Yo, Dude! Can You Crash at Ben Franklin's Place? Totally! Sort Of...
Ever wondered what it would be like to rub elbows with a Founding Father? Maybe snag a spare lightning rod (safety not guaranteed)? Well, my friend, you're in luck! While chilling with Ben Franklin himself might be a bit out of reach (dude's been busy for, like, 200 years), you can actually visit his crib in Philadelphia.
Can You Visit Ben Franklin's House In Philadelphia |
The OG Philly Pad: Independence Hall vs. Franklin Court
There's a bit of a twist, though. Ben had a couple digs in Philly during his lifetime. Here's the lowdown:
Independence Hall: This is the iconic spot where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. Ben hung out here a bunch, but it wasn't exactly his home sweet home. Think of it as the fancy co-working space of the 18th century.
Franklin Court: This is where things get interesting. Franklin Court is a whole complex dedicated to our favorite polymath (that's a fancy word for a jack-of-all-trades). The main attraction? The Benjamin Franklin Museum, which is chock-full of cool exhibits about his life and accomplishments.
But wait, there's more! You can also see the footprint of Ben's actual house, which is now, well, not exactly a house anymore. There's a sweet metal structure marking the spot, affectionately nicknamed the "Ghost House." Spooky vibes, dude!
So, Can You Actually Crash at Ben's Place?
Technically, no. But the Benjamin Franklin House, which is the actual house Ben lived in from 1760 to 1775, is open for tours. This is the real deal, folks! Walk the same halls Ben did, see the kind of furniture he chilled on (hopefully way more comfortable than a wooden rocking chair), and get a sense of his everyday life. Just be warned, there's no elevator, and those 18th-century stairs can be a bit of a workout.
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
Here's the super important part: Tickets sell out fast, so be sure to snag yours in advance (https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/visit/buy-tickets/).
Visiting Ben Like a Boss: Pro Tips
- Be a planner: Like we said, tickets go fast, so book your tour in advance.
- Brush up on your Ben: Knowing a few fun facts about Franklin will make the experience way more enjoyable.
- Dress for the occasion: While you don't need to go full-on colonial costume, comfy shoes are a must for all that walking.
- Embrace your inner Ben: Channel your inner inventor, scientist, or diplomat while you explore. Who knows, maybe you'll be inspired by the OG himself!
Ben Franklin FAQ
How to get to Independence Hall and Franklin Court?
Both locations are in historic Philadelphia. Check out https://www.visitphilly.com/ for all the deets on public transportation and parking.
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
How much does it cost to visit the Benjamin Franklin Museum?
There's a fee, but it's pretty reasonable. Check the official website (https://benjaminfranklinhouse.org/visit/buy-tickets/) for current prices.
How long does it take to tour the Benjamin Franklin House?
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
Allow yourself at least an hour to explore the house and museum.
Are there any tours available?
Yes! There are guided tours available, but they might fill up fast. Be sure to check the schedule when you book your tickets.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
Is there anything else to see around Independence Hall and Franklin Court?
Absolutely! Philly is packed with history. The Liberty Bell Center and the National Constitution Center are just a hop, skip, and a revolutionary jump away.