The Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo: NPS Photo
Independence National Historical Park
The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
- LocationPhiladelphia, PA
- Entrance $1 timed entry reservation - location
- HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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Weather now78°F Patchy rain nearby
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- Abolition Movement
- African American Heritage
- American Revolution
- American Revolutionary War
- Archeology
- Architecture and Building
- Arts
- Banking
16 more topics
- Birthplace
- Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
- Civil Rights
- Civil War
- Enslavement
- Military
- Monuments and Memorials
- Painting
- Presidents
- Religious Freedom
- Social Movements
- Transportation
- US Navy
- Voting Rights and Suffrage
- Wars and Conflicts
- Women's History
Alerts (1)
InformationLimited Restroom Availability Restrooms are available at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market Streets, the corner of 5th and Chestnut Stree… Read more
Restrooms are available at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market Streets, the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum (museum entrance requires a fee) in Franklin Court.
Things to Do
10 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Become an Independence Junior Ranger
There are three ways to become a Junior Ranger at Independence National Historical Park. Ready for the challenge...and the fun?
Learn more about Become an Independence Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Find the Perfect Souvenir
Browse the shelves in the America's National Park Stores in the East Wing and Old City Hall for that perfect gift - for yourself or others. Participating in the NPS passport program? You can add to…
Learn more about Find the Perfect Souvenir on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Get the B. Free Franklin Cancellation
Get the same cancellation on your stamp that Franklin used when he was postmaster. There's cool and then there's "B. Free Franklin" cool.
Learn more about Get the B. Free Franklin Cancellation on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hear the Centennial Bell Ring
Do you hear that? Look up! Listen to the Centennial Bell ring each hour at the clocktower of Independence Hall.
Learn more about Hear the Centennial Bell Ring on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Listen for the Sound of Sticky Ink
Discover the pivotal role that the printed word played in the American Revolution and the founding of the nation as rangers demonstrate printing—18th-century style.
Learn more about Listen for the Sound of Sticky Ink on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Play the Virtual Glass Armonica
Fee applies
Of all his inventions, the one Benjamin Franklin enjoyed most was the glass armonica. Give it a try at the Benjamin Franklin Museum, where you can explore Franklin's life and legacy through his…
Learn more about Play the Virtual Glass Armonica on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Stand in Abraham Lincoln's Place
President-elect Abraham Lincoln made a stop at Independence Hall in 1861 as he journeyed to Washington D.C. for his inauguration. Today, a plaque outside Independence Hall indicates where Lincoln…
Learn more about Stand in Abraham Lincoln's Place on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Take a "Bell-fie"
Come see the international symbol of freedom in all its glory. Learn about the Liberty Bell's legacy as a symbol of protest and celebration, from its humble beginnings as the State House bell to its…
Learn more about Take a "Bell-fie" on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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Facilities & Services
Find tours, tickets and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Tours & Tickets
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Independence National Historical Park Tours
Ticket Facility
At Independence National Historic Park, the old cracked bell still proclaims "liberty," and Independence Hall still echoes the words "We the People." Explore Benjamin…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov 1 North Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 215-965-2305 Directions
Details
Overview:
At Independence National Historic Park, the old cracked bell still proclaims "liberty," and Independence Hall still echoes the words "We the People." Explore Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia and learn about America's past and present struggle to fulfill the Founders' declaration that "all men are created equal."
The citizens of Philadelphia constructed Independence Hall between 1732 and 1756 as the State House of the Province of Pennsylvania. Then, from 1775 to 1783, the Assembly Room of this building served as the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress, which adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In the same room, they agreed upon the design for the American flag and the Articles of Confederation (1777), and in 1787, the Constitutional Convention met here and drafted the U. S. Constitution.
The building, inside and out, has been restored wherever possible to its original late-18th century appearance. Most of the furnishings are period pieces, including the "rising sun" chair used by George Washington as he presided over the Constitutional Convention.
While Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are the main attractions within Independence National Historic Park, there are plenty of other fantastic sites for visitors to see before or after taking a tour.
Spanning over 55 acres on 20 city blocks within the historic district of Philadelphia, the park preserves and interprets many of our country's most important resources associated with the establishment of the United States of America. These sites include the Second Bank of the United States, Congress Hall and Old City Hall. Additionally, the park tells the story of Philadelphia's most famous citizen, Benjamin Franklin, in Franklin Court, where his home once stood.
Summary of Fees - Independence National Historical Park Tours
Other Visitor Services
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Independence Visitor Center
Facility
The Independence Visitor Center is located at 6th and Market Streets. Pick up a park map, plan your visit, and watch films in the Independence Visitor Center. Ask…
41 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA (215) 965-2305 Directions
Details
The Independence Visitor Center is located at 6th and Market Streets. Pick up a park map, plan your visit, and watch films in the Independence Visitor Center. Ask knowledgeable park rangers about programs, walking tours and special events. City concierge staff will gladly assist you with information about lodgings and restaurants.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Independence National Historical Park
Hours details
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Independence National Historical ParkDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Independence National Historical Park operates daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Hours of operation for certain historical buildings and facilities change seasonally throughout the year. Most of the park grounds are open 24 hours a day to pedestrians. All buildings are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Please see the park's website for hours of operation. http://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/hours.htm
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Entrance fees
- $1Timed Entry Reservation - Location
Fee details
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Timed Entry Reservation - Location$1
Entrance to Independence Hall requires a guided tour. Tickets are required.
Address
599 Market StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19106
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
78°F
Patchy rain nearby · feels like 83°
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Today
87° 64°
Overcast57% rain -
Tomorrow
73° 62°
Overcast8% rain
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Sunday
64° 61°
Overcast79% rain
Updated 12 min ago
What to expect by season
Summers are typically hot and muggy, fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is cold. Snowfall is highly variable, with some winters bringing only light snow and others bringing several major snowstorms, with the normal seasonal snowfall standing at 22.4 in (57 cm). Precipitation is generally spread throughout the year, with eight to twelve wet days per month.
Upcoming Events
7 coming up-
Independence Park Walking Tour
About
Discover the history that took place outside of Independence Hall on this one-hour ranger-guided walking tour of Independence National Historical Park.
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Philadelphia's Famous Founding Father - Benjamin Franklin
About
Join a park ranger and find out about the life and times of Philadelphia's own Benjamin Franklin. Meet ranger at the entrance to the Benjamin Franklin Museum in Franklin Court.
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Free Entrance to the Benjamin Franklin Museum
About
Celebrate the arrival of Benjamin Franklin to Philadelphia with free entrance to the Benjamin Franklin Museum!
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New Hall Military Museum
About
Open this weekend—the Military Museum at New Hall! Explore the history of the first Department of War and the military endeavors of the American Revolutionary War.
Show 3 more events
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Movies on the Mall
Event page for Movies on the Mall (opens in a new tab)About
Enjoy a movie under the stars at your national park! Join Independence Historical Trust, Independence National Historical Park, and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation for Movies on the Mall, an outdoor movie series celebrating the themes and history of our city and national park.
Before the movie begins, enjoy family-friendly activities like 18th century games, arts and crafts, and park ranger programs.
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B.A.R.K. Ranger
About
Do you have a doggo, pupper, or floof who loves national parks as much as you do? Join Independence Historical Trust and become a B.A.R.K. Ranger. During this special program geared towards our four-legged friends, pets of all shapes and sizes can take the oath and become an official B.A.R.K. Ranger at Independence National Historical Park. Enjoy light refreshments (for pets and people) and take some time to meet other pet-lovers from the neighborhood.
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Free Entrance to the Benjamin Franklin Museum
About
Happy Birthday Benjamin Franklin! Enjoy the Benjamin Franklin Museum all day for free!
Photos
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Plan your visit, use the restrooms, and take advantage of the free WiFi in the Independence Visitor Center. — NPS Photo -
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1 more photo
Getting There
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Independence National Historical Park is located in an urban area served by Interstates 95 and 676. The park is also easily accessible by public transportation, including SEPTA and PATCO mass transit routes.
Full directions
Whether you choose driving, the bus or the train, we recommend that you start your visit at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets. See the park's website for specific directions.
Mailing address: 143 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
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