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the heart of London, just steps from famed Trafalgar Square, is
Benjamin Franklin House, the world's only remaining Franklin home.
For nearly sixteen years between 1757 and 1775, Dr Benjamin Franklin
- scientist, diplomat, philosopher, inventor, Founding Father of
the United States and more - lived behind its doors.
Benjamin Franklin House, built circa 1730, is now open to the public
as a dynamic museum and educational facility.
The Historical
Experience presents the excitement and uncertainty of Franklin's
London years using rooms where so much took place as staging for
a drama which seamlessly integrates live performance, cutting edge
lighting, sound and projection technology.
School visitors explore the Student
Science Centre featuring hands-on experimentation with Franklin's
London scientific discoveries, juxtaposing past and present knowledge.
The top floor Robert H. Smith Scholarship
Centre is a focal point in Europe for Franklin and Franklin-related
study, featuring a full set of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin,
as catalogued by Yale University, and an active symposia programme.
While lodging at 36 Craven Street, Franklin's main occupation was mediating
unrest between Britain and America, but he also served as Deputy
Postmaster for the Colonies; pursued his love of science (exploring
bifocal spectacles, the energy-saving Franklin stove); explored
health (innoculation, air baths, cures for the common cold); music
(inventing the delightful glass armonica for which Mozart, Bach
and Beethoven composed) and letters (articles, epitaphs, and his
witty Craven Street Gazette), all while forging a hearty social
life and close friendships with leading figures of the day.
To find out more about our key offerings and the fascinating story
of Benjamin Franklin House, visit the many areas of this site. And click here to use Benjamin Franklin House for an unforgettable event. |
Benjamin Franklin House is taking part in Museums and Galleries Month in May. For more details of our programme please
Benjamin Franklin House Chairman John Studzinski tells Britain's The Telegraph why Franklin is his hero 
Craven Street Lecture