Liberty Bell
Area Iconic American bell symbolizing independence and historic crack
Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell sits in Independence National Historical Park as a symbol linked to American independence; visitors view the cracked bell, inscription and related historical exhibits.
The Liberty Bell is an iconic American symbol of independence, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and famous for its large crack and historic inscription.
Cast originally in 1752 in London and recast in Philadelphia in 1753 after cracking during testing, the bell was used for public occasions in the 18th and 19th centuries. The familiar large crack developed before the 19th century; since then the bell has been retired from ringing and preserved as a historic object.
The bell is housed at 6th and Market Streets in central Philadelphia, within walking distance of Independence Hall and other Revolutionary-era sites.
- Inscription and crack: Famous for its visible crack and the inscription 'Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof', which visitors see at the display in the Liberty Bell Center.
- Location and casting: Originally cast in London in the 18th century and recast locally after an initial failure, the bell is now displayed near Independence Hall as part of Independence National Historical Park.
How to Get to Liberty Bell #
The Liberty Bell Center is in Philadelphia’s Old City district, one block east of Independence Hall. It is an easy walk from the 5th Street/Independence Mall station on SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line; many regional rail lines and Amtrak stop at nearby Suburban Station, a 15-20 minute walk away. There is limited parking in the historic district; public transit is recommended.
Tips for Visiting Liberty Bell #
- Visit early in the day to see the bell without the largest crowds; the Independence National Historical Park complex opens at 9am.
- Combine a visit with Independence Hall and the nearby Museum of the American Revolution for fuller historical context.
- Security screenings are required-carry photo ID and expect short lines-arrive 15-20 minutes before your planned visit.
Best Time to Visit Liberty Bell #
Spring through fall offers the best weather and broadest museum hours; mornings are less crowded.
Weather & Climate near Liberty Bell #
Liberty Bell's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1129 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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