Liberty Bell, Historical bell in Independence Mall, Philadelphia, United States
The Liberty Bell is a large bronze object displayed inside a modern glass pavilion near Independence Hall in central Philadelphia. It rests on a low platform, allowing visitors to walk around and see the vertical crack running through its body from several angles.
The object was cast in London in 1751 to mark the 50th anniversary of Pennsylvania's charter and originally hung in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House. The crack developed sometime in the early 1800s, eventually silencing it and turning it into a permanent symbol rather than a working instrument.
Visitors gather daily around the viewing area, taking photographs and often pausing quietly before moving on to nearby sites related to early government. School groups regularly pass through, listening to rangers who explain how the object became a rallying point during later movements for civil rights and social change.
Entry to the pavilion is free and most visitors spend around 15 to 20 minutes inside, walking through the exhibit area and the main chamber. Lines can form during summer months and on weekends, so arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon often means shorter waits.
An inscription from the Book of Leviticus runs around the top, proclaiming liberty throughout the land, though it was originally intended for Pennsylvania's charter rather than independence. The name itself only emerged in the 1830s when abolitionists adopted the object as a metaphor for their movement.
Location: Philadelphia
Inception: 1753
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Made from material: copper, tin
Address: 526 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-17:00
Phone: +12159652305
Website: https://nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/stories-libertybell.htm
GPS coordinates: 39.94947,-75.15028
Latest update: December 2, 2025 23:09
Philadelphia contains major sites from the American founding era alongside diverse museums and urban architecture. The Old City holds Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while Independence National Historical Park encompasses several 18th-century buildings. Elfreth's Alley preserves colonial-era rowhouses, and Eastern State Penitentiary documents the history of incarceration. The city maintains significant art collections including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation and the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute focuses on science education, while the Academy of Natural Sciences presents natural history displays. The Museum of the American Revolution complements the historic sites downtown. Beyond the center lies Valley Forge National Historical Park, where Washington's army encamped during the winter of 1777-78. Reading Terminal Market has offered regional produce and food stalls since 1893. Fairmount Park extends along the Schuylkill River and includes Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. Additional destinations include the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site and Philadelphia's Magic Gardens with its mosaic artwork. One Liberty Observation Deck provides views across the cityscape, while the Rocky Statue outside the art museum references the film series.
Independence Hall
69 m
Second Bank of the United States
192 m
President's House
116 m
Independence National Historical Park
263 m
Congress Hall
59 m
Carpenters' Hall
304 m
Franklin Court
319 m
Congregation Mikveh Israel
239 m
Altes Rathaus
100 m
Athenaeum of Philadelphia
279 m
Philadelphia Bourse
169 m
Philadelphia History Museum
163 m
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
171 m
National Liberty Museum
295 m
Rohm and Haas Corporate Headquarters
131 m
Philosophical Hall
156 m
Liberty Bell Pavilion
96 m
Provident Life & Trust Company
226 m
Center for Advanced Judaic Studies
288 m
Robert Morris
243 m
Museum of Illusions Philadelphia
274 m
George Washington
58 m
Dolley Todd House
309 m
Liberty Bell Center
63 m
James A. Byrne Courthouse
145 m
Philadelphia History Museum
161 m
Kongresshalle
62 m
President's House
111 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes