Visit the glass gazebo where this icon of independence is housed to learn more about the bell's history and separate the truth from the many surrounding fictions.
The Liberty Bell Centre is exactly what it says on the tin: an entire centre dedicated to the showcasing of the Liberty Bell and the recounting of its important history. The clanging of this heavy copper bell signalled the first reading of the Declaration of Independence on the 8th of July, 1776, and it has been synonymous with the idea of American independence ever since.Surprisingly, the name of the bell does not come from this period, as many believe before they visit the centre, but from its subsequent use in the 1830s as a symbol of the abolitionist movement. It was then toured around the country in the late 1800s as the iconic embodiment of freedom and independence. This symbolic relationship is also reflected in the inscription on the bell, a biblical passage which reads: "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof".The exhibition in the Liberty Bell Centre consists of the bell itself in its glass casing, as well as a wealth of fascinating information on its history, how it was cracked and why part of the inscription is actually misspelt. Wander through plentiful displays in the form of photographs, films and original documentation that will allow you to track the story of this American icon.The Liberty Bell Centre is situated within the National Historical Park in Philadelphia city centre. The centre is open every day and there is plentiful parking nearby. Entry is free, though there can be quite a queue due to the security checks carried out on visitors. If you'd rather skip the queue, you can also view the bell itself from Market Street, without having to enter the centre.
