Over one million people visit the Liberty Bell in Independence National Historical Park each year. The primary challenge of designing the new 6,000-SF exhibit was to create an “engaging, informative, meaningful, affecting, and memorable encounter with a great international icon.” The exhibits tell the story of the Bell’s physical and symbolic journey—from utilitarian State House Bell, to traveling American symbol, to national and international symbol of the struggle for expanding liberties.
Befitting of a national treasure, the exhibit features enduring materials such as glass, brick, stainless steel, and porcelain enamel, which are seamlessly integrated into the structure of the award-winning new Center, designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. Once a utilitarian object, the national treasure has become a symbol of America and its liberties, and more recently, an international icon of individual freedom.
