Museum
Franklin Court Printing Office
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Located on Market Street within the Independence National Historical Park, the Franklin Court Printing Office is a living history museum that brings Benjamin Franklin's printing career to life. The site is part of a complex that includes a museum, a post office, and an archaeological exhibit of Franklin's home. Visitors enter through a modern building that houses exhibits on Franklin's life, then descend to the basement where a master printer demonstrates the craft using a replica of Franklin's wooden press. The experience is hands-on: you can try your hand at setting type or pulling a print. The printing office is small but immersive, with the smell of ink and the clatter of the press transporting you to the 1700s. What makes it distinctive is its authenticity, the press is a faithful reproduction, and the printers are skilled interpreters who explain the process in detail. You'll see examples of Franklin's publications, including Poor Richard's Almanack, and learn how he used his printing business to spread ideas about liberty and democracy. The site is a must for history buffs and anyone curious about the origins of American media.
Don't miss
- Watch a live demonstration of an 18th-century printing press in action
- Try your hand at setting type or pulling a print under the guidance of a master printer
- View original Franklin publications and learn about his role as a publisher
- Explore the adjacent museum with artifacts from Franklin's life and inventions
- Visit the Franklin Court Post Office, the only colonial-style post office still operating in the U.S.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Franklin Court Printing Office
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Franklin Court Printing Office with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inHistoric Sites of Philadelphia Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour4.5★ · 30 travelers1–2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$9 per personSee dates →
Most bookedRevolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia4.9★ · 3,519 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$29 per personSee dates →
Private & flexiblePrivate 2-hour Founding Fathers Tour of Philadelphia4.6★ · 24 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$175 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Check the National Park Service website for current hours, as they vary by season.
- Great for kids, they can get hands-on with the printing press and earn a Junior Ranger badge.
- Photography is allowed, but no flash near the historic press.
- The site is indoors, so it's a good rainy-day activity.
A bit of history
Benjamin Franklin worked as a printer in Philadelphia from the 1720s, publishing the Pennsylvania Gazette and Poor Richard's Almanack. The Franklin Court site marks the location of his home and print shop, which were demolished in the 19th century. The National Park Service reconstructed the printing office in the 1970s based on archaeological evidence and historical records.
Common questions
Is the printing press original?
No, it's a working replica built based on historical descriptions and surviving examples from Franklin's era.
Can I take home a print I make?
Yes, visitors are often allowed to keep a small print they make during the demonstration.
Is there a gift shop?
Yes, the Franklin Court Post Office sells stamps and souvenirs, but the printing office itself does not have a shop.
How long does the printing demonstration last?
Demonstrations are ongoing and typically last 15–20 minutes, but you can stay and ask questions.
Is the site part of Independence National Historical Park?
Yes, it's one of several historic sites managed by the National Park Service within the park.
Do I need a reservation?
No, entry is free and first-come, first-served. Groups may want to call ahead.
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