We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 370 Philadelphia Attractions »

Lights of Liberty

Historic Philadelphia Center, 6th and Chestnut Sts., Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-629-4026
Ranked #39 of 47 tours in Philadelphia
3.0 of 5 stars 11 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites, Performances, Tours
Fee: Yes
Owner description: Lights of Liberty brings history to life through technology with two dazzling experiences. Liberty 360 in the PECO Theater is the newest show, a 3D...... more » Owner description: Lights of Liberty brings history to life through technology with two dazzling experiences. Liberty 360 in the PECO Theater is the newest show, a 3D journey through the iconic American symbols. This striking presentation, hosted by Ben Franklin, takes place in a 360-degree theater that surrounds the audience. Liberty 360 in the PECO Theater runs every 20 minutes and is located in the Historic Philadelphia Center at 6th & Chestnut Streets - just across from the Liberty Bell.The Lights of Liberty outdoor sound and light show tells the story of the American Revolution as it happened, where it happened. This heartwarming experience was born in 1999 and as such, the technology had become outdated. Currently, Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the parent, non-profit organization of Lights of Liberty, is re-imagining the Lights of Liberty outdoor sound and light show. Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is working with some of the best theatrical and technology teams in the country to dream up an impressive way to tell the birth of our nation. Coming soon - the NEW Lights of Liberty show! Visit our website for the most up-to-date information. « less
Update attraction details
Write a Review

11 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    3
    1
    3
    1
    3
Date Rating
Cleveland, Ohio
Top Contributor
269 reviews 269 reviews
Reviews in 76 cities Reviews in 76 cities
872 helpful votes 872 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 March 2012
3
people found this review helpful

I'm not certain what the earlier reviews related to. In 2012, this is a theater experience. This attraction (see the web site) is a a 360 degree, 3D show in the PECO theater (right near Independence Hall). It only last about 15 minutes; you have to stand through the entire presentation. The theater is small, only holds about 25 people.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 28 more reviews by CynthiafromOhio2011 for Philadelphia
Sacramento, CA
1 review
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 August 2008
4
people found this review helpful

Horribly disappointing!!! I grew up in Philadelphia, but went back as a tourist with some out of town friends many years later. One of them really wanted to see this, and I happily went along. The tech is not that tech, it is hard to hear, it is crowded, and they drag you along from place to place not giving... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Westchester, NY
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 July 2008
4
people found this review helpful

It kept my attention and lasted a good length of 1 hour. I wouldn't do it again. Once is defenitely enough, but itsn't once enough for any attraction really? It really is unique, seeing and realistically hearing the revolution on the actual buildings where everything transpired. If you are squeezed for time I would skip it, but if you have... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
York, Pennsylvania
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 July 2008
2
people found this review helpful

Do not have any kids of my own, but other kids in the tour group seemed bored and disinterested. I thought the show would have been a little bit higher in technological aspect (it is not a moving image but more like slides or stills projected onto brick walls), but it was an entertaining way to show the history at... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by lanie206 for Philadelphia
Denver, CO
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 September 2007
1
person found this review helpful

We were traveling as a family with three children and a set of grandparents on a historical trip up the east coast. The Lights of Liberty show was fantastic! The script was historically accurate, and the artwork and music were beautiful. My father-in-law made the observation at the conclusion that if every child experienced this presentation sometime during their education,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Yakima, Washington
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 August 2007
1
person found this review helpful

This show is advertised as a spectacular light show. However, I found it to be quite average at best. They project some images on the sides of historic buildings and you do get a good history lesson, but is is far from extraordinary and quite boring for an average teenager. The problems with the headsets seem to have been resolved... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
east syracuse, ny
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
Reviews in 37 cities Reviews in 37 cities
56 helpful votes 56 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 June 2007
2
people found this review helpful

I think older visitors ( or those exhausted) should be aware that there is an amount of walking on this tour. Perhaps 10 blocks round trip. It is not an outrageous amount of walking and it is flat but my sisters and I had spent a very long day already in the city and we would have skipped this experience... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by kayofcny for Philadelphia
New Jersey
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
38 helpful votes 38 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2007
2
people found this review helpful

Great attraction, very educational. Great hit with my family. My party consisted of 2 Seniors, 4 children from 5-12, and my husband and I. They all LOVED IT! including our children. In spite the cold, windy night they enjoy the lights, music and narration. I never saw kids this young so interested in history. Specially my 11 yr old son.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Reading PA
1 review
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 August 2006
4
people found this review helpful

Thank God America's forefathers were more competent than the folks at PECO Lights of Liberty. The "spectacular sound and light show" hits a snag when almost half the headphones on your tour fail, and there aren't enough replacements to meet demand. Seems their policy is to let the customers test the equipment! Once the headsets do work, the audio is... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
wildwood, nj
2 reviews
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 July 2006
7
people found this review helpful

The show has great potential - illuminated historic buildings, music by the Philly orchestra and a cast of all-star narrators like Walter Cronkite, Charlton Heston and Whoopie Goldberg - but it fails to deliver BIGTIME!!!!! Our guide decked out in historic garb warned the audience - not too nicely - to be careful with the headsets because they are fragile... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Lights of Liberty also viewed

Smith Kids Play Place (Playground & Mansion)
5 of 5 stars 14 Reviews
Philadelphia, PA
Please Touch Museum
4.5 of 5 stars 183 Reviews
Philadelphia, PA
 
Ride The Ducks of Philadelphia
4.5 of 5 stars 125 Reviews
Philadelphia, PA
Liberty Bell Center
4 of 5 stars 319 Reviews
Philadelphia, PA
 

Been to Lights of Liberty? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Lights of Liberty, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing