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 at 5th and Chestnut Streets.

 

Hours and Fees
Open daily: 9am to 5pm
Entrance is on a first-come, first-serve basis (last program begins at 4:40pm).
The security screening area closes 15 minutes prior to the building closure time.

Admission is FREE

 

Ticketing
No tickets are required to visit Congress Hall. From March through December, entrance is by prorgram only, on a first-come, first-served basis. Explore at your own pace in January and February.

 

Programs
From March through December, entrance is by program only, first-come, first-served. Programs begin every 20 minutes and run about 15-20 minutes. The House of Representatives chamber is located on the first floor of the building. The Senate chamber is on the second floor (currently closed for maintenance).

Explore at your own pace in January and February.

 

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

 

 

• 

  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