Editing National Constitution Center

{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = National Constitution Center
| image =
| image_caption = National Constitution Center on Independence Mall
| type = Museum, landmark
| address = 525 Arch Street
| neighborhood = Old City
| coordinates = 39.9545,-75.1492
| phone = (215) 409-6600
| website = https://constitutioncenter.org
| established = 2003
| founder = United States Congress
| owner = National Constitution Center (non-profit)
| employees =
| hours = Daily 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (varies seasonally)
| products = Museum exhibits, constitutional education
| status = Active
}}

'''The National Constitution Center''' is a museum on [[Independence Mall]] dedicated to the '''United States Constitution''', offering interactive exhibits, theatrical presentations, and educational programs that explore the history and continuing relevance of America's founding document. Located at 525 Arch Street, the center opened on July 4, 2003, as the only museum in the nation focused exclusively on the U.S. Constitution.<ref name="ncc">{{cite web |url=https://constitutioncenter.org/about |title=About the National Constitution Center |publisher=National Constitution Center |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The modern building was designed by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners and anchors the north end of Independence Mall, directly across from the [[Liberty Bell]] and [[Independence Hall]]. The center's signature experiences include '''Signers' Hall''', a room featuring life-size bronze statues of all 42 delegates who signed the Constitution (plus three who refused), and '''Freedom Rising''', a theatrical presentation on the Constitution's creation and meaning.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/national-constitution-center/ |title=National Constitution Center |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Congressional Mandate ===

The National Constitution Center was established by the '''Constitution Heritage Act of 1988''', signed by President Ronald Reagan. Congress directed that a center be created to "disseminate information about the United States Constitution on a nonpartisan basis."

=== Location Selection ===

Independence Mall, already home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, was chosen as the ideal location for the center. The site at the north end of the Mall placed the center in direct visual alignment with the historic structures to the south.

=== Construction and Opening ===

The center was designed by the architectural firm Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, known for major museum projects including the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The $185 million project was funded through federal appropriations and private donations.

The center opened on '''July 4, 2003''', with ceremonies attended by President George W. Bush, former Presidents Clinton, Bush (41), Carter, and Ford (via video), and Supreme Court justices.

== Exhibits ==

=== Permanent Exhibits ===

==== Freedom Rising ====
A 17-minute multimedia theatrical presentation that explores the story of the Constitution from the Revolutionary War through today. The show uses a 360-degree screen and live actor to bring the founding era to life.

==== The Story of We the People ====
The main exhibition hall explores the Constitution's creation, evolution, and ongoing relevance through:
* Interactive touchscreens
* Historical artifacts and documents
* Multimedia presentations
* Themed galleries on rights, responsibilities, and amendments

==== Signers' Hall ====
A room featuring '''42 life-size bronze statues''' of the delegates who signed the Constitution in 1787, plus three who refused (George Mason, Edmund Randolph, and Elbridge Gerry). Visitors can walk among the Founders and be photographed "signing" the Constitution at a reproduction of the signing desk.

==== The Civil War and Reconstruction ====
Exhibits exploring the constitutional crises of the Civil War era, including slavery, emancipation, and the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.

=== Special Exhibitions ===

The center hosts rotating special exhibitions on constitutional themes, past and present. Past exhibitions have explored:
* Constitutional amendments
* Supreme Court history
* Civil rights and civil liberties
* Contemporary constitutional debates

=== Rare Documents ===

The center occasionally displays rare historical documents, including original copies of:
* The Constitution
* The Bill of Rights
* The Declaration of Independence
* Other founding-era documents

== Educational Programs ==

=== Interactive Constitution ===

The center's website features an '''Interactive Constitution''', a comprehensive digital resource featuring:
* Full text of the Constitution
* Expert analysis of each clause
* Multiple scholarly perspectives
* Educational resources for teachers and students

=== Student Programs ===

* '''Town Hall:''' A debate program where students discuss constitutional issues
* '''Constitutional Connections:''' Curriculum-aligned programs for school groups
* '''We the People:''' Civic education competition

=== Public Programs ===

* Lectures by constitutional scholars
* Debates on current constitutional issues
* Book talks and author events
* Naturalization ceremonies (new citizens take the oath)

== Visiting the Center ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Daily:''' 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (general hours)
* Extended summer hours
* Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day
* Check website for current hours

=== Admission ===

* '''Adults:''' Approximately $14.50 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Children (4-12):''' Approximately $11
* '''Seniors/Students/Military:''' Discounts available
* '''Members:''' Free admission

=== Tips for Visiting ===

* Allow 2-3 hours for a full visit
* Freedom Rising shows run every 30 minutes
* Signers' Hall is a popular photo spot
* Weekday mornings are least crowded

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Market-Frankford Line:''' 5th Street Station (2 blocks)
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 5, 17, 33, 48
* '''Walking:''' Northern end of [[Independence Mall]]

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[Liberty Bell]] (across the street)
* [[Independence Hall]] (2 blocks)
* [[United States Mint]] (adjacent)
* [[Benjamin Franklin Museum]] (2 blocks)

== See Also ==

* [[Independence Mall]]
* [[Independence Hall]]
* [[Liberty Bell]]
* [[United States Constitution]]
* [[Old City, Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://constitutioncenter.org National Constitution Center Official Website]
* [https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution Interactive Constitution]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/national-constitution-center/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=National Constitution Center Philadelphia - Constitution Museum on Independence Mall
|description=Visit the National Constitution Center, the only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. Signers' Hall statues, Freedom Rising show, and interactive exhibits exploring America's founding document.
|keywords=National Constitution Center, Constitution museum, Signers Hall, Independence Mall, Philadelphia history museum, Freedom Rising, US Constitution, founding fathers statues, civics education
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Landmarks]]
[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Old City]]
[[Category:Independence Mall]]
[[Category:Federal Sites]]