The bell contains approximately 70 percent copper and 25 percent tin, with small amounts of lead, zinc, arsenic, gold, and silver.
A popular legend claiming the bell cracked while tolling for the death of Chief Justice John Marshall in 1835 is widely considered a myth by historians.
The bell was originally known as the 'State House Bell' and hung in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall.
During the American Revolutionary War, the bell was removed from Philadelphia and hidden in the floorboards of a church in Allentown to prevent the British from melting it down for cannon metal.
The word 'Pennsylvania' is misspelled as 'Pensylvania' on the bell's inscription, a common practice at the time the bell was commissioned.
The bell was cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London, the same foundry that later cast Big Ben.
The Liberty Bell is a 2,080-pound bronze bell housed in a dedicated pavilion within Independence National Historical Park, serving as an iconic symbol of American independence. Originally cast in London in 1752, it famously cracked during its initial testing and underwent subsequent repairs. The bell is inscribed with a biblical verse from Leviticus regarding liberty throughout the land. It gained prominence in the 19th century as a symbol for the abolitionist movement, specifically adopted by the Anti-Slavery Standard. The current facility provides a panoramic view of Independence Hall through large glass windows, contextualizing the bell's historical relationship to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Visitors view the bell through a self-guided experience that includes interpretive displays detailing its metallurgical history and evolution as a cultural icon. It remains the centerpiece of a protected historical site managed by the National Park Service. The bell has not been rung since the 19th century due to the severity of its fractures.
The glass window at the end of the exhibit hall that captures the Liberty Bell with Independence Hall visible in the background.
Arrive early in the day to beat the mid-afternoon school group surges.
Take time to read the interactive exhibits in the hallway before reaching the bell itself for necessary historical context.
Use the glass-walled pavilion's view of Independence Hall to frame your photos of the bell.
Do not attempt to touch the bell, as it is protected by a security perimeter; avoid visiting during major public holidays when lines can span several city blocks.
Open daily, but occasionally closed or restricted for major federal holidays or special events.
Maintain a quiet, respectful tone as the pavilion serves as a memorial space.
