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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell

The Declaration of Independence (1776) and the U.S. Constitution (1787) were both debated and signed in Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell, displayed nearby, became a symbol for abolitionists and, later, for many other movements for freedom.

Official visitor website(opens nps.gov in a new tab)
Front of Independence Hall, a red-brick building with a white clock tower, in Philadelphia.

All landmarks

Photo: Rdsmith4, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

  • Founding, Independence & Government

Why it matters

The Declaration of Independence (1776) and the U.S. Constitution (1787) were both debated and signed in Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell, displayed nearby, became a symbol for abolitionists and, later, for many other movements for freedom.

Why it may matter to you

The oath of allegiance is a promise to support the Constitution. Here you can stand in the room where it was written and see how the founders argued over the government you now help choose.

The fuller story

The freedoms declared here did not reach everyone in 1776 or 1787: slavery remained legal, and women and many others could not vote. The park also interprets the President's House site, where George Washington held enslaved people while he lived in Philadelphia.

Plan your visit

Hours, prices, reservations, and closures change. Check the official visitor website.
Time to allow
Half a day for the hall, the bell, and nearby exhibits (our estimate)
Setting
Indoor and outdoor
Tickets and reservations
Independence Hall entry is by ranger-guided tour, and timed tickets are often required. Check the official visitor website.
Getting there
Central Philadelphia is served by regional rail, subway, and buses; parking is in paid garages nearby.
With family
Guided tours of Independence Hall are short and good for older children. Expect a security screening.
Seasons and weather
Summer is busy and hot; spring and fall are milder.
Accessibility
Accessibility information from the operator(opens nps.gov in a new tab)
Times are estimates and distances are straight-line. Citizen Navigator is an independent educational resource. Visitor access and conditions change. Confirm current details with the destination's official operator.