On the morning of October 2, 2025, tourists arriving in Philadelphia were greeted not by the welcoming doors of the Liberty Bell Center or the hallowed halls of Independence Hall, but by locked gates and apologetic signs. The federal government shutdown, which began early October 1 after a budget standoff in Washington, has rippled far beyond the capital, closing some of the city’s most iconic historic sites and leaving both visitors and workers in limbo.
According to NPR and KYW Newsradio, the closure affects eight major landmarks in Philadelphia, all part of Independence National Historical Park: Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, Franklin Court, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, Rose Garden, Magnolia Garden, Benjamin Rush Garden, and the 18th Century Garden. These sites, managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and staffed by federal employees, are shuttered until further notice. The impact is not just symbolic—these landmarks draw millions of visitors each year, and their closure is a blow to both the city’s tourism industry and its sense of national heritage.
For many, the disappointment is deeply personal. Jessica Breen, who traveled from Napa, California with her 84-year-old mother, told NPR, "Today, she said, we’re going inside. I can’t wait to see it. I’ve been waiting my whole life to see this. And today we weren’t able to go inside. And unfortunately, there’s probably no chance she’ll be able to make this trip again." Jonathan Mitchell, a visitor from Dallas, echoed the sentiment: "You come here to be able to have that in-person experience and somewhat feeling shortchanged, if you will, to be standing outside looking through a glass after traveling, you know, miles to be here."
Shirley Santiago, who came with her family from Hawaii, told KYW Newsradio, "We came all the way here to see the Liberty Bell … but we were just told we can’t get into Independence Hall because of the shutdown." Rebecca Shoyer of Mount Laurel tried to make the best of the situation, saying, "We’re just sort of looking through the windows at everything and taking pictures."
While the closures are frustrating for visitors, the shutdown has created even deeper uncertainty for federal employees. According to NPR, park staff at Independence National Historical Park have been furloughed, with some fearing permanent layoffs. President Donald Trump has threatened mass layoffs and permanent spending cuts during the shutdown, which has left roughly 750,000 federal workers across the country without pay. Mark Cochran, president of the American Federation of Government Employees local representing national park workers in the Northeast, said, "It’s been hard, you know? It’s—you keep giving and giving because you’re dedicated to the mission of preserving our country’s history for the next generation. But at some point, a person can only give so much before they can’t give any more."
The shutdown’s roots lie in a bitter budget dispute between Republicans and Democrats. As reported by PhillyVoice and Patch, the deadlock centers on health care spending: Democrats are pushing to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies and reverse Medicaid cuts passed earlier in the summer, while Republicans insist on funding the government before negotiating on policy. The impasse led to the shutdown’s start on October 1, with no immediate end in sight. The Senate is not expected to vote on a funding extension until October 3, as lawmakers observe the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.
President Trump has seized on the shutdown, meeting with budget director Russ Vought to discuss "temporary or permanent" spending cuts and using the moment to reshape the federal workforce. The Associated Press reported that the administration is considering holding back $18 billion in infrastructure funds earmarked for New York projects, signaling a willingness to use the shutdown as leverage in broader political battles. Meanwhile, essential government workers like TSA officers and air traffic controllers must continue working without pay, further underscoring the shutdown’s reach.
The effects in Philadelphia are not limited to closed doors and disappointed tourists. As the city gears up for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there are real concerns about how a prolonged shutdown could disrupt planning for the milestone event. Mark Cochran expressed anxiety about the risk of losing experienced staff: "So what happens if in these RIFs, the employees whose job it is to make sure that these anniversary events go off without a hitch, if they’re not there anymore? I mean, you know, I don’t know. Your guess is as good as mine." The National Park Service has not responded to requests for comment about these concerns, but the uncertainty is palpable among staff and city officials alike.
Despite the closures, Philadelphia remains open for exploration. Visit Philadelphia, the city’s tourism agency, has been quick to reassure both locals and visitors that the city’s rich cultural life is far from shuttered. Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, told multiple outlets, "Despite the uncertainty of the ongoing government shutdown, it’s important to note that Philadelphia has many extraordinary attractions and parks that are still open. This city has a thriving culinary scene and a vibrant arts and culture presence, so there is no shortage of things to do."
Indeed, a host of museums and historic sites not reliant on federal funding remain open. According to KYW Newsradio, Patch, and PhillyVoice, these include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Science, the Philadelphia Zoo, the National Constitution Center, the American Philosophical Society Museum, Christ Church and Christ Church Burial Ground, Carpenters’ Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, Franklin Square, Betsy Ross House, the Museum of the American Revolution, Independence Seaport Museum, Cherry Street Pier, Powel House and Hill-Physick House, National Liberty Museum, Museum of Illusions Philadelphia, Mother Bethel AME Church and the Richard Allen Museum, and Gloria Dei Episcopal Church. The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia also remains open, as it is funded through coin sales rather than congressional appropriations.
Even the Independence Visitor Center is open—though the National Park Service desk inside is closed, as it is staffed by furloughed federal employees. Jenea Robinson, vice president of communications at Visit Philadelphia, said the agency is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as the shutdown continues.
Meanwhile, the city’s roughly 46,000 federal employees, like their counterparts across the country, face a challenging and uncertain future. The American Federation of Government Employees has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to stop potential layoffs during the shutdown, arguing that the government cannot legally fire workers while operations are suspended.
As the shutdown stretches on, Philadelphia finds itself at the intersection of national politics and local reality—a city shaped by history, now grappling with how to preserve it amid federal gridlock. For tourists, workers, and residents alike, the hope is that the doors to America’s past will swing open again soon.
