Independence National Historical Park Tours

Independence National Historical Park

At Independence National Historical Park, the old cracked bell still proclaims "liberty," and Independence Hall still echoes the words "We the People." Explore Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia and learn about America's past and present struggle to fulfill the Founders' declaration that "all men are created equal."


The citizens of Philadelphia constructed Independence Hall between 1732 and 1756 as the State House of the Province of Pennsylvania. Then, from 1775 to 1783, the Assembly Room of this building served as the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress, which adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In the same room, they agreed upon the design for the American flag and the Articles of Confederation (1777), and in 1787, the Constitutional Convention met here and drafted the U. S. Constitution.


The building, inside and out, has been restored wherever possible to its original late-18th century appearance. Most of the furnishings are 18th century period pieces, the only original piece being the "Rising Sun" chair used by George Washington as he presided over the Constitutional Convention. Another original piece, the Syng Inkstand, which was once on the Speaker's table and believed to be used for the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, can now be found in the West Wing of Independence Hall .


While Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are the main attractions within Independence National Historic Park, there are plenty of other fantastic sites for visitors to see before or after taking a tour.


Spanning over 55 acres on 20 city blocks within the historic district of Philadelphia, the park preserves and interprets many of our country's most important resources associated with the establishment of the United States of America. These sites include the Second Bank of the United States, Congress Hall and Old City Hall. Additionally, the park tells the story of Philadelphia's most famous citizen, Benjamin Franklin, in Franklin Court, where his home once stood.
 

At Independence National Historical Park, the old cracked bell still proclaims "liberty," and Independence Hall still echoes the words "We the People." Explore Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia and learn about America's past and present struggle to fulfill the Founders' declaration that "all men are created equal."


The citizens of Philadelphia constructed Independence Hall between 1732 and 1756 as the State House of the Province of Pennsylvania. Then, from 1775 to 1783, the Assembly Room of this building served as the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress, which adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In the same room, they agreed upon the design for the American flag and the Articles of Confederation (1777), and in 1787, the Constitutional Convention met here and drafted the U. S. Constitution.


The building, inside and out, has been restored wherever possible to its original late-18th century appearance. Most of the furnishings are 18th century period pieces, the only original piece being the "Rising Sun" chair used by George Washington as he presided over the Constitutional Convention. Another original piece, the Syng Inkstand, which was once on the Speaker's table and believed to be used for the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, can now be found in the West Wing of Independence Hall .


While Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are the main attractions within Independence National Historic Park, there are plenty of other fantastic sites for visitors to see before or after taking a tour.


Spanning over 55 acres on 20 city blocks within the historic district of Philadelphia, the park preserves and interprets many of our country's most important resources associated with the establishment of the United States of America. These sites include the Second Bank of the United States, Congress Hall and Old City Hall. Additionally, the park tells the story of Philadelphia's most famous citizen, Benjamin Franklin, in Franklin Court, where his home once stood.
 

Need to Know

Booking Windows

For entrance into Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution were signed, you must have a tour ticket with a specific day and time. These tickets eliminate the long wait for Independence Hall tours and give you more time to see the other historic sites in the area. You need a ticket from March 1 to December 31st, except for July 4th. Select holiday weekends in January and February will also require a ticket. Independence National Historical Park will be closed on Christmas Day.

Changes and Cancellations

Customers may request changes until midnight Eastern Time the day before the arrival. Please note: there are no refunds for cancellations and no-shows will forfeit the entire reservation fee and re-book.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

143 S. 3RD STREET Philadelphia PA 19106

Phone Number

215-965-2305

Available Tours and Tickets

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