Independence Hall
Independence Hall
| Type | Historic site |
|---|---|
| Address | 520 Chestnut Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Old City |
| Phone | (215) 965-2305 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1753 (built); 1948 (national park) |
| Hours | Daily 9am-5pm |
Independence Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Old City, Philadelphia, where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and signed. Often called the "birthplace of American democracy," the Georgian building is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park and one of America's most significant historic sites.[1]
History
The Building
Originally the Pennsylvania State House:
- 1732 — Construction began
- 1753 — Completed
- 1775-1787*** — Revolutionary and Constitutional events
- 1799*** — Pennsylvania government moved to Lancaster
- 1818*** — Purchased by Philadelphia
- 1948*** — National Park Service assumed management
The Declaration of Independence
- June 1776 — Continental Congress debated independence
- July 2, 1776*** — Congress voted for independence
- July 4, 1776 — Declaration adopted
- Document read publicly July 8, 1776
- John Hancock's famous signature
The Constitution
- May-September 1787 — Constitutional Convention
- September 17, 1787*** — Constitution signed
- Debates held in secret
- George Washington presided
- "We the People..." replaced the Articles of Confederation
The Building Today
Assembly Room
Where history happened:
- Original chairs used by delegates
- Rising Sun chair (Washington's seat)
- Inkstand used to sign both documents
- Silver inkstand on display
- Period furnishings throughout
Other Rooms
- Long Gallery — Banquet hall on second floor
- Governor's Council Chamber
- Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chamber
- Committee rooms
Visiting
Tours
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 9am-5pm |
| Cost | Free (timed tickets required March-December) |
| Tickets | Reserve at recreation.gov or same-day at Visitor Center |
| Tour length | ~30 minutes |
| Format | Ranger-guided tours |
Getting Tickets
- March-December — Timed tickets required
- January-February — Walk-up access, no tickets
- Reserve online*** — Up to 60 days ahead at recreation.gov
- Same-day*** — Available at Independence Visitor Center (limited)
- Arrive early — Peak season tickets go quickly
Security
- All visitors pass through security screening
- Enter at Chestnut Street
- No large bags, weapons, or prohibited items
- Allow extra time for screening
The Liberty Bell
Liberty Bell Center is directly adjacent:
- Bell originally hung in Independence Hall tower
- Rang for readings of the Declaration
- Cracked in 1846
- Now displayed in separate building
- Free admission, no tickets required
Surrounding Area
Independence National Historical Park
Independence Hall is the centerpiece of a larger park:
- Liberty Bell Center
- Franklin Court
- Congress Hall
- Old City Hall
- Second Bank of the United States
- Carpenters' Hall
Getting There
- SEPTA Subway — 5th Street Independence Hall Station (Market-Frankford Line)
- Walking — Central Old City location
- Parking — Nearby garages (no dedicated lot)
Frequently Asked Questions
See Also
References
- ↑ "Independence National Historical Park". National Park Service. Retrieved December 23, 2025