Independence Mall

Independence Mall
Type	National park / Historic plaza
Location	Old City, Philadelphia
Coordinates	39.9500,-75.1494
Area	3 blocks (approximately 4.5 acres)
Established	1948-1967 (development); ongoing
Operated by	National Park Service
Features	Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Constitution Center
Hours	Grounds open 24/7; buildings have separate hours
Transit	SEPTA bus routes; 5th Street Station
Website	Official Site

Independence Mall is a landscaped public plaza stretching three blocks north of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, forming the ceremonial setting for some of America's most important historic sites. The mall connects the Liberty Bell Center, National Constitution Center, and numerous historic buildings, creating a cohesive national park experience right in the city's heart.

Think of it as the front lawn of American democracy. Green space for the city, too.

History

Development

In the 1700s, Independence Hall's surroundings looked nothing like they do today. Those blocks weren't parkland or plaza. They were packed with commercial buildings and homes, crammed together in the typical dense style of colonial Philadelphia.

Then, starting in 1948, Philadelphia decided it was time for something different. A massive urban renewal project got underway to create a proper ceremonial approach to Independence Hall:

• Buildings came down
• Three blocks were cleared away
• Landscaping went in
• The design kept changing as the years went by

Redesigns

The mall's evolved considerably since those first days:

• 1950s-60s: Early "tower in a park" concept
• 2003-2006: Major redesign that created what you see now
• 2010: Liberty Bell Center opened its doors
• Improvements are still happening

Layout

Three blocks make up the mall, running south to north:

South Block (500 Block)

• Independence Hall (south side of Chestnut)
• Liberty Bell Center
• Independence Visitor Center
• President's House Site

Middle Block (400 Block)

• Open lawn area
• Temporary exhibitions
• Event space

North Block (300 Block)

• National Constitution Center
• Independence Living History Center
• Open plaza

Key Sites

Liberty Bell Center

America's most famous freedom symbol is housed here. The bell itself? It's visible 24/7 through the windows, which is pretty cool. You don't pay to see it. During busy times, they use timed entry to manage crowds. Exhibits inside go deep into the bell's whole history and what it means.

Independence Hall

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed here. That's the building that matters most on this whole mall. It's a World Heritage Site, and you can see the original Assembly Room on a free tour, though from March through December you'll need a timed ticket. Without one during those months, you're out of luck.

National Constitution Center

This is an interactive museum focused on the U.S. Constitution. There's an admission fee, but you get access to the "Freedom Rising" multimedia show and Signers' Hall, which has life-size statues of all the people who signed. The interactive exhibits are solid, and they're constantly updated.

Independence Visitor Center

New to the area? Start here. It's free, and they've got everything you'd need: park information, tour tickets, a film screening, and bathrooms. Good restrooms too, which matters after walking around.

Using the Mall

As Park Space

The mall works as genuine public green space. There's actual lawn where you can sit down and relax, plenty of benches, walking paths, and shade trees scattered throughout. It's not just a ceremonial space. People use it.

Events

Major events happen here all the time:

• July 4th celebrations, particularly Wawa Welcome America
• Civic gatherings
• Protests and rallies
• Cultural events of all kinds

Photography

There are obvious photo spots:

• Independence Hall framed by the mall
• Liberty Bell with Independence Hall in the background
• National Constitution Center from various angles

Visiting

Hours

• Mall grounds: Open 24/7
• Liberty Bell: 9 AM - 5 PM (they extend hours in summer)
• Independence Hall: Tours 9 AM - 5 PM
• Constitution Center: Check their current hours

Tickets

• Liberty Bell: Free (timed entry during peak times)
• Independence Hall: Free (timed tickets required March-December)
• Constitution Center: There's an admission fee

Getting There

By Public Transit:

• Take the Market-Frankford Line to 5th Street
• Several SEPTA bus routes serve the area
• PATCO also reaches 8th & Market

By Car:

• Parking garages are nearby
• Street parking is basically nonexistent
• Transit's your best bet honestly

Tips

Get Independence Hall tickets early. Either buy them online or grab them at the visitor center. Hit the Liberty Bell first thing in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Budget at least 2-3 hours for the main sites. The Constitution Center costs money, but it's worth it.

Nearby

• Old City — The historic neighborhood surrounding everything
• Elfreth's Alley — America's oldest street
• Betsy Ross House
• Christ Church
• Second Bank of the United States

See Also

• Independence Hall
• Liberty Bell
• National Constitution Center
• Old City
• Washington Square

External Links

• Independence National Historical Park
• National Constitution Center
• Independence Visitor Center