Independence Hall, one of America's most iconic historic buildings, will remain closed to the public until January 2026 as preservation teams accelerate restoration work ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The National Park Service (NPS) announced Thursday that the temporary closure is necessary to complete interior upgrades in time for the significant semiquincentennial celebrations.
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Located in Philadelphia’s Old City, Independence Hall is the birthplace of both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. With millions expected to visit Philadelphia in 2026, the NPS is working to finish restoration tasks that will allow the building to reopen safely and fully to accommodate increased demand.
The building officially shut its doors to visitors as crews continue the multi-phase Independence Square Improvement Project. The closure will “allow crews to finish a project in the building's interior and speed up the return of public tours,” according to the park service.
The broader rehabilitation effort is tied to preparations for the nation’s 250th anniversary and follows an executive order signed by President Trump in March. Work began earlier this year as part of a coordinated effort to preserve the entire Independence Square complex—one of the most historically significant public spaces in the United States.
“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,” the park service said in a press release. “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.”
While the building itself will not reopen until Jan. 28, 2026, the park service is working to ensure that visitors still have opportunities to learn about America’s founding period. Independence National Historical Park will offer alternate educational options and guided experiences throughout the Old City campus to help visitors connect with the history of the Founding Fathers and the framing of the nation.
Tourists are also directed to check Independence Hall’s website for the latest updates and closure alerts as the renovation continues. The site houses original printed copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Articles of Confederation—documents expected to draw major crowds during the 2026 celebrations.
Philadelphia officials have coordinated with federal and local partners to prepare for a surge in Bicentennial-style tourism. The city has a full lineup of events planned, including “52 Weeks of Firsts,” a yearlong series marking the impact and innovations born in the birthplace of American democracy.
The completion of the Independence Hall restoration is considered one of the marquee projects leading up to 2026, reinforcing Philadelphia’s role at the center of the nation’s anniversary celebrations.
Originally reported by Tom Dougherty in CBS News.
