Benjamin Franklin House

Visit one of the world famous London tourist destination the Benjamin Franklin House, situated in the heart of London, just steps from famed Trafalgar Square, is Benjamin Franklin House, the worlds 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.

Benjamin Franklin House at 36 Craven Street in the heart of London is a heritage 'gem.' The world's only remaining home of Benjamin Franklin was opened to the public for the first time on 17 January 2006, Ben Franklin's 300th birthday, as a dynamic museum and educational facility encompassing:

A Historical Experience - presenting the excitement and uncertainty of Franklin's nearly 16 years in London using his historic rooms as staging for a drama which seamless integrates live performance, and cutting-edge lighting and projection technology.

A Student Science Centre - encouraging Franklin's boundless spirit of enquiry through hands-on experimentation with scientific discoveries from Franklin's London years, juxtaposing past and present knowledge.

A Scholarship Centre - featuring research facilities, including a full-set of the published Papers of Benjamin Franklin, as a focal point in Europe for study of Franklin and the myriad subjects with which he was associated.

The House, as world's only remaining home of Benjamin Franklin, is historically significant:

- Franklin lived and worked there for sixteen years on the eve of the American Revolution
- First de facto US Embassy - holds a special place in Anglo-American history
- Fascinating history of medicine dimension - Franklin's landlady's son-in-law ran an anatomy school from Craven Street

The House has gained official recognition:

- First site outside the US to gain Save America's Treasures designation
- Recognised by Tercentenary Committee (celebrating 300th anniversary of Franklin's birth in 2006) established by President George Bush
- Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 'Milestone' location

Benjamin Franklin House also conducts events like the Candied Thinking Science Tea Party, Annual Benjamin Franklin House Science Fair, Franklin and the Iroquois Nation and many more. Benjamin Franklin House offers a diverse range of learning activities for school groups and families. A visit to Benjamin Franklin House satisfies scientific curiosity and enhances historical knowledge.

Based on the London work and life of one of the main figures of the Enlightenment - Benjamin Franklin - our unique educational centre offerings include a tailored Historical Experience and a Student Science Centre with hands-on activities that are simple, structured and stimulating to capture children’s imagination, enabling them to be involved in the process of investigation.

Children can also have great fun at London with some of the London attractions. London sightseeing with children will give them an opportunity to know more about the fascinating story of Benjamin Franklin House. Benjamin Franklin House educational activities are linked to the UK national curriculum including History, English, Design & Technology, citizenship and personal, social and health education (PSHE).

There main purpose is to encourage pupils to observe, think, and draw their own conclusions, simultaneously offering new perspectives on daily life in 18th century London.
 

Visitor Information:
 

Benjamin Franklin House is open 12-5pm, Wednesday through Sunday.

Showtimes

Ticket collection from

The Historical Experience Show runs at 12, 1pm, 2pm, 3.15pm and 4.15pm Wednesday through Sunday all year round.
Tickets cost £7 standard and free for under 16's.

Each Monday, as an alternative to the Historical Experience, we offer tours with on the history of Benjamin Franklin House with a guide.  The Georgian features of the 1730s building are revealed along with its fascinating history encompassing Franklin’s long residence (1757-1775), the Hewson anatomy school, and the comprehensive conservation project that saved it from dereliction.  Monday Guided Tours, £3.50, 12.00, 1.00, 2.00, 3.15 and 4.15.