This monument of Benjamin Franklin stands in front of College Hall on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
The statue was originally unveiled at the old United States Post Office building at 9th and Chestnut Streets in June 1899; this location was chosen because Benjamin Franklin had been the first Postmaster General of the United States. The Post Office building (built 1873-1884) was demolished around 1935 to make a room for the new United States Court House. The statue of Benjamin Franklin was placed temporarily “upon a pile of cinders in the rear of the old building” during this time. When this was reported upon in an Evening Bulletin article on May 19, 1938, several alumni immediately suggested to the University of Pennsylvania administration that the statue be relocated to its West Philadelphia campus, in recognition of Benjamin Franklin’s founding of the University.1
This monument is 81 inches tall, and sculpted of bronze. Its granite base, designed by noted architect Frank Miles Day, features an inscription quoting George Washington’s eulogy of Benjamin Franklin: "BENJAMIN FRANKLIN / 1706-1790 / VENERATED / FOR BENEVOLENCE / ADMIRED FOR TALENTS / ESTEEMED FOR PATRIOTISM / BELOVED FOR / PHILANTHROPY / WASHINGTON".
- Photos by Luca Borghi ti.supmacinu|ihgrob.l#| (June 2017) and page layout by Annamaria Palese ti.liamtoh|49.eselapairamanna#| (December 2019)
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