Congress Hall Museum

Address: Congress Hall, 6th & Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States

Website: https://www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm

Hours: Typically open during daytime hours; hours vary by season and event schedules

Admission: Admission may be charged for museum areas; general use of historic rooms varies

Congress Hall is an 18th-century public building in Philadelphia located within Independence National Historical Park. It served as the meeting place of the U.S. Congress when Philadelphia was the national capital.

The building contains restored period rooms and interpretive exhibits that recreate legislative chambers and civic spaces from the late 18th century. It is commonly visited together with Independence Hall and other park sites as part of historical tours.

Constructed in the late 18th century for public and state functions, the building was used by the federal Congress from 1790 to 1800. In later periods it has been preserved and restored for public history and museum use within the national park.

Congress Hall sits on Chestnut Street in Old City Philadelphia, adjacent to Independence Hall and other landmarks in the Independence National Historical Park.

• Role in U.S. history: Served as the meeting place of the United States Congress from 1790 to 1800 while Philadelphia was the national capital.

What to See#

• Historic chambers: Restored period rooms and exhibit spaces that interpret the building’s role when it served as the meeting place of the U.S. Congress.
• Park setting: Located immediately adjacent to Independence Hall and within the Independence National Historical Park complex.

Congress Hall sits in Philadelphia’s Old City, a short walk from 5th Street/Independence Hall area. The nearest SEPTA subway stop is 8th Street (Market-Frankford Line) or Jefferson Station (Regional Rail). Many visitors arrive on foot while touring Independence National Historical Park.

• If visiting the Independence National Historical Park district, combine Congress Hall with Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell for a single-day tour.
• Arrive early to avoid mid-morning tour groups; many historic rooms have timed-entry windows.
• Check for special events and reenactments which occasionally take place on the building's lawn.