The Liberty Bell

Address	6th Street between Market & Chestnut Streets
Admissions	Free
Hours	9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Phone	215-597-8974

If you only have time to see one attraction while visiting Philadelphia, see the Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell was commissioned for the Pennsylvania State House (now called Independence Hall) in 1751. The bell rang many times, signifying public announcements. The Liberty Bell weighs about 2,000 lbs. It was originally cast in England. However, it was cracked while being tested and had to be recast in 1753 by the Pass and Stow company of Philadelphia. Legend has it that the Liberty Bell rang on July 8th, 1776 to announce the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence outside Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell was again silenced by a crack, this time for good, in 1846.

Today the Liberty Bell is properly enshrined within a 13,000 square foot, glass pavilion, with Independence Hall in its backdrop.

The new Liberty Bell Center offers interactive exhibits including an educational film produced by the History Channel.