Independence Hall
They risked everything — “their lives, their fortune and their sacred honor.”
During the blistering summer of 1776, 56 courageous men gathered at the Pennsylvania State House and defied the King of England.
Eleven years later, representatives from 12 states gathered to shape the U.S. Constitution, finally creating one unified nation.
Rich in history, there is tons to explore at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Independence Hall is also part of the U.S. National Park Service and an Independence National Historical Park.
The guided tour of Independence Hall, led by National Park rangers, begins in the first floor courtroom where lawyers from opposing sides shared tables and law books.
Rich in history, there is tons to explore at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
George Washington’s “rising sun” chair dominates the Assembly Room which is arranged as it was during the original Constitutional Convention.
In the adjacent West Wing, the actual inkstand used to sign the Declaration of Independence and an original draft of the Constitution are prominently displayed.
Pro-tip: Guests who tour Independence Hall during January or February may even get a chance to see the second floor of the iconic building.
Admission to Independence Hall is available by tour only. — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Admission is by tour only, and you will need timed entry tickets between the peak months of March-December.
If you happen to visit on off-peak times, you will not need a ticket in January-February, or after 5 p.m. during summer hours.
You also don’t need tickets on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve (December 24), or Independence Day (July 4). If you don’t mind a bit of effort, each day there are a limited quantity of free tickets available at the Ranger’s Desk in the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets, which is also the only place to obtain your free, timed entry tickets.
Same day tickets are available at 8:30 a.m, but the distribution is first come, first served, so plan on getting there no later than 8:45 a.m. for the most available tour times.
To check for same-day ticket availability, call 215-965-2305.
If you’re more of a planner, tickets may be reserved in advance (with a handling fee of $1.50 per ticket). For advance reservations, make your reservation online or call 1-877-444-6777.
A view of Independence Hall in autumn. — Photo by C. Smyth for Visit Philadelphia
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