- Owner description:
-
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:
- Category:
- Museums Embankment | Museums London
- Contact us:
- benjaminfranklinhouse
- Address:
-
36 Craven Street, London WC2N 5NF
020 7839 2006
Tube:
- Charing Cross Tube Station (0.1 km)
- Embankment Station (0.1 km)
Nearby stations:
- Charing Cross Railway Station (<0.1 km)
- Website:
- Opening hours:
- The Historical Experience Show runs at 12, 1pm, 2pm, 3.15pm and 4.15pm Wednesday through Sunday all
- More details:
-
Show
by CarolineLD
2 reviews of Benjamin Franklin House in English
During my trip to England, i visited the museum of Benjamin Franklin. I found that museum really interesting ! I learned a lot things ! Thank you so much ♥
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, built circa 1730, is architecturally significant. It holds a Grade I listing and retains a majority of original features (central staircase; lathing; 18th century paneling; stoves; windows; fittings; beams; brick, etc) 'unimproved' over time.
Benjamin Franklin did a bit of most things: this is the man who invented the lightning conductor, signed the Declaration of Independence, compiled books of sayings… He also spent a number of years living in this London house, making it effectively the first US embassy.
Rather than a conventional museum or historic house tour, this is a multimedia theatrical event. Less gimmicky than that sounds, it combines projected images, sound recordings and a costumed character guide to lead you through the story of Franklin’s life. A volunteer guide was also on hand to introduce the show and answer questions at the end.
Altogether, an entertaining experience which lets you learn a lot without feeling lectured.
