Second Bank of the United States, Independence National Historical Park

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The Portrait Gallery at the Second Bank of the United States is closed as of March 2025. Renovation was completed, but there is no staff or budget to open it. A park Ranger told me it would not be opening anytime soon. It has been closed at least since 2015. 

SITE OVERVIEW

The Second Bank of the United States was chartered in 1816 and remained a federal bank until 1836. After that it became a private bank, operating until 1841. Today it is part of Independence National Historical Park and houses over 150 portraits of 18^th and 19^th century Americans of importance. Many of the paintings were done by Charles Willson Peale. The collection was originally displayed on the upper floor of Independence Hall.

LOCATION

The Second Bank of the United States is located at 420 Chestnut Street.

OPERATING HOURS

Get operating hours updates on the National Park Service’s official Visiting the Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank web page for Independence National Historical Park.

TICKETS AND FEES

There are no tickets or fees associated with entering the Portrait Gallery.

WHAT TO DO

The Portrait Gallery was not open when I visited Independence National Historical Park in 2015 and 2022. The following are a few photos of the gallery courtesy of the National Park Service.