Independence Hall

Independence Hall

Type	Historic site, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Address	520 Chestnut Street
Map	View on Google Maps
Neighborhood	Old City
Phone	(215) 965-2305
Website	Official site
Established	1753 (as Pennsylvania State House)
Founder	Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly
Director	National Park Service
Collection	N/A
Visitors	750,000+/year
Admission	Free (timed tickets required)
Hours	Daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Transit	SEPTA Market-Frankford Line (5th Street Station)
Architect	Andrew Hamilton, Edmund Woolley
Building	Pennsylvania State House

Independence Hall(215) 965-2305https://www.nps.gov/inde520 Chestnut StreetPhiladelphiaPAUS

Independence Hall is a historic civic building located at 520 Chestnut Street in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia. Originally constructed as the Pennsylvania State House between 1732 and 1753, the building served as the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, making it the site where both the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the United States Constitution (1787) were debated and adopted. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Independence Hall stands as one of the most significant landmarks in American history and remains the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park.

The building exemplifies American Georgian architecture, characterized by its symmetrical red brick facade, white trim, and distinctive bell tower rising 168 feet above Chestnut Street. General Lafayette reportedly referred to the structure as the "Hall of Independence" during his 1824 visit, giving rise to its current name.

History

Design and Construction

The history of Independence Hall dates to 1729, when the Pennsylvania Assembly authorized construction of "a House for the Assembly of this Province to meet in." Approximately 2,000 pounds sterling was committed to the project, and a committee including Thomas Lawrence, John Kearsley, and Assembly Speaker Andrew Hamilton was charged with selecting a site, acquiring plans, and contracting construction.

Hamilton, a prominent attorney famous for his successful 1735 defense of Peter Zenger in the landmark freedom-of-the-press case, served as the guiding force behind the building's design. His plans closely resembled architectural pattern-book designs for English country houses. Hamilton and William Allen (later chief justice of the Province of Pennsylvania) were named trustees and authorized to purchase land for the proposed state house. By October 1730, they had acquired lots on Chestnut Street for the building's construction.

Construction proceeded as funds became available, resulting in piecemeal completion over two decades. Master builder Edmund Woolley supervised the actual construction. By 1741, Hamilton had died and funding had run out, leaving the project incomplete. The Assembly Room received its interior finish in 1742, and by 1749 the rest of the building stood complete, including an octagonal cupola on the rooftop. In 1750, the Assembly ordered construction of a structure to house a new staircase and "a suitable place thereon for hanging a bell." Edmund Woolley again supervised this work, and by mid-1753 the steeple was complete enough to raise the bell—now known as the Liberty Bell—to its place.

Revolutionary Era

The Second Continental Congress began meeting in the State House in May 1775, following the outbreak of hostilities at Lexington and Concord. Within these walls, George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. On July 2, 1776, delegates in the east room on the first floor—now known as the Assembly Room—resolved to break from Great Britain, and on July 4, they approved the Declaration of Independence.

The building witnessed the signing of the Articles of Confederation in 1781, establishing the first framework of American government. However, the limitations of the Articles soon became apparent, leading to calls for a stronger federal government.

Constitutional Convention

In May 1787, delegates from twelve states (Rhode Island declined to participate) convened at Independence Hall for what became known as the Constitutional Convention. Meeting in the same Assembly Room where independence had been declared eleven years earlier, delegates debated throughout the hot summer of 1787 with the windows shut to maintain secrecy. After months of deliberation and compromise, the United States Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, providing the framework for the nation's government that endures to this day.

George Washington presided over the Convention from a chair featuring a carved half-sun on its back. Benjamin Franklin, at 81 the oldest delegate present, reportedly remarked upon the Constitution's signing that he had often wondered during the debates whether the sun on Washington's chair was rising or setting. "Now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting Sun." This "rising sun chair" remains in the Assembly Room today.

Post-Colonial Era

Following the establishment of the federal government in New York City and later Washington, D.C., Independence Hall returned to use by Pennsylvania state and local government. The building underwent significant restoration in the 1820s under architect William Strickland, who designed the current steeple to replace the original structure that had been demolished in 1781 due to deterioration. Strickland's steeple, completed in 1828, rises 168 feet and 7¼ inches and incorporates a four-faced clock—the first of its kind in the tower.

The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966 and became the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park, established in 1948 and managed by the National Park Service. UNESCO designated Independence Hall a World Heritage Site in 1979, recognizing that the "universal principles of the right to revolution and self-government, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, have profoundly influenced lawmakers and politicians around the world."

Architecture

Independence Hall is considered a premier example of American Georgian architecture, a style characterized by symmetry, classical proportions, and exposed brick with stone masonry accents. The building features a red brick exterior with white wooden trim and a prominent central tower.

The most recognizable architectural feature is the 168-foot bell tower and steeple, designed by William Strickland in 1828 to replace the deteriorated original. The Strickland steeple differs from its predecessor in incorporating a clock with faces on four sides, each copper dial measuring eight feet in diameter. The Isaiah Lukens clockworks required a taller structure to accommodate the clock weights, resulting in the greater height compared to the original 1750s tower.

The building's interior retains much of its 18th-century character, particularly in the Assembly Room. Arranged in its original configuration from the Constitutional Convention, the room features period furnishings beneath a glittering antique chandelier. Visitors can view artifacts from the era, including George Washington's rising sun chair and the silver inkstand used to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Visiting Independence Hall

Tickets and Admission

All visitors must obtain a timed entry ticket to enter Independence Hall. Tickets are free but required to manage crowd flow and preserve the historic site. Visitors can secure tickets online in advance through Recreation.gov or at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets. Walk-up tickets are available but limited, especially during peak seasons (spring through fall and holiday weekends).

Admission to Independence Hall is completely free. While timed entry tickets are required, there is no charge for the tickets themselves when obtained at the Visitor Center. Tickets booked online through Recreation.gov carry a small service fee.

Tours

Standard ranger-led tours of Independence Hall last approximately 20 minutes and depart every 20 minutes throughout the day from 10:40 AM to 4:00 PM. An extended 40-minute tour is offered at 4:20 PM daily. All visits are conducted via mandatory guided tours—visitors cannot explore the building independently.

Visitors should arrive at the security screening entrance on Chestnut Street at least 15-30 minutes before their scheduled tour time. During peak season (March through Labor Day), arriving 30 minutes early is recommended. The security process is similar to airport screening—large bags, weapons, and certain other items are prohibited.

The Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell is not inside Independence Hall. The bell is displayed in the Liberty Bell Center, a separate building located across Chestnut Street from Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell Center is free to visit and does not require tickets—visitors simply pass through a security screening. The bell originally hung in Independence Hall's steeple from 1753 until it was moved in 1846 after the crack expanded and rendered it unringable.

Hours and Closures

Independence Hall is open seven days a week, including weekends and most federal holidays. Standard operating hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with the last tour departing at 4:20 PM. The security screening area closes 15 minutes before building closure or earlier if all tours are full. Hours may vary seasonally; visitors should check the official NPS website before planning their visit.

Important: Independence Hall will be closed to visitors from November 13, 2025, to January 28, 2026, for comprehensive interior preservation work in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

Photography

Photography is permitted inside Independence Hall for personal, non-commercial use. Flash photography and tripods are not allowed, and visitors should be mindful of tour group flow when taking pictures. Video recording is also permitted under the same guidelines.

Transportation and Parking

There is no dedicated parking lot at Independence Hall, but several public parking garages operate within walking distance in Old City and Center City. Street parking with meters is available but limited. The most convenient option for visitors is public transportation—the SEPTA Market-Frankford Line stops at 5th Street Station, one block from Independence Hall. Multiple SEPTA bus routes also serve the area.

Accessibility

Independence Hall is wheelchair accessible. Ramps provide access to the building, and accessible restrooms are available. Service animals are permitted on tours. Assistive listening devices are available for guided tours upon request at the Independence Visitor Center.

Significance

Independence Hall's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizes its outstanding universal value as the birthplace of American democracy. Two of the most important documents in American history were signed here: the Declaration of Independence (August 2, 1776, though approved July 4, 1776) and the United States Constitution (September 17, 1787). The Articles of Confederation were also signed here in 1781.

The fundamental concepts, format, and substantive elements of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution have influenced governmental charters in many nations and even the United Nations Charter itself.

The building draws approximately 750,000 visitors annually, making it one of Philadelphia's most visited attractions and a cornerstone of the city's tourism economy. As part of Independence National Historical Park—often called "America's most historic square mile"—Independence Hall anchors a collection of sites that includes the Liberty Bell Center, Congress Hall, Carpenters' Hall, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum.

See Also

• Liberty Bell
• Independence National Historical Park
• Declaration of Independence
• Constitutional Convention
• Benjamin Franklin
• Old City, Philadelphia
• Congress Hall
• Carpenters' Hall

External Links

• National Park Service - Independence National Historical Park
• Independence Hall Tickets - Recreation.gov
• UNESCO World Heritage Site Listing