Visiting Independence Hall

Beginning October 18, 2018: No access to Recreation.gov for advance reservations

Effective immediately, there will be no access to the Recreation.gov website or call center for advance ticketing for Independence Hall tours.  Walk up tickets (limited in quantity) for Independence Hall tours will be distributed from the desk in the Independence Visitor Center. Those holding reservations should bring their confirmation emails. Thank you for your patience as the reservation system undergoes maintenance.

 

See the room where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed. Entrance to Independence Hall is by timed entry ticket only from March through December. No tickets are necessary in January and February.

NPS photo

 

Location

Independence Hall is located on Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Streets. Entrance is through a security screening area on Chestnut Street, just west of 5th Street. After passing through security, visitors line up behind Independence Hall for their timed tour. The GPS address for Independence Hall is 520 Chestnut Street.

Hours and Fees

Through June 2019: Open daily 9am to 5pm


Tickets are required March through December; no tickets are required in January and February, or after 5pm during summer hours. No tickets are required on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve (December 24) or Independence Day (July 4).

Open 11am to 4pm on Thanksgiving Day and New Year's Day. Open 9am to 3pm on Christmas Eve. Closed Christmas Day.

The security screening area closes 15 minutes prior to the building closure time. Visitors should arrive at the security screening area approximately 30 minutes prior to the time on their timed entry ticket. The tour begins at the time on your timed entry ticket.

Independence Hall tickets are FREE. There is no charge for same day distribution (non-reserved) tickets obtained at the Independence Visitor Center on the day of your visit. There is a handling fee of $1.00 per ticket for advance reservations

 

Ticketing

Admission is by tour only. Timed entry tickets are required March - December. No tickets are required in January - February, or after 5 p.m. during summer hours. No tickets are required on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve (December 24), or Independence Day (July 4). A limited quantity of free tickets are available each day at the Ranger's Desk in the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets. This is the only place to obtain your free, timed entry tickets. Same day ticket distribution begins at 8:30 a.m; distribution is first come, first served. Arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. for the best selection of tour times. For same-day ticket availability phone, 215-965-2305. Tickets may also be reserved in advance (handling fee of $1.00 per ticket applies). For advance reservations, make your reservation online or call 1-877-444-6777. Find more information about obtaining Independence Hall tickets on our website.

 

Tours

Entrance to Independence Hall is by tour only. This tour usually consists of a ranger led tour of the first floor of Independence Hall. In January and February, tours sometimes travel to the second floor. Tours begin every 20 or 30 minutes, depending on the season.

 

Accessibility

The first floor of Independence Hall is accessible for those with mobility impairments. There is a photo album showing images of the upper floor for those not able to climb the stairs to the second floor. For those with hearing impairments, the "Birthplace of a Nation" pamphlet provides written information about the rooms shown on the tour. American Sign Language interpretation is available by request. To utilize this service, you must first reserve timed entry tickets for Independence Hall. Then call 215-597-7130 to arrange for an interpreter. The ASL interpretation service is FREE, but you must call to arrange for an interpreter at least 14 days prior to your visit. 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 Independence 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 these photos of Independence Hall. Want to learn more about the architecture, history, and significance of Independence Hall? Additional resources about Independence Hall are available on our website.

 

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