Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin is a bronze sculpture mounted on an ornate granite base inscribed on all four sides, positioned at the heart of Washington Square. The pedestal is surrounded by trees and open green space that define the park's character.

The monument was originally placed in 1879 at the corner of Kearny and Market Streets before relocating to Washington Square in 1904 at the urging of Henry D. Cogswell. The relocation marked a shift in the city's development priorities toward this central public space.

The bronze figure has stood at the center of the square for over a century and serves as an anchor point for both visitors and residents. It functions as a natural gathering spot and visual landmark within the neighborhood.

This sculpture is located at the center of Washington Square and is easily reached on foot, particularly if approaching from The Embarcadero. The site is open to the public, and daytime visits offer the best views when light illuminates the bronze and granite surfaces.

Inside the pedestal sits a time capsule sealed in 1979 containing artifacts from 20th-century San Francisco life. Scheduled to open in 2079, this hidden chamber creates an unexpected connection spanning two centuries.

Location: San Francisco

GPS coordinates: 37.80082,-122.41001

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:04