Ah, the Libery Bell. The crack seems to be so big, it's hard to imagine that a simple ringing could produce such a fault line. The significance of the bell is bigger that the actual building it's kept in. The lines seem to be really long here, and after all, it's just a big bell. The building is made of glass, so if you stand outside, you can still get a good photo.

To come face to face with an item that means so much to all people, as the Liberty Bell does, is quite astounding. It was just a great honor to have gotten to see such an important part of our history. My husband actually leaned over the rope and touched the bell (you are not supposed to do that). A guide very quickly told him that he cannot do that (but we had already got the picture of him touching it really quickly). I am glad that my children were able to see the Liberty Bell. I recommend that if you ever have the opportunity to go and see it that you do. The whole area there is a great place to vist.

Just seeing the Liberty Bell is awesome. The wait can be quite long, but it is worth it. Totally amazing. This is THE Liberty Bell, crack and all. Wow. Everyone should see this. It is inspiring. I don't like to wait in lines, but this was worth it.

The Liberty Bell was originally cast in England to commemorate William Penn's charter of Privileges in 1701. In 1776, the bell was rung to summon citizens to hear the Declaration of Independence. The cracks in the bell were thought to have stemmed from casting mistakes, and the bell was last rung on Washington's birthday in 1846. The bell sits today in an air-conditioned pavillion.

Let freedom ring! Probably the symbol of freedom in this country, the Liberty Bell is rich with history and legend. Rang on July 8, 1776, the sound of this bell drew crowds of citizens to Independence Hall to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Located across from Independence Hall, the bell resides in a glass museum and it is viewable at all hours of the day. If you are in Philadelphia in 2001, please add the Liberty Bell to your list of historical sights to see. This will be the last year that people will be able to take a picture standing next to the bell. Philadelphia is moving the bell about 50 feet to a new Museum and the bell will be sealed up in a glass case for distant viewing. The reason the city is doing this is because the bell has become fragile over the centuries and the acidity in the air is slowly deteriorating this National Treasure.

Hours: Daily 9am-5pm. 9am-8pm in July and August. The bell is visible 24 hours a day. 215-597-8974