West Wing of Independence Hall, Independence National Historical Park
SITE OVERVIEW
The Great Essentials is an exhibit in the west wing of Independence Hall that features copies of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the U. S. Constitution. These are not the originals, but first generation copies.
LOCATION
520 Chestnut Street (between 5th and 6th streets)
You must pass through airport-type security to enter the Independence Hall complex. The security gate is located next to Old City Hall near the corner of 5th and Chestnut streets.
OPERATING HOURS
- Daily from 9 AM to 5 PM (closes at 3 PM on Christmas Eve)
- Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Washington’s Birthday, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
Times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to get the latest schedule on the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for Independence National Historical Park.
TICKETS AND FEES
Because The Great Essentials exhibit is in a building that is located in the same complex as Independence Hall, visitors must pass through airport-type security to enter. You will see many people in line with tickets, but these are for Independence Hall. There are no tickets or fees associated with entering The Great Essentials, and you do not need a ticket to go through security. You only need a ticket if you are touring Independence Hall.
WHAT TO DO
The main draw of The Great Essentials exhibit is the copies of the three documents that were drawn up and signed in the Assembly Room of Independence Hall. As mentioned, these are not the originals, but first generation copies. Such copies are very rare. The Declaration of Independence on display is the copy that was read to the crowd at Independence Square on July 8, 1776, in Philadelphia. I am not sure of the origins of the other two documents.
The three Great Essentials documents on display in the West Wing of Independence Hall, Independence National Historical Park
In addition to the documents themselves are a few information panels and a silver ink stand that was in the Assembly Room during the 1770s. It is possible that it was used during both the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the U. S. Constitution.
Information panels about the Great Essentials documents on display in the West Wing of Independence Hall, Independence National Historical Park
Silver ink stand on display in the West Wing of Independence Hall, Independence National Historical Park
A park Ranger is on duty to answer any questions. If a large group has assembled, the Ranger may give a brief lecture about the documents.
A park Rangers gives a short lecture on the Great Essentials documents in the West Wing of Independence Hall, Independence National Historical Park
SCHEDULING YOUR TIME
The Great Essentials exhibit is in a very small room, so it doesn’t take long to see it. I was in and out in about fifteen minutes, and I read everything (other than the documents themselves).
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Last updated on March 23, 2025
