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