Editing Franklin Court

{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = Franklin Court
| type = Historic site / Museum
| address = 314-322 Market Street
| neighborhood = Old City
| phone = (215) 965-2305
| website = https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/franklincourt.htm
| established = 1976
| hours = Daily 9am-5pm
| public_transit = 2nd Street Station (MFL)
}}

'''Franklin Court''' is a historic site and museum complex in [[Old City]], Philadelphia, on the block where Benjamin Franklin's house once stood. Part of [[Independence National Historical Park]], the site features a "ghost structure" outline of Franklin's home, an underground museum, a working print shop, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum.<ref name="franklin">{{cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/franklincourt.htm |title=Franklin Court |publisher=National Park Service |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Franklin's Home ===

Benjamin Franklin lived on this site:

* '''1763-1790''' — Franklin owned property here
* The original house no longer exists
* Franklin spent many years abroad (London, Paris)
* Returned to Philadelphia 1785
* Died here in 1790

=== The Site Today ===

After Franklin's death:

* House demolished in 1812
* Site had various uses over time
* Excavated in 1950s-60s
* Opened as memorial in 1976 (Bicentennial)

== The Ghost Structure ==

=== Design ===

Since the original house is gone and no images survive, architect Robert Venturi created an innovative solution:

* Steel frame outlines Franklin's house
* Shows where the building stood
* No attempt to reconstruct what can't be known
* Postmodern architectural approach
* Beneath the frame: excavated foundations

=== Significance ===

The "ghost structure" is considered a landmark of postmodern architecture—a creative response to the problem of commemorating a building that no longer exists and was never documented visually.

== Benjamin Franklin Museum ==

=== Underground Museum ===

Located beneath the courtyard:

* Franklin's life and achievements
* Interactive exhibits
* Scientific demonstrations
* Inventions and experiments
* Diplomatic career
* Personal life and family

=== Admission ===

* Small fee for museum ($5 adults)
* Courtyard and ghost structure free
* Combined with other INHP sites

== Other Features ==

=== B. Free Franklin Post Office ===

* Operating post office
* Uses hand-cancellation stamp with Franklin portrait
* Popular for collectors
* Send mail postmarked "B. Free Franklin"

=== Printing Office ===

* Working 18th-century print shop
* Demonstrations of period printing
* Franklin was a printer by trade
* Rangers explain Franklin's career

=== Market Street Houses ===

* Row of restored 18th-century houses
* Franklin rented these as income property
* Architectural exhibits
* Period rooms

== Visiting ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Detail !! Information
|-
| '''Hours''' || Daily 9am-5pm
|-
| '''Admission''' || Courtyard free; Museum $5 adults
|-
| '''Address''' || Enter from Market Street (between 3rd and 4th)
|-
| '''Time needed''' || 45 minutes - 1 hour
|-
| '''Managed by''' || National Park Service
|}

=== Tips ===

* The courtyard is free and always interesting
* The underground museum is worth the small fee
* Send a letter from the B. Free Franklin Post Office
* Watch a printing demonstration if available
* Combine with other Independence Park sites

== Getting There ==

* '''SEPTA Subway''' — 2nd Street Station (Market-Frankford Line)
* '''Walking''' — Near [[Independence Hall]], in Old City
* '''Entry''' — From Market Street archway (mid-block)

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

{{FAQ
|q1=What is the steel structure at Franklin Court?
|a1=The steel "ghost structure" outlines where Benjamin Franklin's house stood. Since no images of the original house survive and it was demolished in 1812, architect Robert Venturi designed this frame to mark the location without false reconstruction. The excavated foundations are visible beneath.

|q2=What is the Benjamin Franklin Museum?
|a2=The Benjamin Franklin Museum is an underground museum beneath Franklin Court featuring interactive exhibits about Franklin's life, scientific experiments, inventions, diplomatic career, and personal life. There's a small admission fee ($5 adults).

|q3=Can you send mail from Franklin Court?
|a3=Yes, the B. Free Franklin Post Office is a working post office where you can mail letters with a special hand-cancellation stamp featuring Franklin's portrait. It's popular with collectors and a unique way to commemorate your visit.

|q4=Is Franklin Court free?
|a4=The outdoor courtyard with the ghost structure is free. The underground Benjamin Franklin Museum charges a small fee ($5 adults). The Post Office and printing office are free to visit.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Independence Hall]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin]]
* [[Old City]]
* [[Independence National Historical Park]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/franklincourt.htm National Park Service - Franklin Court]

{{#seo:
|title=Franklin Court - Benjamin Franklin's Home Site in Philadelphia
|description=Franklin Court in Old City marks where Benjamin Franklin lived and died, featuring a "ghost structure" outline, underground museum, and working post office. Part of Independence National Historical Park.
|keywords=Franklin Court, Benjamin Franklin, Old City Philadelphia, ghost structure, Robert Venturi, B Free Franklin Post Office, Independence National Historical Park
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Landmarks]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Old City]]
[[Category:Benjamin Franklin]]
[[Category:Museums]]