Franklin Court
Franklin Court
| Type | Historic site / Museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 314-322 Market Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Old City |
| Phone | (215) 965-2305 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1976 |
| Hours | Daily 9am-5pm |
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.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]Franklin's Home
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Design
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Underground Museum
[edit | edit source]Located beneath the courtyard:
- Franklin's life and achievements
- Interactive exhibits
- Scientific demonstrations
- Inventions and experiments
- Diplomatic career
- Personal life and family
Admission
[edit | edit source]- Small fee for museum ($5 adults)
- Courtyard and ghost structure free
- Combined with other INHP sites
Other Features
[edit | edit source]B. Free Franklin Post Office
[edit | edit source]- Operating post office
- Uses hand-cancellation stamp with Franklin portrait
- Popular for collectors
- Send mail postmarked "B. Free Franklin"
Printing Office
[edit | edit source]- Working 18th-century print shop
- Demonstrations of period printing
- Franklin was a printer by trade
- Rangers explain Franklin's career
Market Street Houses
[edit | edit source]- Row of restored 18th-century houses
- Franklin rented these as income property
- Architectural exhibits
- Period rooms
Visiting
[edit | edit source]| 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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Franklin Court". National Park Service. Retrieved December 23, 2025