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Declaration House (Graff House)

4.3

·107 reviews·Philadelphia, United States

Stand where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence at this historic Philadelphia recreation, now featuring powerful contemporary art...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Art exhibit has a welcoming station.

CrowdMedium

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Declaration House (Graff House)

Best Time

Weekends

Art exhibit has a welcoming station.

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Stand where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence at this historic Philadelphia recreation, now featuring powerful contemporary art.

4.3

(107 reviews)

"Still a great place to check out even if it’s not open! A lot of information is available outside of the building."

TIP

🎟️ Book Timed Tickets

Essential for interior tours! Plan ahead to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Outside

Even if closed, the exterior offers historical info and a powerful sense of place.

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 107 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

Address

700 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Website

nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/declarationhouse.htm

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Declaration House Exterior

700 Market Street, Philadelphia

Stand where history was made! This recreation of Thomas Jefferson's 1776 residence offers a tangible connection to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

'The Descendants of Monticello' Installation

Declaration House grounds

Experience Sonya Clark's thought-provoking art, featuring giant blinking eyes symbolizing the overlooked perspectives of enslaved individuals like Robert Hemmings.

Proximity to Independence Hall

Independence National Historical Park

Located within walking distance of other key Revolutionary War sites, making it a perfect stop on a historical walking tour of Philadelphia.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Declaration House

The Declaration House, also known as Graff House, is a recreation of the building where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. While the original structure was demolished, the NPS has meticulously rebuilt it. Plan ahead as timed tickets are often required for interior tours, and hours can vary.

Understanding the Art Installation

Currently, the Declaration House features 'The Descendants of Monticello' by Sonya Clark, a powerful art installation exploring the narrative of Robert Hemmings, an enslaved youth who served Jefferson. This temporary exhibit adds a crucial layer of historical context to the site.

Best Times

When

Weekends

Why

Art exhibit has a welcoming station.

Crowd

Medium

When

Weekday afternoons

Why

Potentially fewer crowds for exterior viewing.

Crowd

Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Declaration House in Philadelphia 👁 The eyes are the descendants of the slaves of Monticello. 💔 This exhibit tells the story of Thomas Jefferson writing the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia by spotlighting his enslaved valet, Robert Hemmings, who watched him write the document about freedom.

@ironcancerlion

23 likes • 577 views

🎟️ Book Timed Tickets

Essential for interior tours! Plan ahead to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Outside

Even if closed, the exterior offers historical info and a powerful sense of place.

Many of the digitally enhanced eyes you see in Declaration House’s 18 windows belong to descendants of Robert Hemmings, Thomas Jefferson’s enslaved valet, who lived with him in Declaration House. As Jefferson declared all men equal in the Declaration of Independence, Hemmings — an enslaved man — watched. The eyes in “The Descendants of Monticello” are Monument Lab’s attempt at centering Hemmings’ life within a narrative that at best ignores his existence and, at worst, denies it. It’s the marquee exhibit of “Declaration House,” a public art project examining the tangled legacies of freedom and enslavement sitting at the crux of United States history. About 50 of the descendants’ right eyes rotate through Declaration House’s windows, darting east and down Market Street. “‘Descendants of Monticello’ cuts through the contradiction of the American experiment,” said Paul Farber, director of Monument Lab and cocurator of “Declaration House.” “Jefferson didn’t come to Philadelphia alone. He brought someone with him to keep him safe and take care of him. They lived side by side. Yet, Hemmings is almost forgotten.” “It’s a haunting space, a lighthouse where eyes are beacons that illuminate the meaning of freedom,” added Sonya Clark, “The Descendants of Monticello’s” lead artist. Read more about Robert Hemmings and Declaration House’s legacy at the link in our bio. 📹 by Tyger Williams and Elizabeth Robertson / Staff

@phillyinquirer

211 likes • 5.9K views

FSURC was incredibly honored to be invited to participate in the unveiling of A new art exhibit at the Declaration House features descendants of Robert Hemmings, an enslaved servant of Thomas Jefferson. This Block Party organized by @yolandawisher, @july4thphilly Welcome America celebration at Declaration House in collaboration with @monument_lab to commemote thus public artwork by Sonya Clark...

fletcherstreeturbanridingclub

611 likes • 10.8K views

🖼️ Appreciate the Art

The temporary art installation adds a vital, modern perspective to the historical site.

📍 Walkable History

Easily combined with visits to Independence Hall and other historic sites.

“The Descendants of Monticello,” a temporary installation by Sonya Clark (@sysclark) at the Declaration House, honors a young man named Robert Hemmings. It was on this spot at 7th and Market that Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776, while Hemmings attended to Jefferson as an enslaved bodyservant. This video installation features contemporary video portraits of Hemmings’ ...

phillypublicart

300 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Timed Tickets

Essential for interior tours! Plan ahead to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Outside

Even if closed, the exterior offers historical info and a powerful sense of place.

🖼️ Appreciate the Art

The temporary art installation adds a vital, modern perspective to the historical site.

📍 Walkable History

Easily combined with visits to Independence Hall and other historic sites.

What Travellers Say

4.3

(107 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Declaration House a historically significant site, offering a tangible connection to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. Many appreciate the exterior information and the powerful contemporary art installation. However, some have experienced issues with inconsistent hours and the need for timed tickets for interior access.

"Very cool! The site of where the Declaration of Independence was adapted! So much history is from the birth of our nation located right here. I unfortunately visited here on a weekday evening so I wasn’t able to take the tour inside. Still a great place to check out even if it’s not open! A lot of information is available outside of the building. Many other historical sites are within walking distance as well!"

Kylie Mangini

"Unfortunately, this building has been closed for a while, but hopefully they will reopen again soon. Either way, you can’t help but get chills as you walk by here and understand the importance of building had on shaping our entire country."

Gourmand

"You need to plan your trip ahead of time. You need to get timed tickets in order to see the declaration of independence. You can still see a lot of history but getting the tickets is a must"

Doug Ainsworth

What People Like

Tangible historical connection

Impactful art installation

Proximity to other sites

What People Dislike

Inconsistent hours

Need for timed tickets

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Declaration House is located at 700 Market Street in Philadelphia, easily accessible by public transportation. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from other historical sites in Independence National Historical Park.

While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the Declaration House, several parking garages are available in the surrounding Market Street area. Consider public transport or ride-sharing for ease.

Absolutely! The Declaration House is a key stop within Independence National Historical Park and is within walking distance of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other significant landmarks.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, timed tickets are often required for interior tours of the Declaration House. It's highly recommended to plan your visit and book tickets in advance to ensure entry.

Operating hours can vary, and it's important to check the official National Park Service website or local listings before your visit, as some visitors have noted discrepancies.

While the exterior is always accessible, there may be a fee or a timed ticket requirement for interior tours. Check the official NPS website for the most current information on admission.

Even if the interior is closed, you can still learn a lot from the exterior exhibits and the historical context of the site. Many visitors find it impactful to stand outside where the Declaration was written.

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The Declaration House is a recreation of the Philadelphia home where Thomas Jefferson lived and drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It's a pivotal site in American history.

This temporary installation by Sonya Clark uses large, blinking eyes to represent the overlooked experiences of Robert Hemmings, an enslaved youth who served Jefferson during the Declaration's drafting. +1

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with the site staff upon arrival or look for posted signage regarding photography rules inside the historic building.

Information on accessibility for the Declaration House should be available on the National Park Service website. It's advisable to check for specific details regarding ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.