Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, Marble statue in Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, US
The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial is a colossal marble statue housed within the Franklin Institute science museum in Philadelphia. The figure stands on a white marble pedestal in a room with a soaring domed ceiling and supporting columns.
Sculptor James Earle Fraser created the memorial between 1932 and 1938 as a work of remarkable craftsmanship. Congress granted it national status in 1972, recognizing its importance to American history.
The memorial sits in a rotunda modeled after Rome's Pantheon, creating a space that feels grand and timeless. Visitors often spend moments reflecting on Franklin's role in shaping the nation, making this a place where history feels immediate.
The memorial is located within the Franklin Institute and is accessible to visitors at no cost. A multimedia presentation called Benjamin Franklin Forever provides additional context about his life and achievements.
The memorial underwent major restoration work in 2008, during which digital projection and LED lighting were added to the rotunda. These contemporary technologies transform how visitors experience the historic statue today.
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