Congress Hall

Congress Hall is west of Independence Hall. Enter the secured square from the south-side screening point near 5th and Chestnut, then follow ranger directions; there is no separate street entrance for the public visit.

Use transit or paid Old City parking and walk to the security entrance. Congress Hall has no dedicated lot, and the closest curb is not a visitor drop-off inside the secured square.

Open house runs 9-10 a.m. and ranger tours run every 20 minutes from 10 a.m.-4:40 p.m. Security screening closes before building operations end and schedules can change for staffing or special events.

There are no public restrooms inside the Independence Square secured area or Congress Hall. Use the Visitor Center or 5th-and-Chestnut public facility before screening.

Admission is free and no separate ticket is required. Entry remains first-come and subject to security, tour capacity and current operations.

The first floor is accessible. The historic second floor requires stairs; a digital photo album provides an alternative, and assistive listening plus audio description are available.

Pets are not allowed inside. NPS-recognized service animals may accompany visitors through security and into accessible public areas.

The short ranger tour can pair efficiently with Independence Hall after one security screening. Prepare children for quiet historic rooms and use restrooms before entering the square.

Congress Hall does not use the Independence Hall timed ticket, but it does share security. Bring only small bags and leave weapons, pepper spray and pocket knives behind.

SEPTA's 5th Street/Independence Hall station is beside the Visitor Center and Liberty Bell area, and PATCO's 8th & Market station is a short walk west. The historic district is compact, so choose one arrival point and walk between most major sites rather than moving a car.