About This Park
The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Activities
Current Alerts
Congress Hall Temporary Closure
Congress Hall will close to visitors on Monday, February 23 through Friday, April 24, 2026. Contractors will replace fire alarm and security systems to ensure that our visitors, structures and artifacts are protected by up-to-date equipment. These improvements are one more way that the National Park Service is preparing Independence National Historical Park for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Limited Restroom Availability
Restrooms are available at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market Streets, the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum (museum entrance requires a fee) in Franklin Court.
Loading map...
Photos
Plan your visit, use the restrooms, and take advantage of the free WiFi in the Independence Visitor Center.
Credit: NPS Photo
Known as the birthplace of the United States, Independence Hall houses the room where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both signed.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Assembly Room in Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both signed.
Credit: NPS Photo
Explore Franklin's life and character in the Benjamin Franklin Museum. The museum features artifacts, computer animations, and interactive displays that are geared toward visitors of all ages.
Credit: NPS Photo
Franklin's printing office no longer survives, but it would have had equipment similar to what you'll see in the Franklin Court Printing Office.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Second Bank of the United States houses a fine collection of over 100 portraits, many of them by 18th century artist Charles Willson Peale.
Credit: NPS Photo
Plan Your Visit
Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park operates daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Hours of operation for certain historical buildings and facilities change seasonally throughout the year. Most of the park grounds are open 24 hours a day to pedestrians. All buildings are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Please see the park's website for hours of operation. http://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/hours.htm
Visitor Centers
Independence Visitor Center
The Independence Visitor Center is located at 6th and Market Streets. Pick up a park map, plan your visit, and watch films in the Independence Visitor Center. Ask knowledgeable park rangers about programs, walking tours and special events. City concierge staff will gladly assist you with information about lodgings and restaurants.
599 Market StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19106
Operating Hours
The Independence Visitor Center is located on 6th and Market Streets and can be reached by car from Interstates 95 and 676. Parking may be available (fee applies) at the Independence Visitor Center underground garage. Enter on either 5th or 6th Street, between Market and Arch Streets. There is also a parking garage (fee applies) on 2nd Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets. The visitor center is also easily accessible by public transportation, including SEPTA and PATCO mass transit routes.
More detailsIndependence Visitor Center
The Independence Visitor Center is located at 6th and Market Streets. Pick up a park map, plan your visit, and watch films in the Independence Visitor Center. Ask knowledgeable park rangers about programs, walking tours and special events. City concierge staff will gladly assist you with information about lodgings and restaurants.
599 Market StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19106
Operating Hours
The Independence Visitor Center is located on 6th and Market Streets and can be reached by car from Interstates 95 and 676. Parking may be available (fee applies) at the Independence Visitor Center underground garage. Enter on either 5th or 6th Street, between Market and Arch Streets. There is also a parking garage (fee applies) on 2nd Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets. The visitor center is also easily accessible by public transportation, including SEPTA and PATCO mass transit routes.
More detailsThings to Do
Tour Independence Hall
Take a ranger-led tour of the birthplace of the United States. Hear stories of conflict, compromise, and the complicated...
Duration: 20-35 Minutes
Learn more
Become an Independence Junior Ranger
There are three ways to become a Junior Ranger at Independence National Historical Park. Ready for the challenge...and t...
Duration: 5-120 Minutes
Learn more
Play the Virtual Glass Armonica
Of all his inventions, the one Benjamin Franklin enjoyed most was the glass armonica. Give it a try at the Benjamin Fran...
Duration: 30-60 Minutes
Learn more
Hear the Centennial Bell Ring
Do you hear that? Look up! Listen to the Centennial Bell ring each hour at the clocktower of Independence Hall.
Duration: 1-5 Minutes
Learn more
Take a "Bell-fie"
Come see the international symbol of freedom in all its glory. Learn about the Liberty Bell's legacy as a symbol of prot...
Duration: 15-55 Minutes
Learn more
Listen for the Sound of Sticky Ink
Discover the pivotal role that the printed word played in the American Revolution and the founding of the nation as rang...
Duration: 10-20 Minutes
Learn moreLesson Plans
Ben Franklin: What a Character!
1. Students Will Be Able To (SWBAT) analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone; 2. SWBAT cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text; 3. SWBAT determine central ideas or themes of a text; summarize the key supporting details and ideas; 4. SWBAT use information gained from illustrations (i.e. photos and primary sources) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text
View on NPS.gov(opens in new tab)Independence Hall: International Symbol of Freedom
1. To examine the results of the Second Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia; 2. To explain the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and consider the global impact of both documents; 3. To describe the significance of Independence Hall and its nomination as a World Heritage Site; 5. To find and conduct research on local government buildings.
View on NPS.gov(opens in new tab)Philadelphia and San Francisco in 1776: The National Park Sites Where History Unfolded! Grade 5
1. Students will be able to describe examples of cultural and historic NPS units that showcase the establishment of our nation. 2. Students will be able to compare and contrast views of the Loyalist and Patriot parties in the 13 American colonies. 3.Students will be able to describe the purpose of the Anza Expedition.
View on NPS.gov(opens in new tab)The Liberty Bell as a Modern Symbol, grades 3-5
The students will develop an understanding of the history of the Liberty Bell. Students will develop an understanding of the history and the symbolism of the Liberty Bell, as well as the many groups that have embraced it. Students will understand that the Liberty Bell has meant many things to many people and continues to do so today.
View on NPS.gov(opens in new tab)The Liberty Bell as a Modern Symbol, grades K-2
Students will develop an understanding of the Liberty Bell as a modern symbol of liberty and freedom through class discussions, a read-aloud, and the creation of a class bulletin board. Students will discuss what a symbol is through various examples, learn how the Liberty Bell is used as a symbol for different people, and develop vocabulary pertaining to the Liberty Bell.
View on NPS.gov(opens in new tab)The Liberty Bell as a Symbol for Civil Rights, grades 4-8
Students will understand the connection between symbolism used during the Civil Rights era and the symbol of the Liberty Bell by examining primary sources.
View on NPS.gov(opens in new tab)Explore the full collection of educator resources from the 9/11 National Memorial Trail.
Part of the 9/11 Trail
Independence National Historical Park is one of the National Park Service sites connected by the 9/11 National Memorial Trail, a 1,500+ mile pathway of remembrance linking the three 9/11 memorial sites.
Park information provided by the National Park Service. Data refreshed daily.