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.
Reserved tickets. You must bring your “print at home” ticket(s) with you or show your ticket(s) on your mobile device. You must arrive at least a half hour (30 minutes) before your tour time, on the day of your visit, at the security entrance for Independence Hall at 5th and Chestnut streets. Tickets may be reserved through the National Park Reservation system. You may call 1-877-444-6777 from 10AM to 12 Midnight Eastern Time or you can use the website https://recreation.gov. While tickets to Independence Hall are free, the administrative fee is $1.00 per ticket. The Interagency passes do not cover this fee. There are no refunds under any circumstances. All ticket reservations and fees for Independence Hall are final. If you cannot make your tour time or date, please contact https://recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. Tickets are not required in January and February except on holiday weekends.
All tickets may be reserved on https://recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 from 10AM to 12 Midnight. Tickets are released in two batches: Advance and Day-Before. Advance tickets are currently available through August 2024. Day-Before tickets become available at 5pm the day before the scheduled tour. Tickets are limited in quantity and will remain available until fully reserved, or until the time of the scheduled tour, whichever comes first. Tickets can be printed in advance or shown on a mobile device for scanning at the time of entry. Tickets are not required in January or February except on holiday weekends.
Park buildings, programs, films and exhibits are accessible via curb cuts, ramps, text/photo albums describing second floor displays, verbal presentations, park folders in Braille and large print, printed tours, pamphlets and booklets, park-wide signage featuring text and graphics, open captioning and assistive listening devices. American Sign Language interpretation is available by request. Those requesting an ASL interpreter must first reserve Independence Hall tickets at least two weeks in advance of their visit. Once you have obtained reserved tickets, email us at INDEVisitorinfo@nps.gov to arrange for an interpreter at least 14 days prior to your visit. The ASL interpretation service is FREE.
There are no public restrooms available on Independence Square or in Independence Hall. Please plan ahead. Restrooms are available at the Independence Visitor Center located at the corner of 6th and Market Sts.
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.
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.
143 S. 3RD STREET Philadelphia PA 19106
215-965-2305