Went for a 52 Firsts event and had such a good time. The staff here really made the experience. Everyone was warm, welcoming, and just genuinely happy to be there, which makes a big difference in a smaller space like this. Also didn't realize this is part of the National Park Service, which is pretty cool. The museum itself is on the lower level. You walk in through a gift shop, then head downstairs where there's a compact exhibit space and a small auditorium. It's definitely on the smaller side, but it's done in a really thoughtful way. The interactive exhibits were my favorite. There's something about pressing buttons and getting a dramatic "huzzah" back that just makes it fun. It leans a little dry in terms of humor, but in a way that actually works and feels very on brand. Best part for me was the printing studio. Getting to see old-style printing techniques in action was really cool and not something you see every day. It made everything feel a bit more hands-on and real. It's also right next to the post office, which is a nice little bonus stop if you're already in the area. Only thing is I do wish it were bigger, but for what it is, it's a really enjoyable visit. Small, interactive, and full of personality. Definitely worth stopping by. read more

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I never realized Ben Franklin was responsible for so many of the sayings I heard growing up!!! I'm also very happy to experience this part of American history then I'm so proud of. I loved seeing Ben Franklin's printing press , and Stories about his time in Philly. I'm happy to see how he enjoyed his life and made such interesting observations . The staff here is very friendly and great, and best of all it super cheap to come here. I'm really glad I came !!! read more

Benjamin Franklin Museum - Museums Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Have been to Philly numerous times to visit my son but have not done the touristy things since he was a kid. Was nice on this trip we got a chance to visit the Ben Franklin Museum. Museum is small but is easy to walk through and learn more about one of our founding fathers. This is run by the National Park Service and is a nominal entrance fee to get in and is an attraction you can get into easily without have to purchase weeks in advance read more

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It was a lot of fun exploring this museum all about Ben! The museum admission fee is only $5. It has some free days through the year. The museum is located on the bottom floor and has both stairs and elevators. It is on the smaller side but has lots of interactive activities. 2-3 hours is enough time to see everything. The gift shop is right off the entrance. It had some cute items. You can also get a free stamp for your National Park passport book or just stamp a piece of paper for a souvenir. The courtyard is a nice place to sit. The printing press is also located on the courtyard. They have demonstrations. I learned some new things about Ben Franklin and his inventions. read more

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Since I wanted to find way to waste time, I decided to spend $5.00 (as it is as of 01/26/25) for the price of admission to see this wonderful museum. Interesting artifacts and history to read about in this museum. Even better to do it as a pre-game before watching the Eagles game come on. Go Birds! read more

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Great museum for kids, but a bit lacking in detail for adults. We visited the Benjamin Franklin Museum on a Friday morning in September, and it was fairly empty. The museum consists of one floor that took us about 45 minutes to peruse thoroughly (without playing the games). The bent of the museum is decidedly kid-friendly although there are a few interesting facts to learn about Benjamin Franklin. One part of the museum that I found a bit frustrating was that the exhibits did not have a strong chronological structure such that it was a bit difficult to stitch together Franklin's life (although there is a general chronology in the middle of the room). Overall, the Benjamin Franklin Museum is not a "can't miss" attraction, but it is a pleasant diversion for parents with young children. read more

If you think you learned everything you needed to know about Benjamin Franklin; guess again. This interactive museum is filled with much information about one of our Founding Fathers. No matter your age or background you will enjoy much and learn tidbits about Mr. Franklin. He was definitely a genius whose curiosity and thirst for knowledge led him to discover so much including things we still use and take for granted. If you are in Philadelphia and have time include this museum as a place to visit. read more

Online at didn't think this museum was going to be great for a family with kids. Wrong! This is a great NPS site and museum! And so many of the displays are FOR young people - without being patronizing to them - touchable and fascinating. Thumbs way up. read more

A very interesting history of our forefather nothing I have ever seen. Can't recommend this museum enough! Cheap admission too!

Neat little stop. Admission five dollars, which is appropriate. This is one floor and an outdoor exhibit dedicated to Benjamin Franklin. Very basic info about his inventions. A few neat videos that tell you about his daily life (what he ate, how he felt about his disabling gout). A few original artifacts. Nothing fancy, and maybe geared more toward kids or school groups, but for five dollars, it's worth a look-see. Then outside, you see the "frame" of his house. This is free. Professionals couldn't collect enough remains to know what the house looked like, so they couldn't actually reconstruct it. The sculptures in place are just to mark the original spot. There is also a Ben Franklin post office where you're supposed to be able to get a stamped, but I didn't use that service. It's so easy to do a ton of these fast low cost/free activities in Philly, so why not this too? read more

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The Ben Franklin museum is a good museum that you can do in about 30 minutes. You do have to buy an entrance fee but it isn't too terribly expensive. There are all sorts of facts about him, his childhood, and his inventions. Truly a remarkable human being and learn about the founding father that called Philadelphia his home. read more

The museum was ok, it gave a pretty detailed glimpse into the mind of Franklin, as well as his humor, his resilience, and his creativity. But it was so quick that I was out of there in less than 20 minutes. read more

We came here on Monday and enjoyed our time. We bought tickets at the door so no advance reservations are needed. The whole museum is underground and there is an outdoor display that does not require a ticket that is the ruin's of Ben Franklin's house. This is also near the historical post office, so make sure to stop by there as well. This place is perfect for kids as there are many hands on activities and displays to enjoy. The history learned was good as well as there were many tidbits and random facts I did not know about Ben Franklin. I would say you can spend anywhere from 1 hour to 3 hours here depending on how in depth you want to go. read more

Small museum in the Center City in Philadelphia. Informative for sure. I like the Storytime corner outside the museum. Always hear new & interesting fun fact. There are many other tourist attractions nearby the museum. Definitely can spend all day in that neighborhood. read more

Benjamin Franklin Museum - Museums Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cool place! Nice museum with neat exhibits for $5 admission. Really liked the animated specials around the museum. Place isn't that big but a few more seats would be a nice touch on the inside. Regardless, you leave realizing that Ben Franklin was that guy. read more

Came to visit Ben Franklin museum. The entrance fee is $5, which is not too bad. The outside garden area was cute. Inside was with interesting things, but mostly loved all the little tidbits of Ben Franklin's wits and accomplishments. read more

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I'm shame not to come here sooner. He is like Elon Musk in his era. He was determined to find ways that he could better himself and the American people. read more

Although they say this has been around for many years, we just found it. It looks to have had a refresh recently. It's a small museum but well worth the cost at $5 for adults and $2 for kids. It will only take you an hour at most to go through it It's nicely updated with touch interactive things for the kids Well worth the cost of admission read more

This museum is only $5, but it is very small and I just didn't think there was too much to look at. If you've visited other places and you're in the area, you can get it done in a half hour or less. When I went for President's Day Weekend and they had an all ages trivia contest, but they didn't check the answers and the some of the questions were poorly worded. The rest of the museum is on the same floor and while there is some stuff to look at, it really wasn't too much. Maybe it's more fun for kids, but as an adult, I thought it was only okay. read more

Benjamin Franklin Museum - Museums Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

You can learn so much about this wonderful person in this museum. BF was an outstanding citizen, statesman and brilliant mind. We've had only a few like him since. read more

Very informative inside but the outside could be better maintained and interactive. Fun to take the family or groups.

Bottom Line: A subterranean museum with artifacts and interactive exhibits that are engaging for visitors of all ages and capture the personality of Benjamin Franklin. Before visiting this museum here is how I would have described Benjamin Franklin: - A Founding Father - A printer - A ladies man - An inventor - Likes to fly kites in inclimate weather The Benjamin Franklin Museum, located in Franklin Court alongside the foundation of his home and print shop, is a great place to learn about one of the most critical men in the establishment of this country. As is to be expected, the museum provides many explicit facts about Benjamin Franklin but what I liked best about it is that the exhibits give visitors good insight into Franklin's personality and humor. The museum contains various artifacts from Franklin which are interesting to adult visitors given their historical significance and provenance. But, the museum also caters to younger visitors and hands-on learners through a variety of interactive exhibits. I spent about 90 minutes at the museum and here is how I now describe Benjamin Franklin: - Founding Father: A trusted resource for completing the Declaration of Independence and a respected advisor at the Continental Congress on matters like the drafting of the Constitution. - A Printer: A guy who had a rough upbringing and often times was a bit misguided. He dabbled with many different occupations and eventually got a job in his brother's print shop. They didn't see eye-to-eye so Benjamin Franklin ran away from his home in Boston to Philadelphia and after being dirt poor was eventually able to open his own print shop. - A Ladies' Man: Although the museum is silent on the matter, I still think Benjamin Franklin was a flirt and a charmer. He sired his first child at 22 years old and the mother is unknown. "Who's Your Mommy William?!?" Although not mentioned at the museum, other sources have speculated it was "a lady of the night." Ohhh Franklin! Perhaps this ill decision making is what caused Franklin to later adapt the virtue of chastity, which is noted at the family friendly museum. Franklin said, "rarely use venery [sexual indulgence] except for health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness or the injury of reputation." - An Inventor: His most relevant invention is probably bifocals but my personal favorite invention of his is the armonica. The museum also has replicas of some of his more quirky, less practical inventions like a spill-proof soup bowl for use on the high seas. It is also purported that Franklin invented some sex toys but of course you won't find any content on that at this federal funded museum. - Kite Flier: Franklin's experiments with electricity go beyond the well propagated story of his flying a kite with a key attached to it in a thunderstorm. Before the power of electricity was understood, people who dabbled with harnessing this mysterious power, like Franklin, were called electricians. Franklin created the first batteries in jars and learned how to use them to discharge electricity. One of my favorite exhibits at the museum is an animated cartoon of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams sharing a bed an inn while on official Government business. The men are bickering over whether it's better to sleep with the window open or with the window closed. (Did they share a chamber pot too?) The video is amusing and is just one exhibit that gives insight into Franklin's personality. Aside from the humorous videos, I also enjoyed the interactive exhibits, like the ones that were matching games. For example, you could match pictures with the names of various occupations that Franklin casually pursued. I also really enjoyed matching Franklin's virtues with the description. There was a cool numbers game/puzzle and touch screen map. I also really liked playing Yankee Doodle on the computer simulated armonica, right next to his real glass armonica. Overall, I really enjoyed learning about the feisty, fun, flirtatious, industrious, dedicated patriot at this museum run by the National Park Service. read more

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We didn't go into the museum because we were just stopping in Philly on the way to Delaware for a family reunion. We didn't have much time so we just kind of hit a few spots. This museum was one of them but the most interesting part for me was where his house had existed which was in the courtyard behind the museum. There was also the post office that he started. It was interesting that although the house is gone there's still a foundation and you can see down into wells are basements that existed there for his house. There were also a lot of quotes on the sidewalk showing where different parts of the house were. read more

Benjamin Franklin Museum - The structure of the house as it was - Museums Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Easy to stroll through this with many different offerings regarding one of our greatest founding fathers. $5 for adults and no stress or pressure to "keep moving". Learned a few new things about the amazing fellow. Worth a walk through. This is an enjoyable interactive museum. We were here on a Saturday AM in March. Mark. read more

Benjamin Franklin is one of America's most fascinating founding fathers. He is known for many things including excess, creativity, and enthusiasm. The museum dedicated to him is nothing like the man. It's restrained, prescriptive, and dull. The Benjamin Franklin Museum is also educational with a small amount of actual artifacts from the American statesman, writer, printer, inventor, and publisher. He was one of America's first renaissance men earning his place in modern life as the face of the $100 bill. The entrance fee is low and matches the quality. * Adults $5; Children $2 * Open 9:00a - 5:00p * Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year's * Free admission on some U.S. holidays & his birthday * National Park Service passes do NOT work here Historic Franklin Court was the site of Benjamin's home and where you'll find this museum as well as a printing press, post office, and markers about the history of the courtyard. The museum space spends little time on the accomplishments of Franklin, but is instead focused around 5 "traits" of the legendary patriot: * ardent and dutiful * ambitious and rebellious * motivated to improve * curious and full of wonder * strategic and persuasive Exhibits include historical artifacts (or recreations), animated shorts, touch-screen displays, and hands-on interactive pieces. A video in the library area covers parts of Franklin's autobiography. Philadelphia has so many important, educational, and interesting historical sites and museums that are much better than the Benjamin Franklin Museum. If you are a tourist or local, my advice is to hit those other sites first before coming to this museum that is all about the Benjamin. read more

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It is right behind the National Liberty Museum. Admission is $5. Give yourself at least an hour and half. It shouldn't take longer than 2.5 hours. I absolutely loved it because it is interactive. I think museums can be boring but BFM made my experience here fun! Plenty of short videos and interactive elements built in to the museum. Short stories were told in cartoon format. You were also allowed to touch a lot of objects around! It is underground and kind of small. Bathrooms are really clean! read more

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We had not planned to visit the Benjamin Franklin Museum on our recent trip to Philly, but were looking for things to do before our entry time at Independence Hall. The museum was not at all what I anticipated (but I suppose it's my fault for not reading up on it more before visiting). I was bored, my family members (who are all really into American history) were bored....I imagine it's excruciatingly boring for children. The museum is easy to find. It sits right off of Franklin Court Courtyard, where Ben Franklin's house once stood. Enter the courtyard on Market Street to walk through the original brick passageway that Franklin himself took to get to his house, and check out the steel frames that outline where the house once stood. Entry to the museum is only $5 for adults and $2 for children. Tickets may be purchased at the front desk, and then you can head downstairs to start exploring. My first thought upon entering the exhibit portion of the museum was that it's pretty empty. It's a large space, but the exhibits only line the perimeter of the room. Also note that it's dark in there, given that there are original documents to be preserved. I imagined that the museum would focus largely on Franklin's accomplishments, and provide a little insight into his life growing up. In reality, it was the exact opposite; the exhibits hardly touched on Franklin's achievements, and instead focused on what life was like during his formative years, as well as on his character. Might be great for someone who already knows everything there is to know about Franklin, but it's not what I was looking for. The exhibits are comprised of: -Original documents (some of which are Franklin's writings, many not); -Furniture, instruments, and other everyday items from the time period that Franklin grew up in (mostly replicas); -Creepy cartoon videos that highlight Franklin's character traits and life lessons from his autobiography; and -Interactive puzzles throughout, some of which were fun, but didn't teach you much about Franklin. Bottom Line: Tickets are cheap and the space is nice, but I was bored. I wanted kite-in-the-thunderstorm, and that is not the focus of this museum. To each his own, but I'd recommend skipping this place if you have limited time in Philly. read more

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So I suppose the knock on this place is that it's very kid centric and to a degree that's true. But at the same time the Franklin museum is also a good way for adults to get their history on in a very non-traditional/interactive way about one of the greatest men who lived during the birth of our nation. The skinny on details is as follows: Hours: Like anything NPS administered you're talking 9-5 daily with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Price: Yes indeed, this one costs a few dollars but considering what a dump the museum was before the NPS remodel I get why they need to charge for what they've turned this place into. Adults are $5, children 4-16 are $2 and below that is free. Tickets: Unless you're coming with a school group they cannot be purchased in advance as everything is day of at the door only and unless a huge group shows up that makes sense as there is plenty of room along with the ongoing fact that with where the museum is buried in terms of location it keeps people from almost not knowing that it even exists. The museum is still below ground like a dungeon and then you go from area to area where each explains Franklin from different points in time in his life along with explaining his many different accomplishments in politics, diplomacy, science and the arts. Kids or not it's definitely worth a visit as if you allow yourself the time to truly engage all of the material presented you could get two plus hours here no problem. read more

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Great little museum behind the first US Post Office and Ben Franklin's printing press. It's $5 to get in and has lots of great stuff. Did you know that Ben Franklin essentially created Sodoku and Kite Surfing!? I didn't until I visited the museum! read more

I took a walk through the Ben Franklin bookstore and could just imagine Ben Franklin working behind the counter sometime back. The Museum itself looks kind of depressing from the outside but its only $5 to get in. If you like Ben Franklin this museum can't be bad. read more

Benjamin Franklin Museum - Enterance on Market Street - Museums Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A small, quick, and inexpensive museum for when you have limited time in Philadelphia. The grounds are beautiful and the staff is welcoming. There aren't many exhibits but they are fun and interesting, especially if you have small children. There's an interactive element, with amusing cartoons ("The Gout!") and some matching stations that teach about Franklin's ideas and work. At $5 (adults) & $2 (kids), it's a nice little stop along your route to/from the Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal, etc. read more

Fantastic museum for both kids and adults. This is a small, affordable museum with five small areas about Ben Franklin. They have organized around character traits. Every exhibit has multiple interactives. We learned about the amazing Ben Franklin. My husband checked out a book from the library about him as soon as we got back from this trip. This museum made him want to know more. (I had already read it.) I would totally recommend this museum. Plan on spending about an hour. Oh yeah, this isn't the Institute. It is a different museum. read more

So this museum was unique and interesting, but it felt like there was a too generous amount of floor space. There were some artifacts on display here, which was nice. The interactive screens teaching about the Franklin family was quite educational. It just felt information too congested onto that kiosk, and there only being three of them people could be waiting a long time. For people interested in history this is a worthwhile stop. It also has a lot of sections geared towards children so it's a great idea for a family activity. I wouldn't recommend necessarily for just the sight-seeing tourist, overall it can be a boring spot with the limited amount of pieces occupying such a vast space. read more

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Small but it packs a wallop. For everything you might remember from grammar school there's even MORE that Ben did/created/invented/influenced (like that clever soup bowl for people traveling by ship in choppy waters!) that should humble you. He was definitely America's answer to Leonardo Da Vinci. Most impressive feat? He was able to retire at 42. (Damn, I'm doing something wrong.) read more

Fantastic museum located right next to where his home was. Filled with artifacts and exhibits that document his life and contributions to our history. And though it's not free, admission is only five bucks. Totally worth the price of admission to learn more about one of our founding fathers than taught in a classroom. read more

Benjamin Franklin is one of my all-time favorite figures in history, having done a huge report on him in high school several years ago. I've always admired so much about him, as he was known to be a guy who was loyal, witty, and charming that others loved him. He had many great professions. As a result, he was America's first entrepreneur. I enjoyed visiting several sites about him in Philadelphia, but I seriously think Ben himself probably would not have approved of this museum. It is part of Franklin Court (as well as Independence National Historical Park), which consists of the alley he always walked through to his house from Market Street and the ghost remains of his house. The museum fee is only $5, so really, its not a biggie. It is basically an underground museum which has been highly modernized in recent years. A lot of it is reproductions of stuff like paintings and things all around. You'll find plenty of facts about Franklin some people probably didn't know very much about. This is stuff that anyone can find online, including his quotes. Then you have silly, creepy cartoons being played, especially the one about his gout, in which he suffered during his lifetime. I felt like I was watching a British/Monty Python-type show when watching them. There are very few activities found such as puzzles in which you can match things, such as his favorite games (kind of like modern-day Sudoku). The one that I found to be interesting was the interactive display about his printing press - it really shows you what it was like during Franklin's time. If you're really fascinated by Benjamin Franklin like me, then check this out. Otherwise, you may get a little bored. If anything, I would definitely check out the courtyard and the "ghost" reconstruction of his old house, in which you will find archaeological remains and markers on where certain parts of his house were. That part is free. read more

This was not really something we planned in advance to do but we were walking around it's location and noticed it and for only $5 in we went. It really was a wonderful shrine to one of our most prominent forefathers. It had all sorts of awesome things to see and read about Benjamin Franklin as you would expect. There are also lots of interactive displays which is great for kids and adults alike. There is also a gift shop with some rather affordable merchandise (I got a coffee mug.) Definitely a great tourist stop or even if you live in Philly and want to know morw about Ben. Thumbs up. read more

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This place was inspiring - seeing all the endeavors, hobbies, jobs, inventions, and accomplishments of a man in just one lifetime was fascinating and overwhelming. Be prepared to read (if you don't like reading walls at museums this won't be that interesting) and you can't beat $5 for admission! read more

Perfectly sized and easily consumable museum about Ben Franklin's fascinating life. Took us about an hour or so to go through all of the exhibits. An incredible sorry about an incredibly accomplished founder. read more

I loved it! It costs $5 to get in. It's a very interactive and informative museum about Franklin's life, passion, and impact as one of our founding fathers. All ages will love this place! And if you don't want to spend too much time in a museum this is the place! read more

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