Benjamin Franklin Statue - Philadelphia, USA
The most important Benjamin Franklin statue in Philadelphia stands in front of College Hall on Locust Walk, at the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus, between 34th and 36th Streets. Another large seated statue dedicated to Franklin is displayed in the rotunda of the world-famous science museum, one of the many institutions Franklin helped found, and was designated a U.S. National Memorial in 1972. A separate Benjamin Franklin statue also stands in Washington, D.C., in front of the Old Post Office building at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 12th Street.
Who Created the Benjamin Franklin Statue at the University of Pennsylvania?
The statue on the University of Pennsylvania campus was created by American sculptor John J. Boyle. Boyle completed his training at the Franklin Institute and the Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia, then pursued advanced studies at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. The statue was commissioned in 1896 as a gift to the city by Justus Clayton Strawbridge, founder of the Strawbridge department stores. The work was unveiled in 1899 in front of Philadelphia's main Post Office building. The statue was donated by the city to the University of Pennsylvania in 1938 and placed in its current location. The pedestal was designed by architect Frank Miles Day.
What Does the Benjamin Franklin Statue Look Like?
The statue at the University of Pennsylvania is a bronze work standing 81 inches (approximately 206 cm) tall. Franklin is depicted through a historically researched portrait based on extensive study. Boyle used the bust by Jean Antoine Houdon as a reference for the face, while the clothing was interpreted from the Duplessis portrait, rendered as the fur-trimmed surtout coat of the period. The pedestal bears the words of President George Washington in tribute to Franklin: "Venerated for benevolence, admired for talents, esteemed for patriotism, beloved for philanthropy." These words capture Franklin's many-sided character in a brief and powerful way.
The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial at the Franklin Institute
The statue housed in the rotunda of the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia is another extraordinary work. It presents a monumental seated figure of Franklin at the center of the science museum. The Franklin Institute is one of the leading science and technology museums in the country and one of the many institutions Franklin helped establish. Designated a U.S. National Memorial, this statue has become the symbol of the museum and one of the must-see stops for every visitor to Philadelphia. Integrated with the architecture of the rotunda, the statue creates a solemn and deeply impressive experience for all who see it.
Who Was Benjamin Franklin?
Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) is one of the most versatile and influential figures in American history. He successfully combined the identities of scientist, inventor, journalist, diplomat, and statesman. Best known as the inventor of the lightning rod, Franklin was also the founder of Philadelphia's first library, its first fire department, and numerous other important institutions. Serving as the first U.S. Postmaster General, he played a key role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and was diplomatically instrumental in securing French support for America. Franklin's legacy lives on today throughout Philadelphia and across the United States, through the many historic institutions he helped bring to life.
The Symbolic Meaning of the Benjamin Franklin Statue
Each statue dedicated to Franklin highlights a different facet of his remarkable life. Its placement in front of the Post Office building underscores the symbolic connection to his role as the first Postmaster General. Its location at the University of Pennsylvania stands as a concrete expression of his commitment to education and knowledge. The large seated statue at the Franklin Institute foregrounds his identity as a scientist. The University of Pennsylvania statue, affectionately known as "Ben on the Bench", has become a legendary tradition among students: every year at commencement, the university president and honorary degree recipients continue the custom of posing for photographs beside it.
How to Visit the Benjamin Franklin Statue
The statue on the University of Pennsylvania campus is located in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia and can be visited freely on the publicly accessible campus. The nearest subway stop is 34th Street on the SEPTA line. The Franklin Institute is located on Market Street at 20th Street and is open daily with an admission fee. To reach the Franklin statue in Washington, D.C., visitors can head to the Federal Triangle area along Pennsylvania Avenue, where the statue stands in a publicly accessible outdoor space. All three sites are well worth including as stops on a historic walking tour of their respective cities.
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