For all its vaunted symbolism, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia scores about as much time from the typical tourist as it takes to order a cheesesteak.
People run up, take a picture through the glass, and get back in their car.
Liberty Bell Pavilion, a glass-walled structure that opened in 1976, fares even worse. As I stood before the bell alongside a gaggle of bleary-eyed teenagers from Nebraska one Saturday morning, I could see why most people simply click and run. At 12 feet around, the great American icon is merely the size of a kiddie wading pool. In 2002, the icon will get a fancy new home. I'm not sure that will help.