhibits and the presence of a squirrel mascot are designed to keep younger visitors entertained and engaged. Reddit The museum is also praised for its good air conditioning, making it a comfortable escape on hot Philadelphia days. Reddit

Combine your visit with a walk to Benjamin Franklin's grave nearby, which can be an educational and memorable experience for children. The museum's manageable size means you can explore it without overwhelming younger attention spans, and its location in Old City offers plenty of nearby spots for a kid-friendly meal or treat. Reddit

📚 History Buffs & Lifelong Learners

For those passionate about American history, the Benjamin Franklin Museum is a must-visit. It offers a comprehensive look at Franklin's multifaceted life, from his scientific endeavors to his political influence. Reddit The audio-visual aids and detailed exhibits provide deep insights into his contributions and the era in which he lived. Reddit

Beyond the museum, exploring historic Old City and visiting Franklin's grave offers a richer understanding of his impact. The museum's location makes it easy to integrate into a broader historical tour of Philadelphia, allowing for a full day of discovery. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The Benjamin Franklin Museum is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. It's described as inexpensive and offers significant educational value for the admission price. Reddit Unlike some larger institutions, it provides a focused and impactful experience without a hefty cost. Reddit

Consider combining your visit with free historical sites in Old City, like walking by Independence Hall or seeing the Liberty Bell (exterior views are free). The museum's location also means you can easily find affordable dining options nearby, further stretching your travel budget. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Benjamin Franklin: A Multifaceted Genius

The Benjamin Franklin Museum offers a deep dive into the life of one of America's most influential Founding Fathers. It goes beyond just his political achievements to showcase his incredible range of talents as an inventor, scientist, writer, printer, and diplomat. The museum uses audio-visual aids and interactive exhibits to bring his complex life and era to vivid reality. Reddit

Visitors can learn about his experiments with electricity, his contributions to civic life in Philadelphia, and his diplomatic missions abroad. The museum also touches upon the more complex aspects of his life, such as his ownership of enslaved people, providing a more nuanced understanding of the historical figure. Reddit

This educational and inspiring experience is highly recommended for anyone interested in American history or the Enlightenment period. It's a chance to connect with the mind and spirit of a true polymath. Reddit

Exploring the "Ghost House" and Interactive Exhibits

A unique feature of the Benjamin Franklin Museum is its steel 'ghost house' structure. This innovative exhibit visually represents the footprint and essence of Franklin's home, offering a glimpse into his domestic life and surroundings. It's a creative way to connect with the physical space where such a significant historical figure lived and worked. TikTok

The museum excels in its interactive elements, making history engaging for all ages. From demonstrations of printing techniques to hands-on displays of his inventions, these features allow visitors to actively participate in learning about Franklin's genius. The squirrel mascot is particularly popular with younger visitors, adding a fun, approachable element to the educational content. Reddit

These engaging exhibits ensure that the museum is not just a passive viewing experience but a dynamic journey through Franklin's life and times. The blend of historical information with modern interactive technology makes it a memorable visit. Reddit

Beyond the Museum: Historic Old City

The Benjamin Franklin Museum is situated in the heart of Philadelphia's historic Old City, a neighborhood rich with American history. A visit to the museum can easily be combined with explorations of other nearby landmarks. TikTok

Just a few blocks away, you can visit Benjamin Franklin's grave at Christ Church Burial Ground, a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy. The surrounding streets are filled with colonial-era architecture, charming shops, and diverse dining options, making it a perfect area for a day of historical discovery and leisurely strolls. Reddit

While the museum itself is a compact and insightful experience, its location allows for a broader immersion into the foundational period of American history. It's an ideal starting point for understanding the life and times of Benjamin Franklin within the context of the city he helped shape. TikTok

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