Explore › Independence Hall
Things to see

Independence Hall

Building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

About

Independence Hall is a historic civic building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were debated and adopted by the Founding Fathers of the United States. The building, which is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park, was designated a World Heritage Site in 1979. It is an example of American Georgian architecture, which is characterized by symmetry, classical proportions, and exposed brick with stone masonry accents.

Independence Hall, which was initially called Pennsylvania State House, was completed in 1753. It was the first capitol of the colonial era Province of Pennsylvania and, even then, was seen as "the greatest ornament in the town". The building became a symbol of liberty, democracy, and the founding of the United States. During the American Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress convened in the building from 1775 to 1781. They founded the Continental Army there on June 14, 1775, and the Declaration of Independence was adopted there on July 4, 1776. From May 25 to September 17, 1787, the Pennsylvania State House hosted the Constitutional Convention, where the U.S. Constitution was debated, drafted, and ratified.

Huginn is scouting Independence Hall for you — this takes a few seconds the first time.

Nearby

More to see within walking distance

Places to eat nearby

Finding places to eat…

Traveler reviews

Loading reviews…

Tickets & tours

We may earn a commission from some of these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Photos from Unsplash, Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA); facts from Wikipedia; maps © OpenStreetMap contributors, weather from Open-Meteo. Huginn’s tips are AI-written — check prices, hours and entry rules before you go.