National Constitution Center
| Type | Museum, landmark |
|---|---|
| Address | 525 Arch Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Old City |
| Phone | (215) 409-6600 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 2003 |
| Founder | United States Congress |
| Owner | National Constitution Center (non-profit) |
| 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.[1]
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.[2]
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
References
- ↑ "About the National Constitution Center". National Constitution Center. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "National Constitution Center". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025