Join Our Team

The Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation (PVCC) is a private, non-profit organization that supports the hospitality and tourism industries and promotes the diverse historical, cultural, entertainment, and leisure aspects of the five-county Greater Philadelphia region, which includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. 

The PVCC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The PVCC is committed to creating a diverse workplace environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

 

Job Openings

Security Manager
The Security Manager is responsible for security of staff, visitors, and building partners located in the Independence Visitor Center (IVC) and at satellite locations in City Hall, Love Park and the Parkway. Serve as primary point of contact in all matters related to security of staff, visitors and Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation (PVCC) physical assets

You can find the full job description here! 

Interested in this position? Email: [email protected]

Visitor Experience Associate 
The Visitor Experience Associate is responsible for providing excellent customer service, information, and directions, and promoting an enriching experience for visitors to Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. The Visitor Experience Associate actively engages with tourists and local visitors of all ages, greeting them in a positive cheerful manner, answering questions about what to see and do, events, historical sites, and sell tickets to tours, museums, attractions, and special exhibits.

You can find the full job description here! 

Visitor Center Sales Associate
The Visitor Center Sales Associate is responsible for providing a positive and memorable experience for visitor center guests. The Visitor Services and Shop Sales Associate will provide excellent customer service in assisting visitors with retail purchases, ticket sales, and general events and promotions.

You can find the full job description here!

Interested in either of these positions? Contact [email protected]

Volunteer Opportunities

The PVCC will list available volunteer opportunities from our regional tourism and hospitality sector partners below: 

PHL Volunteer Navigators - Philadelphia International Airport
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Volunteer Program at PHL. To celebrate, the airport is expanding its program and is seeking dedicated, friendly individuals who enjoy helping others, are interested in travel and hospitality, and love the Greater Philadelphia region. Volunteer Program requirements: Minimum of one, 4-hour shift each week (8 a.m. - 12 Noon, 12 Noon - 4 p.m., or 4 - 8 p.m.), Friendly and willing to assist passengers, Must pass criminal background check, One-year commitment, Ability to work in a dynamic environment and learn new skills, Multilingual is a plus. Perks include: Discounts at airport food and shops, Discounted SEPTA passes, Free parking, Social activities and tours, and more. 
To learn more, please contact: Christine Datesman, Volunteer Program Manager, Travelers Aid, Philadelphia International Airport, [email protected] or (215) 863-4066

 

The Independence Visitor Center Corporation is now PHILADELPHIA VISITOR CENTER CORPORATION.

 

About Us

The best Philly visits start with the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation. Why? It’s simple: 

STARTING HERE
CAN LEAD ANYWHERE

We have access to all this city has to offer—activities, tickets, reservations, and opportunities. Talk with the helpful, well-connected people at the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, and they’ll turn your visiting wish list into an unforgettable itinerary, made just for you.

The Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation is a Pennsylvania nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization, which operates in cooperation with Visit Philadelphia®, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Philadelphia, National Park Service and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.​​​​
​​​​​
The Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation facilitates the operation of the Independence Visitor Center, the primary point of orientation for Independence National Historical Park and the official visitor center of the Philadelphia region, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation operates the LOVE Park Visitor Center, City Hall Visitor Center, Parkway Visitor Center and Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop transit service, and the private event space, The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center.

 

Mission

The mission of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation is to enhance the experience of visitors to Philadelphia by providing exceptional customer service and access to all that the city has to offer.

 

Vision

Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation will inspire visitors to create lasting memories through exploring the city and region, and to share their experiences with others. We envision Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation as a nationally recognized leader in visitor service excellence and innovation.

 

Annual Reports

The Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation reports on its efforts and achievements on a yearly basis. Click on the links below to download the Annual Report from the corresponding year.

    •    Annual Report 2023
    •    Annual Report 2022​​​​​​
    •    Annual Report 2020 - 2021
    •    Annual Report 2019
    •    Annual Report 2018
    •    Annual Report 2017
    •    Annual Report 2016
    •    Annual Report 2015
    •    Annual Report 2014
    •    Annual Report 2013
    •    Annual Report 2012
    •    Annual Report 2011

 

President & CEO

Kathryn Ott Lovell 

Board of Directors

Deborah O’Brien - Board Chair
Market Executive
Bank of America Greater Philadelphia

​​​​Tiffany Newmuis - Board Vice Chair
Senior Manager, Town Hall & Campus Programming
Comcast

W. Bradley Baturka, CPA - Board Treasurer 
Partner, Northeast U.S. Geography Leader
Wipfli LLP

Shawn Andre Murray, MA, PHR Board Secretary
Assistant Professor Tourism & Hospitality Management
Montgomery County Community College

​​​​Joseph T. Ashdale

James B. (JB) Broms
Managing Director
Accenture

Thomas A. Caramanico 
President
McCormick Taylor, Inc.

Gregg Caren
President & CEO 
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

J.J. (Jonathan J.) Cutler
Managing Partner
Heidrick & Struggles

Kortney Cruz
Senior VP of Government Markets
Independence Blue Cross

Aileen Dagrosa
Senior VP, General Counsel & Admin. Officer
Philadelphia Eagles

Paul R. Decker
Former President
Valley Forge Convention & Visitors Bureau

John H. Estey

John Fricke
General Manager - Chief Enthusiast 
Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City

David Gould
Chief Diversity & Impact Officer
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment

Todd Glickman
EVP, Chief Revenue Officer
Comcast Spectacor & Wells Fargo Center 

Michael Harris
Vice President, Marketing & New Media
Philadelphia Phillies

Lauri Kavulich, Esquire
Clark Hill, PLC

Amy Shearer
Chief Marketing Officer
The Philadelphia Zoo

Angela Val
President & CEO
Visit Philadelphia

Rob Ghormoz
Governor's Representative

GSL Public Affairs, A Stevens & Lee Company

Jazelle Jones
Mayor's Representative

City Representative & Director of Special Events
City of Philadelphia

A Message from the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation:

As the official visitor center of the Philadelphia region, we welcome millions of people each year, of every age, race, gender, religion, language, culture, ethnicity, ability, and orientation.  These visitors come from around the world to explore the sites where our nation was founded.  Yet, nearly 250 years later, the founding principles of equality and inalienable rights are not the reality for many citizens.  

We recognize that systemic racial inequality is still a problem. We also understand that there are marginalized segments of our society that are excluded from full inclusion in the American dream because of fundamental inequities. Our goal is to create and provide an environment that emphasizes the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, to make the Independence Visitor Center a favored destination, and to support these principles in society generally.

We will always strive to treat everyone equally and with respect, and extend this philosophy to our treasured visitors, staff, partners, and neighbors. 

 

Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation is proud to recognize the support of KESK Consulting, LLC in our organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Recent Updates

After recently celebrating the organization's 20-year anniversary and reflecting how it has grown since its inception in November 2001, the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, formerly the Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC), completed a Strategic Plan with consulting agency Schultz & Williams and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation Board. The plan serves to guide the organization's continued recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued growth over the next 3 - 5 years. The plan’s top recommendation included changing the organization’s name to better align itself with peer organizations, like Visit Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, and more closely reflect its ever-expanding footprint. This upcoming period is a critical time in Philadelphia and the region, as the region prepares for several celebrations and events of epic proportions, like the FIFA World Cup and America250, and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation aims to continue its mission and provide lasting memories for visitors.

Independence

National Historical Park

D. King for IVCC
M. Edlow for IVCC

"We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal..."

Goods, ideas, and people intermingled in early Philadelphia. In this diverse city, a new republic was born. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall.  Nearby sits the Liberty Bell, an international symbol of liberty. 

Independence National Historical Park preserves and interprets Park resources significantly associated with the American Revolution and the founding and growth of the United States of America, to improve public understanding of the historic people, events, and ideas associated here and inspire individuals.

National Park Service Sites
Historical Buildings & Sites
Sort:
American Philosophical Society

American Philosophical Society Museum

Benjamin Franklin Museum

Bishop White House Interior

Bishop White House

City Tavern exterior

City Tavern

Congress Hall

Congress Hall

Declaration House

Declaration House

Dolley Todd House Kitchen

The Dolley Todd House

Edgar Allen Poe House

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

First Bank

First Bank of the United States

Fragments of Franklin Court

Fragments of Franklin Court

Franklin Court

Franklin Court

Franklin Court Printing Office

Franklin Court Printing Office

Free Quaker Meeting House

Free Quaker Meeting House

Germantown White House

Germantown White House

Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site

Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site

Great Essentials Exhibit

Great Essentials Exhibit

Independence Hall

Independence Hall

Independence Visitor Center

Independence Visitor Center

The Liberty Bell

Liberty Bell Center

Merchant's Exchange

Merchants' Exchange Building

New Hall Interior

New Hall Military Museum

Old City Hall

Old City Hall

President's House Site

President's House Site

Second Bank of the United States

Second Bank Portrait Gallery

The Signer Statue

Signers Garden

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Washington Square

Get Around

D. King for IVCC
M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia

Explore the City of Brotherly Love with ease.

Philadelphia's centralized location (just 100 miles south of New York City and 133 miles north of Washington, D.C.) make it a convenient travel destination, and the city itself is one of the easiest for visitors to navigate—by car, foot, bus, or bike.

Before European colonization, the area was inhabited by the Lenape, whose village name referenced its easy navigability: Nitapèkunk (today's Fairmount Park area) translates as "Place that is easy to get to."

After deeming the area the "most convenient place upon the Delaware River for health and navigation," William Penn purchased the land from the Lenape, and founded the modern city with streets laid out in a grid to promote green urban living.

Getting to Philadelphia:

Philadelphia International Airport
From the Airport

Located just seven miles from downtown Philadelphia, Philadelphia International Airport is easily accessible from Interstates 76, 95, and 476.

30th St. Station
By Train

30th Street Station is a major intercity rail transit hub. Located between Center City and West Philadelphia, it provides connections to Amtrak, NJ Transit Rail Service, and all SEPTA Regional Rail Lines.

Getting Around the City:

Septa
On Public Transit

SEPTA offers a vast selection of routes on many modes of public transit, including: buses, trolleys, subways, and regional railways. In 2018, SEPTA debuted a re-loadable plastic card for fares, the SEPTA Key, available for purchasing and reloading at Independence Visitor Center. 

Locust Walk
On Foot

Voted one of top five most walkable cities in the nation, Philadelphia features tree-lined streets and neighborhoods that make exploring on foot the perfect way to see the City of Brotherly Love.

Indego Bike Share
On Bike

Get around Philadelphia on two wheels is even easier with the city’s bike sharing program, Ride Indego, which has 1000 bicycles available at 125 stations throughout the city, including one located right outside Independence Visitor Center at 5th and Market Streets.

Explore the City
Sort:
Chinatown

Chinatown

Kelly Drive

Kelly Drive

Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square

Locust Walk

University City

Explore More
Philadelphia's Adjacent Counties
Sort:
Peddler's Village

Bucks County

Brandywine Valley

Chester County's Brandywine Valley

The Media Theatre for the Performing Arts

Delaware County

Valley Forge

Valley Forge & Montgomery County

Top Questions:
What is the best way to get around Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Try our visitor-friendly downtown bus loop, the Philly PHLASH, or the city's bike sharing program, Ride Indego. Check out our Get Around page for more suggestions on how to make navigating Philly a breeze.

Where is the closest place to park by Independence Hall?

Convenient, onsite parking is available for visitors who start at the Visitor Center. The AutoPark at Independence Mall is a 24-hour, fully enclosed parking garage operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Entrances are located on both 5th and 6th Streets, between Market and Arch Streets.

Are strollers permitted on the PHLASH?

Collapsible strollers are permitted to board the PHLASH at the driver's discretion. Riders must collapse the stroller before boarding.

Find

Things to Do

D. King for Bluecadet
M. Stanley for DWRC

Enjoy your time in Philadelphia

This spring Philadelphia welcomes visitors to explore the city's museums, attractions, cultural institutions, and historic sites.

Start at the Independence Visitor Center to make the most of your time by speaking with expert staff for trip-planning advice, information about attractions', discounts, parking deals, and more.

While you're there, make sure to ask for a FREE walking map of Philadelphia's Historic District!

Locations:
Attractions:
Sort:
Amish country tour

A Day in Amish Country

Buy Online
Academy of Natural Sciences Dinosaur Hall

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

adventure aquarium

Adventure Aquarium

African American Museum in Philadelphia

African American Museum in Philadelphia

Arch Street Meeting House

Arch Street Meeting House

Women's Walking Tour

Badass Women's History Tour

Barnes Foundation

The Barnes Foundation

Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial

Buy Online
Betsy Ross House

Betsy Ross House

Buy Online
Big Bus Tours

Big Bus Tours

Black Journey Walking Tour

Black History Walking Tour

Summerfest

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

Bow Tie Tours

Bow Tie Tours

Carpenter's Hall

Carpenters' Hall

Cherry Street Pier

Cherry Street Pier

Buy Online
Christ Church Burial Ground

Christ Church Burial Ground

Buy Online
City Hall Interior Tour

City Hall Interior & Exterior Tour with Tower Tour

Buy Online
Tower Tour

City Hall Tower Tour

Buy Online
Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary

Buy Online
Elfreth's Alley

Elfreth's Alley Museum

Founding Footsteps Tours

Founding Footsteps Philly Phables Walking Tour

The Franklin Institute Wondrous Space

Franklin Institute

Buy Online
Franklin Square Fountain

Franklin Square

Gayborhood Tour

Gayborhood LGBTQ History Tour

Buy Online
Ghost Tour of Philadelphia

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia

E-Tickets
Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Go Philadelphia Pass

Great Plaza

Great Plaza at Penn's Landing

Buy Online
Hill-Physick House

Hill-Physick House

cafe

Independence Café

Buy Online
Visitors at Independence Seaport Museum

Independence Seaport Museum

Italian Market Tour

Italian Market Food Tour

Earthquake Tables

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia

love park

LOVE Park Neighborhood Tour

Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens Experience

Love Park

Love Park and Love Statue

Museum of Illusions

Museum of Illusions Philadelphia

Buy Online
Museum of the American Revolution

Museum of the American Revolution

Mutter Museum

The Mütter Museum

Buy Online
National Constitution Center

National Constitution Center

Buy Online
National Liberty Museum

National Liberty Museum

paul robeson house

Paul Robeson House

Buy Online
Penn Museum

Penn Museum

Penn's Landing

Penn's Landing

Buy Online
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Philadelphia History, Highlights and Revolution

Philadelphia History, Highlights and Revolution

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Buy Online
Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours

Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours

Philadelphia Zoo Lions

Philadelphia Zoo

Philly PHLASH

Philly PHLASH

Vegan History Tour

Philly's Vegetarian Pioneers

Please Touch Museum

Please Touch Museum

Free

Polish American Cultural Center

Buy Online
Powel House Interior

Powel House

Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market

RiverLink Ferry

RiverLink Ferry

Free
Rocky Statue

The Rocky Statue and Rocky Steps

Rothman Ortho Roller rink at Dilworth Park

Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink at Dilworth Park

Free
Interior of Science History Institute Philadelphia

Science History Institute

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

South Philly Art Tour

South Philadelphia Art Tour

universal sphere comcast center

The Comcast Center Campus

The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walk

The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walk

Buy Online
Musical History Tours

The Musical History Tours

HPI Walking Tour

The Official Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour

Free
U.S. Mint

United States Mint

Valley Forge tour

Valley Forge: American Revolution

National Museum of American Jewish History

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Top Reasons to

Start Here

D. King for Bluecadet

Welcome to your first stop for visiting Philadelphia.

Make the most of your time in the City of Brotherly Love by starting at Independence Visitor Center.

Speak with friendly staff for free trip-planning advice; explore things to do on digital installations; and purchase discounted tickets for local attractions and tours. 

After starting here, you'll know what to do, when to go, and how to get there. 

Get Inspired:

Welcome Theater
Free Films

Preview the city's sights and sounds in the official welcome film of Philadelphia, which plays daily in the Visitor Center's open-walled theater.

Welcome Wall
Interactive Digital Wall

Explore things to do on the city's largest interactive digital wall, an immersive, multi-user experience that dynamically responds, attracts, and engages users to interact via touch screen.

Plan and Save:

Visitor Services
Discounts + Insider Tips

Purchase discounted tickets for more than 100 local tours, attractions, and museums, and receive expert advice from friendly, multilingual staff at the Philadelphia Visitor Information Desk.

Independence Visitor Center
Photo Spot

Capture memories with the perfect photo on The Liberty View Terrace, located on the Visitor Center's mezzanine level, with unparalleled views of Independence Mall.

Access to Independence National Historical Park:
Independence Hall

Independence Hall

The Liberty Bell

Liberty Bell Center

President's House Site

President's House Site

Facilities & Accessibility:

Wheelchair Rentals:

Wheelchair rentals are available at the National Park Service Desk. Visitors can fill out a provided form and present a photo I.D. to reserve a manual wheelchair at no cost, based on availability and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

American Sign Language (ASL):

ASL interpretation is available by request.  Please call (215) 597-7130 at least 14 days prior to your visit.

Parking:

On-site parking is available at AutoPark at Independence Mall, a  24-hour, fully enclosed, secure garage located underneath the Visitor Center. 
 

 

Stay Connected:

Free Wi-fi is available throughout our building, so you never have to go unplugged. 

Hearing Impaired:

Open captions are available on all Independence National Historic Park films. Assistive Listening Devices are available upon request. A portable Loop System is available at the Visitor Services Desk, compatible with all telecoil equipped hearing aids, cochlear implants, and induction loop receivers. A receiver with headphones is also available for persons without compatible hearing aids.

Getting Here:

Independence Visitor Center

599 Market Street
1 N. Independence Mall W.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
United States

Directions...

Top Questions:
Where is the Liberty Bell?

Since 2003, the Liberty Bell has been on display in a structure located on Independence Mall, called the Liberty Bell Center. No timed tickets are required to visit the Bell, but a security check is required for entry. 

How can I redeem the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package?

Looking for a hotel deal when you visit Philadelphia? The Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package is a great way to save when you stay over, available year-round with different perks included seasonally.

Learn more and find participating hotels: VisitPhilly.com/PackageHotels

Where is the closest place to park by Independence Hall?

Convenient, onsite parking is available for visitors who start at the Visitor Center. The AutoPark at Independence Mall is a 24-hour, fully enclosed parking garage operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Entrances are located on both 5th and 6th Streets, between Market and Arch Streets.

Welcome to

Philadelphia

D. King for Bluecadet

The best trips start at the Visitor Center.

Seeing the best of the City of Brotherly Love is as simple as starting at the right place. 

The Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation operates visitor center locations throughout the city, including the Independence Visitor Center in cooperation with the National Park Service, the LOVE Park Visitor Center, the City Hall Visitor Center and the Parkway Visitor Center Outpost.

Start at any one of our locations for ​​​​​free, personalized service and helpful information.

Our Locations + Services:
Independence Visitor Center

Independence Visitor Center

LOVE Park Visitor Center

LOVE Park Visitor Center

parkway visitor center

Parkway Visitor Center

City Hall Visitor Center

City Hall Visitor Center

Philly PHLASH

Philly PHLASH

Tower Tour

City Hall Tower Tour

City Hall Interior Tour

City Hall Interior & Exterior Tour with Tower Tour

Things to Do:
Betsy Ross House

Betsy Ross House

adventure aquarium

Adventure Aquarium

National Constitution Center

National Constitution Center

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary

The Franklin Institute Wondrous Space

Franklin Institute

Other Sites on Independence Mall:
The Liberty Bell

Liberty Bell Center

Congress Hall

Congress Hall

Old City Hall

Old City Hall

President's House Site

President's House Site

Second Bank of the United States

Second Bank Portrait Gallery

Top Questions
Where is the closest place to park by Independence Hall?

Convenient, onsite parking is available for visitors who start at the Visitor Center. The AutoPark at Independence Mall is a 24-hour, fully enclosed parking garage operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Entrances are located on both 5th and 6th Streets, between Market and Arch Streets.

How can I redeem the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package?

Looking for a hotel deal when you visit Philadelphia? The Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package is a great way to save when you stay over, available year-round with different perks included seasonally.

Learn more and find participating hotels: VisitPhilly.com/PackageHotels

Where is the Liberty Bell?

Since 2003, the Liberty Bell has been on display in a structure located on Independence Mall, called the Liberty Bell Center. No timed tickets are required to visit the Bell, but a security check is required for entry.