Liberty is not free. It's fragile, and it occasionally needs to be updated.

To that end, Old City's National Liberty Museum on Thursday unveiled a new welcome center that bridges the gap between its exhibits and the concepts it promotes.

Since 2000, it has been tasked with conveying a lofty ideal - "liberty" - in a historical district flush with museums, national landmarks, and other attractions.

Gwen Borowsky, the museum's CEO, said the Welcome to Liberty Gallery would help visitors understand the museum's mission.

"We needed to relate the abstract concept of liberty to people of all ages," Borowsky said. "This addition gives us an exciting way to do that."

Museum officials hope the welcome center can do so through interactive video screens, iPads, and audio-narrated exhibits that tell about what to expect inside.

But it's not just high-tech tools. A full-scale replica of the Liberty Bell stands along the 1,700-square-foot welcome center's wall, as do several glass sculptures that aim to signify how frail liberty is.

From everyday citizens to famous figures, inspirational to educational - the museum's eight galleries offer exhibits that honor all those who fought for liberty in all forms.

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National Liberty Museum unveils new welcome center