Visiting Congress Hall

Built as the Philadelphia County Courthouse, Congress Hall was home to the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States. Presidents Washington and Adams were both inaugurated in this building.

NPS photo

 

Location
Congress Hall is located on Independence Square, at 6th and Chestnut Streets. Entrance is through the security screening area located at 5th and Chestnut Streets.

 

Hours and Fees
December 24 thru January 31
Open daily 9 am to 5 pm

• Open house, first-come, first-served. No tickets are required.
• First floor only from 4 pm to 5 pm

February 1 thru March 7
Open daily 9 am to 5 pm

• 9 am to 4 pm, first-come, first-served, guided tours every 20 minutes, no tickets required
• 4 pm to 5 pm, open house, first floor only, no tickets required

Admission is FREE

 

Ticketing
No tickets are required to visit Congress Hall.

 

Accessibility
The first floor of Congress Hall is accessible for those with mobility impairments. For those with hearing impairments, the "Birthplace of a Nation" pamphlet provides written information about the rooms shown on the tour and assistive listening devices are available. An audio description tour is available upon request. Learn more about the accessibility services offered throughout the park on our website.

 

Security
Visitors must pass through a security screening area to visit the buildings on Independence Square, including Congress Hall. The screening area is located adjacent to Old City Hall, near the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets. To maximize your visit to the park, and minimize your security screening time, the park recommends that you bring only small bags, if necessary. The fewer items you have to be checked, the more time you will have to enjoy the buildings on Independence Square. No weapons, pepper spray, or pocket knives are permitted through security.

 

Images and Historical Information
Check out the images and video of Congress Hall below. Additional information about Congress Hall is available on our website.

 

More to Explore on Independence Square
Independence Hall
Great Essentials Exhibit in the West Wing
Old City Hall
Museum of the American Philosophical Society

 

 

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  Testing a Constitution: A Tour of Congress Hall

  Explore the home to the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States.

  Duration:

  7 minutes, 12 seconds