Skip to main content
A message from Noguchi Museum Director Amy Hau. Read now
Bolt of Lightning…Memorial to Ben Franklin
1933–84
Monument Plaza, Base of Benjamin Franklin Bridge, near 6th and Vine Streets, Philadelphia, PA
Open to Public
Almost fifty years after Noguchi devised a handful of models as a conceptual tribute to scientific optimist and founding father Benjamin Franklin, he was commissioned by the city of Philadelphia to revisit the idea for a highly visible site at the foot of a bridge dedicated to Franklin. Noguchi’s design conflates the kite, lightning bolt, and key from Franklin’s personal iconography into a freestanding structure.
Your browser is out-of-date
Our website has detected that you are using a browser that will prevent you from accessing certain features. An upgrade is recommended.
Update my browser now
×