Liberty Bell Center

Liberty Bell Center featuring heritage architecture and a city
Set in the historical heart of the city, this glass pavilion that houses America’s symbol of independence is one of the most visited sights in Philadelphia.

The Liberty Bell Centre has just one purpose: showcasing the bell that became the symbol of America’s independence. The bell has a resounding history in Philadelphia and the nation it was rang through the town to announce the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, on July 8, 1776.  

Before 1776 the bell had been tolled to mark special occasions in what later became the Independence Hall. Anti-slavery activists first named it the Liberty Bell in the 1830s. In the late 1800s, the now cracked bell toured the nation as the physical representation of freedom. The bell’s biblical inscription, “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof,” proudly proclaims this icon of freedom’s purpose. 

Admire the retired bell in a large glass gazebo in the Liberty Bell Centre. It isn’t big, but because it’s cast from mainly copper and tin it is very heavy. Behind the bell is a picture of Independence Hall, its original home. There’s an interesting display of historic documents, photos and videos that explains the facts and myths surrounding the Liberty Bell. Learn where and why it was made, when it was cracked and why Pennsylvania is misspelled in its inscription.

The Liberty Bell Centre is located in central Philadelphia, and parking is available. The centre is part of the National Historical Park, open daily year-round. Entry to the park and the centre is free. There is often a line because of the security scan at the entrance, and the bell itself is roped off. You can also view the bell from Market Street in Old City, so even if you find the Liberty Bell Centre closed or too crowded, you don’t have to miss out.

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 5 activitiesOpens in new tab

Reviews of Liberty Bell Center

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
23
" "5 - Excellent 45.09803921568628%
4 - Good
20
" "4 - Good 39.21568627450981%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 11.764705882352942%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 1.9607843137254901%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 1.9607843137254901%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
17 Jul 2019

if there is a queue, dont bother go round the back you can see the bell from there.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
2 Jul 2019

You have to book a time a slot during the day to visit but later on in the day you can turn up without a booking

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
4 out of 5
1200 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
4.5 out of 5
120 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.