Visiting the Franklin Court Printing Office

Color photo of man in 18th-century costume demonstrating the printing press.
Discover the pivotal role the printed word played in the American Revolution and the founding of the nation.  Franklin's printing office no longer survives, but it would have had equipment similar to what you'll see in the Franklin Court Printing Office.

NPS photo

 

Location
This site is located in Franklin Court. Enter the courtyard from either Market or Chestnut Streets, between 3rd and 4th Streets.

 

Hours and Fees
Open Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–5 pm.
The last printing demonstration is at 4:30.

 

Ticketing
No tickets are required to visit the Printing Office. Entrance is on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Exhibits
The Printing Office exhibits include a typesetting area, two reproduction 18th century presses, a bindery, and the newspaper office of Franklin's grandson, Benjamin Franklin Bache. Visitors get to experience whatever the park ranger is working on—it could be typesetting or printing.

 

Accessibility
The Printing Office is wheelchair accessible through the courtyard entrance door only. Learn more about the accessibility services offered throughout the park on our website.

 

Images and Historical Information
Check out these images from the Printing Office and other Franklin Court sites. Additional information about the Franklin Court Printing Office is available on the park's website.

 

More to Explore in Franklin Court
Benjamin Franklin Museum
Franklin Court Courtyard

 

Last updated: March 7, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

143 S. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Phone:

215-965-2305

Contact Us

Tools

Stay Connected