Benjamin Franklin National Memorial in Pennsylvania, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-27. Check linked official notices before travel.

Benjamin Franklin National Memorial is an indoor memorial at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The marble figure and domed rotunda make a focused stop for visitors interested in Franklin. Admission to the memorial is free; exploring the Institute's museum exhibits is a separate, paid visit.

What to notice in Memorial Hall

• Franklin in marble: James Earle Fraser's seated figure rises 20 feet, giving the hall its central focus.
• The rotunda: John T. Windrim designed the space with Rome's Pantheon as a model.
• Franklin's Spark: An hourly dome presentation uses projected images, light, and sound to explore Franklin's curiosity.

Plan a memorial visit

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Inside the building

Do not climb on the building or create hazards for other visitors. Firearms and other dangerous weapons are prohibited, with an exception for authorized on-duty law enforcement officers. The dome presentation includes sound and changing light; contact Guest Services about sensory needs before arriving.

Respect the memorial and museum

Protect the marble and other property from damage. The Institute prohibits smoking and commercial or advertising photography. Service animals are welcome; pets cannot enter. Review the Institute's visitor policies if your plans involve photography beyond a personal visit.

Planning a combined museum visit

Decide whether your group wants the memorial alone or the broader museum experience. The Institute recommends buying museum tickets ahead of time. Its visit planner explains general admission and the additional charges for special exhibitions.

Location and entrances

Use the main visitor entrance at 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. The on-site garage has a separate address, 271 North 21st Street. An accessible entrance is available at the 20th Street business entrance; garage elevators also lead to the Bartol Atrium.

Nearby historic sites

Independence National Historical Park is another Philadelphia stop, with its visitor center at 6th and Market Streets. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is at 532 North 7th Street. Both have urban road and public transit access; plan each stop's opening schedule separately.

Explore Franklin's memorial

Begin with the sculpture, then look upward to see how the dome frames it. The hourly presentation offers a different way to experience the same space. Visitors collecting National Parks Passport cancellations can request the memorial stamp at the Ticketing Desk behind the statue.

Access support and visitor facilities

The Institute provides accessible restrooms, including facilities near the 20th Street entrance and in the Atrium. A limited supply of manual wheelchairs is available without charge at the Ticketing Desk on a first-come basis; bring a driver's license or photo ID. Sensory backpacks are also available first come. Consult the accessibility guide for the route and support that fit your needs.

About the national memorial

From Memorial Hall to national recognition

The memorial was dedicated in 1938 and received its national designation in 1972. A 1973 agreement set out cooperation between the Institute and the Department of the Interior. The national memorial was formally dedicated in 1976. The Institute owns and administers this affiliated area of the National Park System.

Contact The Franklin Institute

Call 215-448-1200 or email [email protected]. The official memorial page describes the hall and current presentation.