Liberty Bell
A Philadelphia mainstay since 1915, the famed Liberty Bell is located adjacent to Independence Hall. Housed in the newly-renovated Liberty Bell Center, the bell hangs from what is believed to be its original yoke, which is made from American elm. The Liberty Bell Center features a short film, which tells the history of the bell and both its traditional and modern role as a symbol of freedom.
The Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly ordered for the original bell, cast in London in 1751, for the Pennsylvania State House. Soon after its arrival, the bell cracked upon its first ringing, and a new bell was cast in 1753. There is no confirmed date on when the current bell cracked, but it has not been rung since George Washington's birthday in 1846. Weighing about 2,000 pounds, the Liberty Bell is made largely of copper and tin, but contains traces of lead, zinc, arsenic, gold and silver.
Private events may be held at the Liberty Bell Center with the approval of the Independence National Historical Park and National Park Service. The Liberty Bell Center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and to 6 PM in the summer. No tickets are required and admission is free. The Liberty Bell Center is accessible by public transportation and parking is available at the visitor center's underground lots. For more information: 215-965-2305
