Philadelphia’s Independence Hall will be closed to visitors through the rest of the year and into late January as officials prepare for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
The building, located on 520 Chestnut Street, closed to visitors on Thursday, Nov. 13, and will remain closed until Jan. 28, 2026.
During the closure, preservation teams will undergo interior work to prepare Independence Hall for next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“In preparation for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and in alignment with Executive Order 14253, the National Park Service has been making infrastructure repairs and improvements to historic structures and features on Independence Square,” a spokesperson for Independence National Historical Park wrote. “This Independence Square Improvement Project has been underway since March 2025, with rehabilitation and preservation work already concluded in both Congress Hall and Old City Hall. Key elements of this project include the construction of accessible ramps; repair and restoration of wood elements, masonry, plaster, and metal finishes; and application of historically accurate paint finishes to the ceilings, walls and trim.”
The city has planned several events to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, including weekly free public events throughout next year that will honor a different Philly-related “first” with storytelling, art, and community festivities.
You can view the full list and schedule of events and locations here.
The events are only part of what will be a busy 2026 for Philadelphia. In addition to semiquincentennial celebrations, Philadelphia will also host the FIFA World Cup, the MLB All-Star game, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the PGA Championship and more.
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