Benjamin Franklin National Memorial
The Basics
Modeled after the pantheon in Rome, The Franklin Institute’s rotunda measures 82 feet (25 meters) in length, width, and height. The statue of Benjamin Franklin sits in the center, under a self-supporting domed ceiling and surrounded by decorative marble columns and pilasters. It was designated the official national memorial to Benjamin Franklin in 1972.
Visit the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial independently or as part of a Philadelphia sightseeing tour. Guests can enjoy a short multimedia show about Franklin’s role as a statesman, civic leader, writer, inventor, and scientist.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial is a must-see for history buffs.
No admission fee is required to visit the memorial.
Don’t miss the multimedia show that plays throughout the day.
The memorial is accessible to wheelchairs, and offers restrooms and parking.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach the Franklin Institute, located at the intersection of 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. Most visitors arrive as part of a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour or by public transport—SEPTA bus routes 32, 33, 38, and the Philly Phlash stop within easy walking distance of the memorial.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial is open at all times during The Franklin Institute’s general museum hours, and there isn’t really a bad time to visit. The memorial is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
The Franklin Institute
At The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, visitors can learn about Benjamin Franklin’s life and see his most significant scientific discoveries. This kid-friendly interactive science museum has exhibits on virtual reality, augmented reality, climate change, outer space, the human brain, and more. There’s also a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and escape-room games.
- Things to do in Pennsylvania
- Things to do in New York City
- Things to do in Brooklyn
- Things to do in Long Island
- Things to do in Washington DC
- Things to do in Williamsburg
- Things to do in Pittsburgh
- Things to do in Boston
- Things to do in Buffalo
- Things to do in Salem
- Things to do in Niagara Falls & Around
- Things to do in Toronto
- Things to do in Montreal
- Things to do in New York
- Things to do in Virginia
- The Franklin Institute Science Museum
- Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
- Barnes Foundation
- Philadelphia Logan Circle
- Penn's Landing
- Rodin Museum
- Mütter Museum
- One Liberty Observation Deck
- Love Park
- Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA)
- Rittenhouse Square
- 30th Street Station
- Schuylkill River Trail
- Rocky Statue
- Philadelphia Museum of Art