Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence located at the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia. Originally commissioned to hang in the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall), the bell is famous for the large crack running through it and the inscription "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof" from the Book of Leviticus. The Liberty Bell has become one of the most recognized symbols of freedom in the world and is Philadelphia's most visited attraction, drawing over 2 million visitors annually.

Admission to see the Liberty Bell is free. The bell is housed in the Liberty Bell Center, a glass-walled pavilion on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets, directly across from Independence Hall. Visitors can view the bell up close and learn about its history through exhibits in the center.

History

Origins

The Liberty Bell was commissioned in 1751 by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly to hang in the new State House (now Independence Hall). The Assembly ordered the bell from the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London, one of England's most respected bell makers.

The bell arrived in Philadelphia in 1752 and was inscribed with the biblical verse from Leviticus 25:10: "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof." This verse was chosen to commemorate the 50th anniversary of William Penn's 1701 Charter of Privileges, which granted religious freedom and democratic governance to Pennsylvania's colonists.

The First Crack

When the bell was first tested in Philadelphia in March 1753, it cracked on the first stroke. Local metalworkers John Pass and John Stow were hired to recast the bell. They melted it down and recast it with additional copper to make it less brittle.

The recast bell was hung in the State House steeple in June 1753. Pass and Stow's names and the date "MDCCLIII" (1753) are cast into the bell, along with the original inscription.

Revolutionary Era

During the Revolutionary War, the bell was used to summon citizens and legislators to public meetings and announcements. It rang to mark significant events, including:

• Reading of the Declaration of Independence (July 8, 1776)
• Battles and victories during the Revolutionary War
• Deaths of prominent figures
• Proclamations and public gatherings

When British forces approached Philadelphia in 1777, the bell was removed and hidden in Allentown, Pennsylvania, beneath the floorboards of Zion Reformed Church to prevent British soldiers from melting it for ammunition. It was returned to Philadelphia in 1778 after the British evacuation.

The Famous Crack

The origins of the Liberty Bell's famous crack are somewhat uncertain. Historical records suggest the bell developed a thin crack sometime in the early 19th century.

The crack became unmistakable in February 1846 when the bell was rung to celebrate George Washington's birthday. The crack widened significantly during the ringing, rendering the bell unringable. Attempts to repair the crack by drilling along its length to prevent further spread were unsuccessful.

The bell has not been rung since 1846, though it is occasionally tapped for ceremonial purposes.

Symbol of Freedom

The bell was not widely known as the "Liberty Bell" until the 1830s, when abolitionists adopted it as a symbol of their movement. The inscription about proclaiming liberty "unto all the inhabitants" resonated with those fighting to end slavery.

The name "Liberty Bell" first appeared in an 1835 anti-slavery publication. Abolitionists used the bell's image in pamphlets and publications, transforming it from a local historical artifact into a national symbol of freedom.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the bell traveled across the country by train for exhibitions, further cementing its status as a national icon. These tours ended in 1915 due to concerns about damage from travel.

Visiting the Liberty Bell

Admission and Tickets

Admission is free. No tickets are required during most times. However, during peak season (generally March through December), timed entry tickets may be required to manage crowds.

Timed Entry Tickets:

• Free tickets can be reserved online through the National Park Service website
• Same-day tickets may be available at the Independence Visitor Center
• Tickets are not required during low-visitation periods

We recommend arriving early, especially during summer months and holiday weekends, to avoid long lines.

Hours of Operation

The Liberty Bell Center is open daily with seasonal hours:

Standard Hours:

• 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily

Extended Summer Hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day):

• 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily

The Liberty Bell Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Security Screening

All visitors must pass through a security screening before entering the Liberty Bell Center. This includes:

• Walking through a metal detector
• Having bags screened by X-ray

The security checkpoint is located at the entrance on Chestnut Street. During busy periods, security screening can add 15-30 minutes to your visit.

Location

Liberty Bell Center 526 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

The Liberty Bell Center is located on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets, directly across from Independence Hall in Old City.

The glass-walled building allows views of both the Liberty Bell inside and Independence Hall behind it, creating an iconic photo opportunity.

What to See

The Bell

Visitors can view the Liberty Bell up close inside the climate-controlled Liberty Bell Center. The bell sits on a special mount that allows viewing from all angles.

Bell Statistics:

• Weight: 2,080 pounds
• Circumference: 12 feet at the lip
• Height: 3 feet from lip to crown
• Composition: Copper (70%), tin (25%), and trace amounts of lead, zinc, arsenic, gold, and silver
• Inscription: "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof"

Exhibits

The Liberty Bell Center includes exhibits documenting:

• The bell's creation and early history
• Its role in the Revolutionary era
• The adoption by abolitionists and civil rights movements
• The bell's travels across America
• Stories of people who have been inspired by the bell

The exhibits are designed to take 15-30 minutes to view before reaching the bell itself.

Photography

Photography is permitted inside the Liberty Bell Center. The glass walls and interior lighting are designed to facilitate good photographs of the bell with Independence Hall visible in the background.

Tripods are generally not permitted during peak hours.

Getting There

Public Transit

The Liberty Bell Center is easily accessible by SEPTA public transit:

Subway

• Market-Frankford Line (The L): 5th Street/Independence Hall Station (directly adjacent)
• Broad Street Line (The B): City Hall Station, then transfer to MFL

Bus Routes

• SEPTA bus routes 17, 21, 33, 38, 42, 44, and 48 stop nearby

Regional Rail

• Jefferson Station (4 blocks north)
• Suburban Station (6 blocks west)

Parking

Limited parking is available in the Independence Mall area:

• Independence Visitor Center Parking - Autopark at Independence Mall, 6th Street between Race and Arch
• On-street metered parking - Very limited, 2-hour maximum
• Private garages - Several within walking distance

Public transit is strongly recommended. The area is highly walkable from Center City hotels.

Independence Visitor Center

Stop at the Independence Visitor Center (6th and Market Streets) before visiting the Liberty Bell to:

• Pick up free timed-entry tickets if required
• Get maps and information about Independence National Historical Park
• Watch the orientation film about Independence Hall
• Use restrooms and purchase refreshments

The Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM (extended hours in summer).

Nearby Attractions

The Liberty Bell is located within Independence National Historical Park, which includes several other significant sites within walking distance:

• Independence Hall - Where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed (directly across the street)
• Congress Hall - Where Congress met from 1790-1800
• Old City Hall - Home of the Supreme Court 1791-1800
• Carpenters' Hall - Site of the First Continental Congress
• Benjamin Franklin's Grave - Christ Church Burial Ground (2 blocks)
• Betsy Ross House - Historic home (4 blocks)
• National Constitution Center - Interactive museum (3 blocks)
• Museum of the American Revolution - Revolutionary War history (2 blocks)

We recommend allowing at least half a day to explore the Independence Mall area.

Tips for Visiting

Best Times to Visit

• Weekday mornings - Shortest lines, typically
• Off-season (January-February) - Fewer crowds
• Early morning - Lines are shortest right when doors open

Avoiding Crowds

• Reserve timed-entry tickets online in advance during peak season
• Arrive at opening time
• Visit on weekdays rather than weekends
• Avoid holiday weekends and summer peak season if possible

Accessibility

The Liberty Bell Center is fully accessible:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance and viewing areas
• ASL interpretation available with advance notice
• Audio description available
• Large-print materials available

Common Questions

Can you touch the Liberty Bell?

No. Touching the Liberty Bell is not permitted. The bell is protected by barriers, though visitors can get very close to view it.

Why did the bell crack?

The bell cracked due to metal fatigue, likely caused by repeated striking over many years. The composition of the bell (particularly the high copper content) made it prone to cracking. The famous large crack appeared in 1846 when the bell was rung for Washington's Birthday celebration.

Does the bell still ring?

The bell is no longer rung due to the crack, which could worsen if the bell vibrated. However, the bell is occasionally tapped gently for ceremonial purposes, such as on Independence Day.

Is the Liberty Bell the original?

The current Liberty Bell is technically the second version. The original bell from London cracked on first testing in 1753. Local metalworkers John Pass and John Stow recast the bell, and that recast version is what we see today.

See Also

• Independence Hall
• Independence National Historical Park
• Old City, Philadelphia
• Philadelphia history
• Benjamin Franklin

External Links

• National Park Service - Liberty Bell
• Visit Philadelphia Guide
• Independence Hall Association - Liberty Bell