Place

Independence Hall

A two story 18th-century brick building with a white steeple surrounded by modern buildings.
The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed here.

NPS photo

Quick Facts
Location:
Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Streets
Significance:
The birthplace of the United States
Designation:
National Historical Park

Assistive Listening Systems, Audio Description, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Wheelchair Accessible

Open daily 9 am to 5 pm. All visitors enter the security screening area at 5th and Chestnut Streets. Security screening closes 15 minutes before the building closes for the evening.

  • 9 am–10:30 am, Open house (no tickets required)
    • During this time, the Independence Hall experience is self-guided. Park ranger will be available to answer questions.
    • All non-ticketed visitors must exit the building by 10:30 am.
    • Plan to arrive early—due to building capacity limitations, not all visitors are guaranteed entry. 
  • 10:40 am–4:20 pm, Guided tours (tickets required)

No tickets are required from December 24 thru January 31 (except for the expanded tour at 3:15).

The security screening area closes 15 minutes prior to the building closure time, or earlier if all tours are full.

In 1776, the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence here. Eleven years later, in the same room, delegates to the Constitutional Convention created and signed an enduring framework of government—the United States Constitution. Generations since have gathered in this building to test the meaning of the words "We the People" and explore the documents' relevance to their own lives. Although known today as Independence Hall, the building was constructed to be the Pennsylvania State House. It once housed all three branches of Pennsylvania's colonial government.

Independence National Historical Park

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Last updated: October 21, 2024