Franklin Music Hall

2026年10月16日

Franklin Music Hall: A Historical Overview

Franklin Music Hall is a prominent concert venue located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The venue occupies a building that was once part of the General Electric Switchgear Plant and was converted into a music venue in 1995. It boasts a capacity of between 2,500 and 3,000 people and is owned and operated by The Bowery Presents.

The venue is known for hosting a wide array of musical acts spanning genres such as rap, electronic, heavy metal, rock, grunge, and pop. This diversity in musical offerings has made Franklin Music Hall a significant player in Philadelphia’s vibrant live music scene.

The history of Franklin Music Hall can be traced back to 1968 when the “Electric Factory and Flea Market” was established in a converted tire warehouse at the northwest corner of 22nd and Arch Streets. Owned by Sheldon Kaplan, Herbert Spivak, and his brothers Jerry and Allen Spivak, the venue quickly became a hotspot for live music. Larry Magid was brought on board to handle the booking of shows, and following the 1969 Atlantic City Pop Festival, Kaplan sold his stake, making Magid a partner. The original venue hosted legendary performances by artists such as The Chambers Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, and The Who until it closed in 1970 and was demolished in 1973 to make way for condominiums.

In 1995, Magid and Spivak revived the Electric Factory in a new location, converting a building from the General Electric Switchgear Plant on 7th and Willow Street. The venue continued to thrive and in 2016, it was recognized as the 16th best venue in the United States by Consequence.

In September 2018, the Electric Factory was sold to The Bowery Presents. However, due to trademark issues with the name owned by rival Live Nation, a new name was required. A public naming contest was held, receiving over 5,000 submissions, and in October 2018, the venue was officially renamed Franklin Music Hall.