Though the original President’s House was torn down in 1832, the present-day structure is no less illuminating. Resembling a half-built, colonial-style house that’s open to the elements, the space explores the contradiction between the Founding Fathers’ quest for liberty even while they denied enslaved people their own civil rights. Within, text panels and videos tell the stories of the enslaved people who worked for Presidents George Washington and John Adams, and archaeological artifacts are also displayed. The area is both a place for silent reflection and for education about a less-discussed but critical aspect of early United States history.
The President’s House is open to all visitors for self-led tours. It’s also possible to visit it—and the other highlights of Independence National Historical Park—on a range of guided tours, from African American history–themed itineraries to Old City walking tours.
The President’s House is accessible to wheelchair users.
Admission is free, and no tickets are required for entry.
Look out for the bronze footsteps embedded in the floor, which symbolize the brave escape of Oney Judge, a woman enslaved by George Washington.
Philadelphia’s President’s House is located at 6th and Market Streets, just steps from the Liberty Bell Center in the heart of Independence National Historical Park. It’s a few blocks from Jefferson Station (served by commuter trains), and from 5th Street/Independence Hall Station on the Market-Frankford Line. It can also be reached on foot, by bus, or by taxi or rideshare.
President’s House is open daily from early morning until late evening year-round. Because the site is open to the elements, avoid visiting on a rainy day. Alongside the rest of Independence National Historical Park, it’s likely to be busiest during the summer, on weekends, and during school holidays.
Just next door to the President’s House is the Liberty Bell Center, home to one of the country’s best-known symbols of the struggle for freedom. As such, it’s a worthy complement to the President’s House exhibitions, and the center can be visited for free. In addition to the famously cracked bell itself, there are also accompanying exhibitions.
