Philadelphia Unveils 22 Replica Liberty Bells

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America this year, Philadelphia has unveiled 22 replica Liberty Bells in the city as part of the statewide Bells Across PA project. Mural Arts-affiliated artists have painted each bell to reflect the communities where they will be displayed throughout 2026.

The unveiling of the bells, led by Mayor Cherelle Parker and several community members, took place on Friday, Jan. 16, at the School District Warehouse. Last Friday's unveiling ceremony highlighted Philadelphia's diverse neighborhoods and stories.

"These bells are also a call to action to drive economic activity on our commercial corridor," said Parker to NBC10 Philadelphia.

While additional painted replica Liberty Bells will be displayed across Pennsylvania, the 22 fiberglass bells for Philadelphia will be erected in the following locations and neighborhoods, according to NBC10:

PhillyVoice spoke with artist Emily Birdie Busch, who took inspiration from the Germantown neighborhood's abolitionist history, to create a symbol that was used by escaped slaves traveling on the Underground Railroad. 

"I took this North Star quilt pattern as both a literal and symbolic representation of clarity in this chaos. The back of the bell is a stargazing party with the idea that, as a community and individually, we contemplate who amongst us keeps our eyes toward the North Star," explained Busch, whose bell also features tributes to the Wyck House and musician Sun Ra. 

Artist Andrew Daniels, who uses the name Penthouse Art, created a Hunting Park bell titled "United Hunting Park," featuring community landmarks and personal connections to the area.

"As an artist, I've never seen somebody doing art in the neighborhood," he said. "My impactfulness or my journey has been to show it in the neighborhood."

City officials did not share a proposed timeline for the bells' installation in city neighborhoods.