News Summary
Independence National Historical Park is bringing back its popular ‘Movies on the Mall’ series for summer 2025, featuring four outdoor movie nights with historical themes. The event will offer a range of activities and refreshments before screenings of notable films like ‘Harriet’ and ‘National Treasure.’ Free to attend, guests are encouraged to register in advance to secure their spots.
Philadelphia – Independence National Historical Park is excited to announce the return of its popular free outdoor movie series, ‘Movies on the Mall’, set to take place over the summer of 2025. This event invites families, friends, and history enthusiasts to experience a cinematic experience under the stars on the historic Independence Mall. Following a highly successful debut in 2024, which drew over 2,000 attendees, the series will expand to four evenings in 2025, offering a rich celebration of themes related to the park’s historical significance.
Each movie night will kick off at dusk, with engaging pre-show festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to partake in various activities, including traditional 18th-century games and arts and crafts, creating an immersive historical atmosphere. Throughout the evenings, Liberty Garden will provide a selection of refreshments and beverages for guests to enjoy while watching the films.
The film lineup for the 2025 series is diverse and notable. It includes:
- ‘Harriet’ (2019) on Friday, June 20, which chronicles Harriet Tubman’s courageous escape from slavery.
- ‘Independence Day’ (1996) on Tuesday, July 1, in partnership with Wawa Welcome America, a popular summer celebration.
- ‘National Treasure’ (2004) on Friday, August 22, featuring an adventurous hunt for historic American artifacts.
- ‘National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets’ (2007) on Friday, September 19, continuing the thrilling quest for national treasures.
The movie screenings will be held outside the Independence Visitor Center, located at 599 Market St., with the viewing area positioned facing 5th Street between Market and Arch streets. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks to enhance their viewing experience. While ‘Movies on the Mall’ is free and welcomes walk-ups, attendees are encouraged to register in advance to secure their spots.
This year, Kathryn Ott Lovell, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, emphasized the importance of this event as a celebration of Philadelphia’s rich history and culture. The park aims to create an engaging environment that not only provides entertainment but also fosters an appreciation for the city’s historical narrative.
The inaugural season of ‘Movies on the Mall’ in 2024 exceeded expectations, proving to be a successful addition to the summer cultural calendar in Philadelphia. The blend of film, history, and community engagement makes this event a highly anticipated occasion for both locals and visitors alike.
All are invited to join in on this cultural experience, bridging film and history in the heart of Philadelphia. For more information and to register for the movie series, visit the official website at support.inht.org.
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Additional Resources
- Metro Philadelphia: Movies on the Mall
- Visit Philly: Outdoor Summer Movie Screenings
- Philly Voice: AMC Franklin Mills Mall Closed
- Fox29: Movie Theater Updates
- Patch: AMC Theaters Closure in Philadelphia
- Wikipedia: Philadelphia
- Google Search: Philadelphia culture
- Google Scholar: Philadelphia historical events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philadelphia
- Google News: Philadelphia movies
