The Library Company

About this museum

The Library Company of Philadelphia stands as one of America's most historically significant cultural institutions, and visitors can explore its galleries and exhibitions for free. Located at 1314 Locust Street in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, this remarkable library and museum was founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin and a group of like - minded intellectuals, making it one of the oldest lending libraries in the United States.Visitors to The Library Company will discover a unique collection that spans nearly three centuries of American history, culture, and thought. The galleries feature rotating exhibitions drawn from the institution's extraordinary holdings of rare books, manuscripts, prints, photographs, and historical documents. Paintings and portraits from the 18th and 19th centuries line the walls, many depicting the founding - era figures who shaped both the library and the nation. Works created or influenced by Benjamin Franklin himself are among the collection's most treasured items, offering a direct connection to one of America's greatest thinkers and innovators.As a research library, The Library Company serves scholars from around the world who come to study its primary source materials on early American history, African American history, women's history, and the history of the book. But you do not need to be a researcher to appreciate what this institution offers. The public exhibitions are thoughtfully curated and accessible to anyone with an interest in history, art, or the life of the mind. Visitors consistently describe it as a treasure trove of knowledge and beauty.Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM, The Library Company offers weekday visiting hours convenient for downtown explorers. An accessible entrance is available. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars, this free museum and library in Philadelphia is one of the city's most rewarding cultural experiences and a must for anyone interested in things to do in Philadelphia's historic district.Whether you are a bibliophile, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the intellectual foundations of American democracy, The Library Company of Philadelphia offers a profound and free connection to the past. Visit librarycompany.org to learn about current exhibitions.