PHILADELPHIA, August 22, 2001 – The new, $38 million Independence Visitor Center (IVCC), which opens on Tuesday, November 20, 2001, will serve as the primary point of orientation for visitors to the Philadelphia region. The Visitor Center, which is located in the heart of Independence National Historical Park, will provide informative displays and computer kiosks, as well as personal assistance from experienced staffers, to help tourists explore America’s Most Historic Square Mile and the entire region, including the city of Philadelphia, the Southern New Jersey waterfront area and Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.

The approximately 50,000 square foot architectural showpiece is located at 6^th & Market streets on the second block of Independence Mall. Amenities include:

• Concierge assistance
• Hotel and restaurant reservation services
• Onsite ticketing for area attractions
• Upscale coffee bar
• Visitor shop and book store
• Special event facilities available for rent
• Ample public restrooms
• Theaters showing free orientation and historical films
• Informational touch screen computer kiosks describing destinations
• Exhibit displays featuring Park, city and regional attractions
• Direct access to renovated underground parking garage

The Independence Visitor Center will be the official visitor center for Independence National Historical Park, the city of Philadelphia and the surrounding region. It will replace the existing visitor centers at 3^rd & Chestnut streets and at 16^th Street & JFK Boulevard. Tourists can call (215) 965-7676 (after November 20, 2001), (800) 527-7676 or visit www.gophila.com.

The Independence Visitor Center Corporation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that will operate the Independence Visitor Center in cooperation with the efforts of the National Park Service, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For more information, call (215) 925-6101 or visit www.independencevisitorcenter.com.

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