Market Street
between 5th and 6th Streets
(215)597-8974
Hours: Daily, 9:00am-5:00pm
Admission: Free
The
world-famous Liberty Bell makes its permanent residence in
Philadelphia, and this national treasure is perhaps the city’s
most impressive attraction. Located just outside of Independence
Hall, in a modest glass shed-like structure, the cracked
masterpiece is mounted beautifully at the end of a corridor
inside the building.
The Liberty Bell is a worldwide
symbol of freedom, and has been adapted by many different causes
to suit their specific needs. Its initial purpose was to summon
residents of Philadelphia to the State House yard when the
Declaration of Independence was read for the first time. It was
cast in 1751 and cracked slowly in the years to follow. The
large, noticeable crack was actually a controlled drilling
procedure used to control the damage that had been done up until
that point; unfortunately, it failed and was "retired"
in 1846. However, it has been used since then, most notably
before the invasion of Normandy in World War II, when it was
tapped with a rubber mallet seven times, once for each letter in
the world "liberty."
Guides constantly accompany the
bell during its hours of operation, conducting tours every
twenty minutes or so. These guides are extremely well versed in
all aspects of the bell’s history and significance, and pause
for both questions and photo opportunities. The Liberty Bell is
a fabulous side-excursion when visiting the Historic District,
but be aware that a crowd tends to gather during the early
afternoon. After closing time, a button can be pushed, which
will present a taped history of the bell.
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THE
LIBERTY BELL
ATTRACTIONS
