Benjamin Franklin House

n the heart of London, 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. Built circa 1730, it is today 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 that seamlessly integrates live performance, cutting edge lighting, sound and visual projection. 

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.

hile 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.

atest Reviews

“Very creative and informative. Well done. Got a sense of his personal life in London”–5 May

“Very enjoyable and informative. A real gem. Excellent presentation and I enjoyed the way the house has been presented”–5 May

“Special presentation using the words of Franklin and others – very interesting!”–5 May

“Friendly staff, beautiful tour, I had an amazing time overall”–4 May

“Not knowing beforehand what to expect, I was overjoyed to experience this multi media event. It brought the history to life in a way no other venue has on our trip to London”–4 May

“Terrific show”–4 May

“A most imaginative and informative way to show off this place”–3 May

“Original, informative, spot on!”–2 May

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rt at Benjamin Franklin House
Benjamin Franklin House is currently showcasing art created by students from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Public School in Andhra Pradesh, India and inspired by our Grade I listed building. See more student art here. Right: painting by Shreya M, 12 years old