Eleanor Finch
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia is a museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. The Center offers a range of interactive programs and exhibits, including high-tech displays, artifacts, and a 360-degree live theatrical production. Visitors can also view important historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The Center is located near Independence Hall and other popular attractions such as Franklin Square. The time spent at the Center can vary depending on individual preferences and engagement with the exhibits, but on average, visitors can expect to spend around 1-2 hours exploring the museum and its offerings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia |
| Opening Date | 4th of July, 2003 |
| Building Material | 85,000 sq ft of Indiana limestone, 2.6 million pounds of steel, and half a million cubic feet of concrete |
| Size | 160,000 sq ft |
| Ticket Price | Adults: $34, Youth: $23 |
| Time Spent | 1-2 hours |
| Shows | Freedom Rising (a 360-degree live theatrical production) |
| Theatre | The Kimmel Theatre (350-seat, star-shaped) |
| Exhibits | High-tech exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays |
| Other Attractions | Signers' Hall, 42 life-size bronze statues of the Founding Fathers |
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What You'll Learn
- The National Constitution Center is an interactive museum
- It's located near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell
- The museum offers discounted tickets for groups of 15 or more
- The museum recommends an hour for the Freedom Rising show
- Visitors can see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights
The National Constitution Center is an interactive museum
The museum offers special hours and programming throughout the year, including civic holidays and Sensory Friendly Days. The Center is 160,000 square feet and is built exclusively with American materials, including Indiana limestone, steel, and concrete. The building was designed by the renowned architecture firm Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, and the original design of the main exhibit and visitor experience was produced by Ralph Appelbaum Associates.
The National Constitution Center features high-tech exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that explore and explain the U.S. Constitution. Visitors can view priceless drafts of the Constitution, including the Pennsylvania delegate James Wilson's handwritten drafts, as well as the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. The museum also offers a 17-minute multimedia theatrical production called "Freedom Rising", which combines film, a live actor, and video projection on a 360-degree screen to tell the story of "We the People".
The National Constitution Center is a must-see for anyone interested in American history and the Constitution. Visitors can purchase tickets online, by phone, or in person, and the museum offers a variety of packages and discounts. The amount of time spent at the museum can vary depending on individual interests and engagement levels, but on average, one to two hours is typically sufficient to explore the exhibits and participate in the interactive activities.
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It's located near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell
The National Constitution Center is located just steps away from two of Philadelphia's most iconic landmarks: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the birthplace of American democracy. This stately Georgian-style building was constructed in 1753 and served as the Pennsylvania State House, housing all three branches of government from 1732 to 1799. It was within these halls that some of America's most pivotal moments occurred, including the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the creation and signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The Assembly Room is particularly significant, as it was here that delegates from the original 12 colonies debated the formation of a national government and cast their votes for independence. Independence Hall is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with both guided and self-guided tours available for just $1.
The Liberty Bell, originally known as the State House bell, was first rung to call lawmakers to legislative sessions and to notify the public about announcements. The bell gained its name, the Liberty Bell, from abolitionists who adopted it as a symbol of their cause. Inscribed with the words "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof," it has become an enduring icon of freedom.
The National Constitution Center complements a visit to these landmarks by bringing the Constitution to life through interactive programs, exhibits, and artefacts. Visitors can engage in deep analysis of the Constitution and explore America's founding principles through videos, podcasts, and historical documents. The Center also features Freedom Rising, a multimedia production in the 350-seat Kimmel Theater that combines film, live actors, and video projections on a 360-degree screen to tell the story of "We the People."
With so much to explore, visitors can expect to spend around 1-2 hours at the National Constitution Center, depending on their level of interest and engagement with the exhibits.
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The museum offers discounted tickets for groups of 15 or more
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia is a museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. It offers discounted tickets for groups of 15 or more, providing an excellent opportunity for larger gatherings, such as school or community groups, to explore the museum's exhibits at a lower cost.
The group discount is a significant advantage, especially for those visiting Philadelphia on a budget. The National Constitution Center is a must-see attraction in the city, offering an immersive experience that brings the U.S. Constitution to life. The museum features interactive exhibits, artefacts, and a live theatrical production called "Freedom Rising", which is presented in a 360-degree format in the Kimmel Theatre.
By purchasing tickets as a group of 15 or more, visitors can access these experiences at a reduced rate. This discount can make a substantial difference, especially for larger groups, and can encourage more people to engage with and learn about America's founding principles. The group discount also allows access to exclusive tours, packages, and programs offered by the museum, enhancing the overall experience.
To take advantage of the group discount, it is recommended to visit the National Constitution Center's website for more information. There, you can find details about group visits and contact the Group Sales team to learn more about group pricing and any additional benefits or requirements for field trips. Planning ahead can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your group.
Additionally, the National Constitution Center offers other ways to save on admission. The Museum Pass for Library memberships can be checked out from your local library, providing free admission to the museum for a certain duration. The museum also participates in the Philadelphia CityPASS programme, which offers significant discounts of up to 51% on multiple attractions, including the National Constitution Center, providing another excellent option for those seeking budget-friendly alternatives.
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The museum recommends an hour for the Freedom Rising show
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia is a museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. The museum offers visitors of all ages an opportunity to learn about, debate, and celebrate the U.S. Constitution through interactive programs and exhibits. The museum recommends an hour for the Freedom Rising show, a multimedia production that combines film, a live actor, and video projection on a 360-degree screen to tell the story of "We the People". The show runs for 17 minutes and starts every hour.
Freedom Rising is just one of the many attractions at the National Constitution Center. The museum also features high-tech exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that explore and explain the U.S. Constitution. Visitors can also view priceless drafts of the U.S. Constitution, including Pennsylvania delegate James Wilson's handwritten drafts, as well as the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
The National Constitution Center is located just steps away from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Historic Philadelphia. It is built exclusively with American materials, including Indiana limestone, steel, and concrete. The museum offers discounted admission for groups of 15 or more, and joint tickets with other museums such as the Museum of the American Revolution are also available.
When planning a visit to the National Constitution Center, it is recommended to allow for enough time to explore the various exhibits and attractions. In addition to the Freedom Rising show, visitors may also want to spend time in the exhibit area, where they can interact with the displays and learn more about the Constitution. The museum cafe and store are also worth a visit, and there are often special programs and events held throughout the year. Overall, visitors can expect to spend a few hours exploring the National Constitution Center and its offerings.
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Visitors can see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia is wholly devoted to honouring and exploring the US Constitution. The 160,000-square-foot museum features high-tech exhibits, artefacts, and interactive displays. Visitors can see rare copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights—the three most important documents in American history.
The Declaration of Independence was drafted by the Second Continental Congress and adopted on July 4, 1776, inside Independence Hall, which is located just steps away from the National Constitution Center. The Declaration was largely written by Thomas Jefferson over two weeks in his second-floor apartment on Market Street, within walking distance of Independence Hall. The Assembly Room is the heart of Independence Hall, and it is the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
The US Constitution was debated, drafted, and ratified during the Constitutional Convention, which was held in the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall) from May 25 to September 17, 1787. The Constitutional Convention was presided over by former US President William Howard Taft. After four months of debate, the delegates produced a constitution. The Constitution was approved by the Convention and sent to the states for ratification without a bill of rights. The Constitution is now the longest-standing written and codified national constitution in the world.
The Bill of Rights was proposed by the Congress that met in Federal Hall in New York City in 1789. The National Constitution Center also features exhibits and artefacts, a 360-degree live theatrical production called Freedom Rising, and 42 life-size bronze statues of the Founding Fathers. Visitors can spend anywhere from one to two hours at the museum, depending on their level of interest and engagement with the exhibits.
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Frequently asked questions
The National Constitution Center is a 160,000-square-foot museum with many exhibits, artefacts, and interactive displays. Visitors can also watch a 17-minute multimedia theatrical production, 'Freedom Rising', which runs every hour. On average, visitors spend 1-2 hours at the museum.
The museum is dedicated to the US Constitution and features exhibits, artefacts, and displays exploring the topic. Visitors can see the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and five drafts of the Constitution, including handwritten copies. There are also 42 life-size bronze statues of the Founding Fathers.
Yes, there is a cafe at the museum called the Delegates' Cafe, which offers a 10% discount to visitors.
Philadelphia high school students are eligible for free admission. There are also joint tickets available with the Museum of the American Revolution, which offer a discount for adults and youths.
