"It is our job to predict and meet visitor expectations so thoroughly and efficiently that the Philadelphia experience is a truly positive one," said Bill Moore, President and CEO of Independence Visitor Center. "We want them to come back repeatedly and tell others about their great visit to the Philadelphia region."

In order to make the Center convenient and informative, the Independence Visitor Center staff scrutinized every detail from the accuracy of the more than 500 regional attractions represented to the baby changing stations available in both the men’s and ladies’ restroom facilities. Upon entering, the visitor experiences a visual interpretation of themes relating to Independence National Historical Park, such as the life of Ben Franklin and 18^th century Philadelphia, as well as images of modern Philadelphia.

"The job of a great national park visitor center is to provide a gateway to a full American experience," said Marie Rust, Director of the National Park Service, Northeast Region. "At the Independence Visitor Center, people from all walks of life can experience their America in ways they've never been able to before. This is the most comprehensive public-private visitor center in the National Park System."

The National Park Service exhibit space features changing park exhibits showcasing items from the INHP museum collection as well as five permanent exhibits focusing on themes central to Philadelphia and the birth of America. Exhibit themes include:

• Independence Hall, scene of the events that created the United States of America
• The evolution of the American idea of democratic government, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and The Articles of Confederation
• Benjamin Franklin and his many achievements as published author, scientist and diplomat
• Eighteenth-century Philadelphia
• The Liberty Bell

In addition to providing regional information, the Independence Visitor Center is a multi-faceted concierge service with hotel and restaurant reservations, on-site ticketing for area attractions, a specialty coffee bar, visitor shop and bookstore, special event facilities available for rent, theaters showing free orientation and historical films and ample public restroom facilities.

The Independence Visitor Center is the official Visitor Center for Independence National Historical Park, the City of Philadelphia and the surrounding region. It replaces the existing visitor centers at 3^rd and Chestnut streets and at 16^th Street and JFK Boulevard. The Visitor Center is part of a major revitalization of Independence Mall, which also includes a new Liberty Bell Center (opening 2003), the National Constitution Center (opening 2003) and the Independence Park Institute. The re-designed Mall will be a campus-like setting with new landscaping, gardens, picnic areas, gathering space, public art and an outdoor café.

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