PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The birthplace of American democracy is officially back open after a four-month closure.
Independence Hall was temporarily closed at the beginning of the government shutdown on October 1 and remained closed for two more months for renovations.
And now, what’s old is now new again inside Independence Hall.
New lighting is helping to illuminate the history in this building for those who are stopping in.
The Continental Congress met inside the assembly room, which is where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
The Continental Army was also established here, and the Constitution of the United States was signed here in 1787.
When you take a look inside the original Pennsylvania Supreme Courthouse, you’ll notice things may look the same, down to the paint color.
The restoration team took great care to match that color up exactly, and after about eight weeks of renovations, it’s looking brand new in its old fashion.
It’s all in preparation for the thousands of expected visitors to Philadelphia ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations this July.
Philadelphia’s Historic District is celebrating the official reopening on Thursday with lots of special ways for visitors to kick off this historic year.
“There’s $2 off the Betsy Ross House and discounts at the Museum of the American Revolution all weekend,” said Maita Soukup from Philadelphia Visitors Center. “We’re just inviting visitors to the Historic District to kick off 2026. Start celebrating and boning up on your American history!”
The first 250 visitors who stop by the visitors’ desk this weekend can get a delicious custom-baked Independence Hall cookie.
Throughout the weekend, there will be other free giveaways like stickers and coin boards, as well as fun events, such as balloon activations and photo ops.
For more information, visit: NPS.gov.
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