News Release

Independence National Historical Park Beginning to Increase Access to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell on January 4, 2021

Date: December 31, 2020
Contact: Leslie Obleschuk, 215-597-0060

PHILADELPHIA – The National Park Service continues to closely monitor and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the state, and city of Philadelphia’s guidelines on reopening museums, Independence National Historical Park is increasing access and services. Modifications to park operations are continually evaluated and adjusted on a park-by-park basis with the support of NPS and Department of Interior (DOI) leadership.Beginning Monday, January 4, Independence National Historical Park will reopen access to the following buildings:

• Independence Visitor Center (6th and Market Streets)
  • Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a 59-person capacity
• Independence Hall (Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets)
  • Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors (up to 9 at a time) will be admitted every 15 minutes.
  •  No tickets necessary
• Liberty Bell Center (6th and Market Streets)
  • Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a 20-person capacity
•  Museum Store, Old City Hall (5th and Chestnut Streets)
  • Open Wednesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Congress Hall (6^th and Chestnut Streets)
  • Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a nine-person capacity
• Old City Hall, The Second Bank, and Free Quaker Meeting House will reopen as staffing permits

The following outdoor spaces continue to be available daily:

•  Independence Mall
•  Washington Square at Walnut Street between 6th and 7th Streets
•  Rose Garden between Walnut and Locust Streets and 4th and 5th streets,
•  Magnolia Garden on Locust Street between 4th and 5th Streets,
•  18th Century Garden on Walnut Street between 3rd and 4th Streets

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

•  Great Essentials Exhibit in the West Wing of Independence Hall
•  Benjamin Franklin Museum and print shop
•  Thaddeus Kosciuzko National Memorial
•  Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

“We will operate with the same modifications we applied in September for tours and visitor services, to keep numbers within City guidelines,” explained Cynthia MacLeod, Superintendent of Independence National Historical Park, “markers to prompt social distancing, and clear protective shields at public contact stations are all in place.” The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Independence National Historical Park, our operational approach is centered on examining each facility function and service to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and are regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public areas and workspaces are safe and clean.The NPS encourages visitors to plan their visit by checking the park’s website and social media for current conditions and travel tips. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We ask the public to be our partner in recreating responsibly, by following CDC and state and local guidance, social distancing, and wearing a face covering when social distance cannot be maintained.We have amazing virtual programs, content, and tours of Independence National Historical Park, available 24/7 on the park’s website: www.nps.gov/INDE, or download our app go.nps.gov/independenceapp or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter at @IndependenceNHP.Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/INDE and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

www.nps.gov.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.