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 in the heart of the city.[1]
The mall serves both as green space for the city and as the front lawn of American democracy.
History
[edit | edit source]Development
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]The mall comprises three blocks, south to north:
South Block (500 Block)
[edit | edit source]- Independence Hall (south side of Chestnut)
- Liberty Bell Center
- Independence Visitor Center
- President's House Site
Middle Block (400 Block)
[edit | edit source]- Open lawn area
- Temporary exhibitions
- Event space
North Block (300 Block)
[edit | edit source]- National Constitution Center
- Independence Living History Center
- Open plaza
Key Sites
[edit | edit source]Liberty Bell Center
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Interactive museum on the U.S. Constitution:
- Admission fee
- "Freedom Rising" multimedia show
- Signers' Hall with life-size statues
- Interactive exhibits
Independence Visitor Center
[edit | edit source]Starting point for visits:
- Free
- Park information
- Tour tickets
- Film screening
- Restrooms
Using the Mall
[edit | edit source]As Park Space
[edit | edit source]The mall functions as public green space:
- Lawn areas for relaxation
- Benches and seating
- Walking paths
- Shade trees
Events
[edit | edit source]The mall hosts major events:
- July 4th celebrations (Wawa Welcome America)
- Civic gatherings
- Protests and rallies
- Cultural events
Photography
[edit | edit source]Popular photo spots:
- Independence Hall from the mall
- Liberty Bell with Independence Hall
- National Constitution Center
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- Liberty Bell: Free (timed entry during peak)
- Independence Hall: Free (timed tickets required March-December)
- Constitution Center: Admission fee
Getting There
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- Old City — Historic neighborhood
- Elfreth's Alley — America's oldest street
- Betsy Ross House
- Christ Church
- Second Bank of the United States
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Independence National Historical Park". National Park Service. Retrieved December 30, 2025