Liberty Bell Pavilion
The liberty bell has long been a symbol of freedom and independence in the United States. It went on tour around the country in the late 19th century in an effort to inspire a sense of freedom and conquer divisions left by the Civil War. The bell completed its journey in Philadelphia in 1915, where it has remained. Today, the bell is open to free public viewing in a pavilion that houses exhibits and videos about its history.
Independence Hall
Independence Hall originally served as the State House of the Colony of Pennsylvania and is best known as the place where the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It was also where the Continental Congress met again 11 years later and wrote the United States Constitution. The highlight is Assembly Hall, where the Second Continental Congress met behind closed doors to discuss their desire for independence from the British. This is where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where George Washington was chosen as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Independence Hall sits across from the Liberty Bell Pavilion in the Independence National Historical Park. There is no entrance fee, but tickets are timed and limited, and all visitors should be prepared for security screening. Free ESL services are available with advance request.
Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park is quite possibly America’s most historic square mile. In addition to housing famous sites, such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, many other important attractions line the cobbled streets of this old area. Independence Hall has seen some of America’s most important historical moments and hosted some of its most famous fathers. It stood witness to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and the creation of the United States Constitution in 1787. It is flanked by Congress Hall, where the first Congress of the United States met from 1790 to 1800 and George Washington and John Adams were elected President, and Old City Hall, which was never in fact the town hall but was the seat of the Supreme Court from 1791 to 1800.
Eastern State Penitentiary
The Eastern State Penitentiary was built in 1829 with the aim of rehabilitating criminals through solitary confinement. At the time of its opening, it was considered the world’s most expensive and high-tech prison. Willie Sutton and Al Capone were some of the prison’s notable “guests,” and visitors can see Capone’s lavish cell as it was during his stay. The prison closed in 1971, and today it is open to the public as a museum. Tours of the facility show many sections that remain much the same as they were during its operational years. Exhibits include an in-depth look at incarceration in the United States, how it compares to other countries, and the ever-increasing disproportionate imprisonment of minorities.
The Barnes Foundation
Established by Dr. Albert Barnes, this museum is an integral part of Philadelphia’s Parkway museum district. It houses some of the world’s biggest collections of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including the world’s largest Renoir collection and more of Cézanne’s works than there are in all of France. There are just short of 60 Matisse paintings, as well as numerous works by Degas, Manet, and Titian. Additional collections include early modern artists, including Picasso, as well as a large collection of African sculpture.
Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo is home to a wide range of animals from around the world and is active in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts, focusing on educating visitors about the ways humans impact the earth’s other residents. One of its most remarkable habitats is Big Cat Falls, a spacious area where the world’s largest cats can roam among plants and flowing waterfalls, as well as explore the entire park through a system of tunnels that wind above other habitats – including the human visitors. Another favorite with both kids and adults is the African Plains habitat, where you can meet some of the zoo’s most impressive residents, including giraffes, hippos, and a white rhinoceros.
City Hall
Philadelphia’s City Hall is the United States’ largest municipal building, with nearly 15 acres of floor space. Built on a foundation of solid granite, the building supports a 548-foot tower, which is the world’s tallest masonry structure lacking a steel frame. At the top of the tower sits a 27-ton statue of William Penn, and at his feet, an observation deck provides tourists with a view of the entire city, as well as the park below, which features a fountain, lawns, and a café. Tickets for the guided tour are required for both City Hall and the observation deck.
Society Hill Historic District
This interesting neighborhood, south of Walnut Street and east of Washington Square, contains a unique blend of 18th Century buildings, restored warehouses, new homes, colonial homes, and apartments. Some of these are occupied by galleries and other tourist friendly retailers. Attractions in and around this area include Washington Square, the Polish American Cultural Center, and Old St. Mary’s Church, along with the Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Library.
