Editing Independence Mall

{{Infobox Park
| name = Independence Mall
| image =
| image_caption = Independence Mall with Independence Hall in the background
| 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 = https://www.nps.gov/inde
}}

'''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 in the heart of the city.<ref name="indemall">{{cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/inde |title=Independence National Historical Park |publisher=National Park Service |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The mall serves both as green space for the city and as the front lawn of American democracy.

== History ==

=== Development ===

Independence Mall did not exist in the 18th century. The blocks north of Independence Hall were densely developed with commercial buildings and homes.

Beginning in '''1948''', Philadelphia undertook massive urban renewal to create a ceremonial approach to Independence Hall:
* Buildings were demolished
* Three blocks were cleared
* Landscaping was added
* The mall evolved through several designs

=== Redesigns ===

The mall has been redesigned multiple times:
* '''1950s-60s:''' Original "tower in a park" style
* '''2003-2006:''' Major redesign creating current layout
* '''2010:''' Liberty Bell Center opened
* Ongoing improvements continue

== Layout ==

The mall comprises three blocks, 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 ===

Housing America's most famous symbol of freedom:
* Free admission
* Timed entry during peak times
* Bell visible 24/7 through windows
* Exhibits on bell's history

=== Independence Hall ===

Where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed:
* Free tours (timed tickets required March-December)
* World Heritage Site
* Original Assembly Room

=== National Constitution Center ===

Interactive museum on the U.S. Constitution:
* Admission fee
* "Freedom Rising" multimedia show
* Signers' Hall with life-size statues
* Interactive exhibits

=== Independence Visitor Center ===

Starting point for visits:
* Free
* Park information
* Tour tickets
* Film screening
* Restrooms

== Using the Mall ==

=== As Park Space ===

The mall functions as public '''green space''':
* Lawn areas for relaxation
* Benches and seating
* Walking paths
* Shade trees

=== Events ===

The mall hosts major '''events''':
* July 4th celebrations (Wawa Welcome America)
* Civic gatherings
* Protests and rallies
* Cultural events

=== Photography ===

Popular '''photo spots''':
* Independence Hall from the mall
* Liberty Bell with Independence Hall
* National Constitution Center

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Mall grounds:''' Open 24/7
* '''Liberty Bell:''' 9 AM - 5 PM (extended summer hours)
* '''Independence Hall:''' Tours 9 AM - 5 PM
* '''Constitution Center:''' Check current hours

=== Tickets ===

* '''Liberty Bell:''' Free (timed entry during peak)
* '''Independence Hall:''' Free (timed tickets required March-December)
* '''Constitution Center:''' Admission fee

=== Getting There ===

'''By Public Transit:'''
* Market-Frankford Line to 5th Street
* Multiple SEPTA bus routes
* PATCO to 8th & Market

'''By Car:'''
* Nearby parking garages
* Very limited street parking
* Transit recommended

=== Tips ===

* Get Independence Hall tickets early (online or at visitor center)
* Visit Liberty Bell first thing or late afternoon
* Allow 2-3 hours minimum for the main sites
* The Constitution Center is worth the admission

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Old City]]''' — Historic neighborhood
* '''[[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]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.nps.gov/inde Independence National Historical Park]
* [https://constitutioncenter.org National Constitution Center]
* [https://www.phlvisitorcenter.com Independence Visitor Center]

{{#seo:
|title=Independence Mall Philadelphia - Liberty Bell, Independence Hall & Constitution Center
|description=Guide to Independence Mall in Philadelphia. Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, National Constitution Center, and the heart of American history.
|keywords=Independence Mall Philadelphia, Liberty Bell Philadelphia, Independence Hall, National Constitution Center, Philadelphia historic sites, Independence National Historical Park
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Old City]]
[[Category:Revolutionary War]]
[[Category:Attractions]]