By Metro Philadelphia

Philadelphia marked the countdown to the nation’s 250th anniversary with the unveiling of 22 artist-designed Liberty Bell replicas that will be installed across neighborhood business corridors throughout the city.

The fiberglass bells are part of Bells Across PA, a statewide public art initiative led by America250PA to commemorate the United States’ Semiquincentennial. The program aims to place at least one Liberty Bell sculpture in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, linking communities across the Commonwealth through a shared artistic tribute.

In Philadelphia, the bells were created by artists affiliated with Mural Arts Philadelphia and are designed to reflect the history, culture, and identity of the neighborhoods where they will be displayed, according to organizers. Once installed, the sculptures will serve as free, publicly accessible art installations for residents and visitors throughout 2026.

“Philadelphia’s bells show what’s possible when artists, communities, and partners come together to celebrate both local identity and our shared future,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA, in a statement.  “Bells Across PA is about more than art. It is about belonging, participation, and seeing yourself in the American story.”

At the unveiling event, held Friday in Olney, Mayor Cherelle Parker highlighted the power of collaboration between community members and artists in creating artwork that reflects the city’s diverse communities and shared civic pride.

“While the aim of Pennsylvania’s Bells Across PA program is to bring at least one Liberty Bell to every county in the Commonwealth, Philadelphia has always been a city of neighborhoods, each with its own story to tell,” Parker said. “That’s why our communities and these talented artists came together to tell these stories of over 20 neighborhoods through art, and we are so grateful to them.”

The bells will be installed in neighborhoods across the city, including Chinatown, City Hall, El Centro de Oro, Fox Chase, Germantown, Hunting Park, Logan Square, Mayfair, Mt. Airy, Ogontz, Olney, Parkside, Point Breeze, Roxborough, South Philadelphia, Southwest, Torresdale, University City, West Philadelphia, and Wynnefield. Additional installations are being delivered in partnership with Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Visit Philadelphia.

“I’m asking all Philadelphians and everyone who visits our city in 2026 to see the bells, enjoy these neighborhoods, and experience a semiquincentennial celebration that, much like the revolution, is powered by the people,” Parker added. 

To learn more about Bells Across PA and America250PA, visit America250PA.org or follow along on social media.