Historic Philadelphia

Independence Hall

As the place where two of democracy’s greatest documents were written, Independence Hall – the former Pennsylvania State House -- is among the most famous buildings in the world. From 1775 to 1783, Independence Hall served as meeting place for the Second Continental Congress. The Declaration of Independence, which declared the American colonies’ independence from Great Britain, was debated and signed here in 1776. During the summer of 1787, delegates from 12 states, assembled to revise the Articles of Confederation, instead rewrote the document, completing the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.

The highlight of a trip to Independence Hall is viewing the Assembly room in which both the Declaration and U.S. Constitution were drafted and signed. More information

GETTING TICKETS: Independence National Historical Park is open daily with the exception of Christmas Day.

From March through December, timed tour tickets are required for admission to Independence Hall. They can be reserved in advance online up to one year in advance by using the National Park Reservation system or by calling toll free 1-877-444-6777 from 10 AM-10 PM Eastern time. Tickets to Independence Hall are FREE, but the advance reservation fee is $1.50 per ticket (Golden Eagle or National Park Pass does not cover this fee.) Teachers or tour leaders may reserve up to 80 tickets with each call; families may reserve up to 10 tickets per call.

Walk–up tickets are available for FREE on the morning of your visit at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets, starting at 8:30 AM. During busy months, it is important to ARRIVE EARLY – arrive between 8:30 and 10:30 AM for your greatest choice of times; tickets are often gone by 1:00 PM.

No tickets are required to tour Independence Hall during January and February.

More information for organized tours or school groups.

COULDN’T GET TICKETS? There’s still a way to see the historic building – Independence After Hours

THERE ARE NO RESTROOMS IN THE LIBERTY BELL CENTER OR THE INDEPENDENCE HALL SECURED AREA. The closest restrooms are located at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets, and at 5th and Chestnut Streets.