The story of the First Bank of the United States is finally here! Through conversations with historians, curators, architects, and preservation experts, First & Foremost explores the history, architecture, and lasting legacy of one of America’s most significant historic landmarks.
First Bank Reopening
A Historic Reopening
Historic First Bank of the United States Building to Reopen July 1
Public ribbon cutting at Independence National Historical Park celebrates $43million restoration of historic landmark that housed the nation’s first federally chartered bank.
Join Independence Historical Trust for a week of celebration!
July 1: Ribbon Cutting
Join Independence Historical Trust for the official ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of the First Bank of the United States.
This event is open to the public. Check back for more details, including a list of speakers.
Event details:
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Time: 9:30 am to 11:00 am
July 2: Red, White. & Blue To-Do
Before July 4th became the nation’s Independence Day, founding father John Adams envisioned July 2nd as a day future generations would celebrate with ‘pomp and parade.’
Come to Philadelphia’s Historic District and enjoy a vibrant day of patriotic celebration with the neighborhood’s museums, historic sites, and local businesses. The Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade kicks off from the National Constitution Center at 11:00am and ends at the historic Carpenters’ Hall. Enjoy fun throughout Historic District with activations throughout the day, including fun inside the First Bank!
July 4: Firstival at the First Bank
Philadelphia is a city of firsts! In 2026, the city celebrates that legacy with 52 Weeks of Firsts, a yearlong, citywide series of events highlighting the groundbreaking ideas, inventions and milestones that began right here. Join Independence Historical Trust as we celebrate the First Bank of the United States!
Event details:
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
What’s Inside?
Two related special exhibitions:
Art and artifacts have long played an important role in American history and diplomacy. They have been used to share culture, offer gestures of friendship, and encourage understanding and appreciation of people and places around the world.
United States Department of State
Decorative Belt Buckle (Rastra con Estribos), silver, rastra buckle composed of 13 elements: a round central figure with a gaucho on horseback; six extensions; and six coins (three Spanish coins of Fernando VII dated 1824; one Spanish coin of Carlos IV dated 1796; and two coins of the Republic of Peru dated 1835 and 1872), date and maker unknown
U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires, Argentina
Marks of Friendship: 250 Years of U.S. Diplomatic Treasures—presented by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Office of Cultural Heritage and the Fund to Conserve U.S. Diplomatic Treasures Abroad—showcases a selection of gifts representing America’s relationships abroad that help tell the 250-year story of America’s rise from humble beginnings as a small, experimental republic to the heights of world leadership.
The City’s Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel University
Giant Illuminated Liberty Bell, Covered With 26,000 Electric Bulbs, postcard, John D. Cardinell, 1926 (Atwater Kent Collection, 92.14.50.57)
America’s National Anniversaries: Philadelphia on the World Stage—from the City’s Atwater Kent Collection at Drexel University—displays souvenirs and artifacts from the 1876 Bicentennial and 1926 Sesquicentennial (both world’s fairs) and 1976 Bicentennial celebrated here.
The special exhibition will be at the First Bank of the United States from July 1, 2026 to February 15, 2027.
Support the First Bank