News Release

Independence National Historical Park Closed Temporarily; Operating Only Essential Services

Date: March 20, 2020
Contact: Leslie_Obleschuk, 215-597-1390

Philadelphia, Pa. – Independence National Historical Park is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and to comply with the orders of Governor Wolf. As of March 21, Independence Hall and all buildings on Independence Square, the Independence Visitor Center, Liberty Bell Center, Benjamin Franklin Museum and print shop, the Second Bank Portrait Gallery, Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, the Merchants’ Exchange Building, and the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site are closed to the public.

Outdoor spaces in the park will be accessible, although there will be no public restrooms open in the park. Photo galleries, historical information, and digital content are available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/INDE

The health and safety of people using and working at Independence National Historical Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. A reopening date has not been determined at this time due to the rapidly evolving situation. We will notify the public when we reopen the park and provide updates on our website, as well as our Twitter and Facebook feeds.

The NPS urges our visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including maintaining a safe distance of at least six feet between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations. For Independence Hall ticket inquiries, please contact the park at [phone] after park buildings reopen.