Old City Hall / Independence Hall / Congress Hall

Built as the Pennsylvania State House, the building later known as Independence Hall underwent major changes in use and meaning over time. In 1802, Charles Willson Peale rented the second floor for his Museum and Portrait Gallery through 1837. In 1812, new fire-proof offices replaced the original office wings and arcades, which were later replaced by the present wings and arcades. In 1818, the City of Philadelphia bought the State House for use as municipal offices. Lafayette's 1824 visit inspired the first use of the term "Hall of Independence" for the State House Assembly Room. In 1846, the Liberty Bell was moved from the State House tower into the Assembly Room. By the mid-1850s, the State House was commonly known as Independence Hall, and in 1852-54 the city installed a shrine to the Founders and Liberty Bell there. In 1873, Independence Hall was renovated and reopened as The National Museum, and in 1876 the nation's centennial was celebrated there with additional exhibits. In 1922, Old City Hall was restored and, with Congress Hall, opened as a museum. In 1943, Independence Hall was declared a National Historic Site, and in 1948 Congress established Independence National Historical Park. In 1976, the Liberty Bell was moved from Independence Hall to a pavilion on Market Street and later installed in its present building. In 1979, Independence Hall was designated a World Heritage Site.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · United States