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. 

The Student Science Centre focuses on Franklin's London science - from lightning rods to hydrodynamics, allowing school children to satifsy their historical and scientific curiosity, free of charge. Outreach, including Ben's Travelling Suitcase, brings our educational activities into schools and the community.

The top floor Robert H. Smith Scholarship Centre is a focal point in Europe for Franklin and the myriad subjects with which he is associated, featuring a full set of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin, as catalogued by Yale University, as well as an active internship programme, and nearly 40 public events per year.

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 (inoculation, 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

“Wonderful, awesome”–10 May

“A very interesting and enlightening experience”–9 May

“Lovely!”–9 May

“A very daring and interesting tour, I worked at an 18th Century home in the US and will be feeding lots of ideas back to my colleagues. Thanks”–9 May

“Realistic and haunting”–9 May

“Different, interesting”–8 May

“Sensational presentation, many thanks”–8 May

“As a British citizen Resident in Main Line Philadelphia, It was a very enlightening and interesting tour” (Architectural tour)–6 May

“Fantastic Experience! Imagery and acting very fine. Congratulations”–5 May

“I really enjoyed! You don't have to change anything in my opinion”–3 May

“Very well done, very educational plus fun!”–3 May

“New perspective into B Franklin, thank you”–2 May

“Thanks for preserving the ONLY Franklin House”–1 May

“Very Moving Experience. Thank you”–1 May

“Fascinating introduction to a great man”–1 May

“What a wonderful way to present Ben Franklins House”–1 May

“Brilliant idea utilising technology and live performance, conveyed a strong sense of realness to his character. Please keep on”–28 April

“Very outstanding, truly unbelievable!!”–28 April

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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