Benjamin Franklin Museum

The Benjamin Franklin Museum, located just steps from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, offers an immersive journey into the mind of one of America's most versatile Founding Fathers. Housed in a sleek, modern building within Independence National Historical Park, the museum uses state-of-the-art interactive displays to explore Franklin's roles as a printer, inventor, diplomat, and scientist. Visitors can see original artifacts, including his printing press, bifocals, and the famous lightning rod, while engaging with hands-on exhibits that demonstrate his experiments. The museum's design encourages self-guided exploration, with five thematic galleries covering his life in Philadelphia, his scientific pursuits, his time in Europe, and his legacy. The experience is both educational and entertaining, making it a must-visit for history buffs and families alike. The surrounding area, with its cobblestone streets and colonial-era buildings, adds to the sense of stepping back in time.

Don't miss

• Interactive electrical experiments that let you recreate Franklin's kite experiment safely.
• Original Franklin artifacts, including his printing press and the famous lightning rod.
• The 'Franklin's World' gallery with a giant interactive map tracing his global travels.
• A replica of his 18th-century printing shop with working presses.
• The 'Legacy' gallery exploring how Franklin's inventions shaped modern life.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Benjamin Franklin Museum

Cheapest way inHistoric Sites of Philadelphia Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour4.5★ · 30 travelers1–2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$9 per personSee dates →Most bookedDark Philly Adult Night Tour4.9★ · 4,430 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$38 per personSee dates →Top ratedDriving Tour of Valley Forge National Park from Philadelphia5★ · 328 travelers~5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$149 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Allow extra time to explore the surrounding Independence National Historical Park.
• Download the free museum app for audio tours and additional content.
• Backpacks and large bags must be checked; lockers are available.
• Photography is allowed, but no flash in artifact areas.

A bit of history

The museum opened in 2013 in a new building designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern, replacing an earlier museum. It is part of the Independence National Historical Park, which preserves sites related to the American Revolution. Franklin lived in Philadelphia from 1723 until his death in 1790, and his home once stood nearby.