Simone Lawson
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia is a must-visit for those interested in democracy and the history of the US Constitution. The Center offers a wide range of exhibitions, performances, and programs that showcase the history and relevance of the Constitution, including interactive exhibits, theatrical performances, and original documents of freedom. Visitors can also view a rare, original copy of the first public printing of the Constitution, published in 1787, just two days after it was signed. With so much to see and do, visitors typically spend between 1 to 2 hours exploring the Center, although some may choose to spend a full afternoon to get their money's worth of the approximately $15 ticket.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Steps from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Historic Philadelphia |
| Ticket price | $15 for adults |
| Timings | Special hours and programming throughout the year, including civic holidays, Sensory Friendly Days, etc. |
| Time to spend | 1-2 hours |
| Exhibits | Hundreds of interactive exhibits, including The Story of We the People, Signers' Hall, Constituting Liberty, and American Treasures |
| Other attractions | Theatrical performances, original documents of freedom, debates, seminars, discussions, course materials, and digital resources |
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What You'll Learn
The National Constitution Center is a private, non-profit museum
The museum offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages, bringing the Constitution to life through interactive programs and exhibits. It is home to hundreds of interactive exhibits, engaging theatrical performances, and original documents of freedom. Visitors can explore the history and relevance of the Constitution, engage in constitutional debates, and participate in educational seminars and discussions. The center also provides digital resources, such as videos, podcasts, and blog posts, for those who wish to delve deeper into constitutional topics.
The National Constitution Center is an excellent destination for families, with activities and exhibits that cater to both children and adults. The introductory multimedia presentation is a great way to start the experience, followed by a journey through the large circular exhibit hall. Visitors can encourage their children to interact with the exhibits and learn about the signers of the Constitution, including their ages, professions, and heights. The museum recommends keeping a steady pace and exploring different areas to maintain engagement.
The National Constitution Center also owns a rare, original copy of the first public printing of the Constitution. This printing was published in "The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser" just two days after the Constitution was signed. Visitors can also view other significant documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. The museum offers special hours and programming throughout the year, including civic holidays and Sensory Friendly Days, making it accessible and inclusive for all audiences.
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It has a range of exhibitions, performances, and programs
The National Constitution Center is the first and only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. It offers a wide range of exhibitions, performances, and programs that illuminate constitutional freedoms and bring the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages.
The Center features immersive exhibits, interactive shows, and live performances that engage visitors with the history of the founding document and connect history to timely constitutional topics. One of the most popular attractions is Signers' Hall, where visitors can sign the Constitution alongside 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers. The Center also owns a rare, original copy of the first public printing of the Constitution, which was published in the newspaper "The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser" on September 19, 1787, just two days after it was signed.
The National Constitution Center offers a variety of interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and live theatre performances. Visitors can engage in deep thinking and analysis of the Constitution and America's founding principles through videos, podcasts, blog posts, and historical documents. The Center also offers hands-on daily programming, including gallery talks, quizzes, and lectures, as well as special programming throughout the year for civic holidays, Sensory Friendly Days, and more.
The Center's exhibitions explore a range of topics related to the Constitution and American history. For example, one exhibit traces the triumphs and struggles that led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment and features the women who transformed constitutional history, such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, and Ida B. Wells. Another exhibit explores how constitutional clashes over slavery set the stage for the Civil War and how the nation transformed the Constitution to more fully embrace the Declaration of Independence's promise of freedom and equality.
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There are interactive exhibits for children
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia is the first and only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. It offers a range of interactive exhibits, rare artefacts, and live theatre productions that bring the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages.
There are indeed interactive exhibits for children at the National Constitution Center. The Center features 160,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, including The Story of We the People, a dynamic, immersive exhibit that showcases pivotal moments and figures in the constitutional narrative. This exhibit utilizes multimedia technology, including video presentations, audio recordings, historical documents, and interactive elements such as touchscreen displays. It traces the constitutional journey from its inception to the present day, allowing visitors to explore U.S. history and the nation's constitutional rights.
The Interactive Constitution is another highlight of the Center, accessible via an online app. This interactive tool allows visitors to navigate the Constitution's articles, amendments, and clauses using state-of-the-art technology. It provides engaging explanations, historical context, and expert commentary, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Constitution's significance.
The Center also offers educational daily museum programs, such as Freedom Rising, a 17-minute multimedia theatrical performance that runs every 30 minutes until an hour before the museum closes. Additionally, the Center features real-life artefacts, such as five priceless drafts of the U.S. Constitution, including Pennsylvania delegate James Wilson's handwritten drafts.
The National Constitution Center is committed to making its facilities, exhibits, and programs accessible and safe for all audiences, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for children and adults alike.
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The Center also hosts debates and discussions
The National Constitution Center is a non-profit institution that encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about, debate, and celebrate the U.S. Constitution and the vision of human freedom that it embodies. The Center offers a range of exhibitions, performances, and programs that explore constitutional freedoms and the story of "We the People".
In addition to these high-profile debates, the Center also presents symposiums and town hall programs that explore a range of constitutional issues. For instance, the Brennan Center for Justice and the National Constitution Center collaborated on a symposium examining the Articles of the Constitution. The Center also hosts Fun Friday Sessions, which have included appearances by notable figures such as MSNBC's Ali Velshi.
The National Constitution Center provides a platform for civil dialogue and nonpartisan constitutional education. Visitors can engage with the latest discussions, debates, and analyses through the Center's Constitution Daily blog, the We the People weekly podcast, and America's Town Hall programs and live classes. These offerings ensure that visitors can continue exploring constitutional topics even after their visit to the Center.
With its commitment to fostering discussions and debates, the National Constitution Center goes beyond being just a museum. It becomes a space for civic engagement, where ideas are exchanged and the foundations of American democracy are explored and celebrated.
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Plan to spend 1-2 hours at the museum
The National Constitution Center, located in Philadelphia, is a must-visit destination for those interested in American democracy and the country's constitutional history. With a wealth of interactive exhibits, engaging performances, and original documents of freedom on offer, it's no surprise that many visitors recommend planning to spend 1-2 hours at this fascinating museum.
The Center provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the history and relevance of the Constitution and celebrate the ideals of freedom. It offers something for everyone, with activities and exhibits catering to a range of ages and backgrounds. The museum boasts a dynamic and interactive exhibit called "The Story of We the People," which brings the Constitution to life. Visitors can also step into the iconic Signers' Hall, where they will find 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers, including George Washington, and even sign the Constitution themselves.
For those with a keen interest in history and a desire to delve deeper, the Center provides an insightful look at the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. It houses five priceless drafts of the U.S. Constitution, including the rare original copy of the first public printing from 1787, as well as Pennsylvania delegate James Wilson's handwritten drafts. Visitors are encouraged to engage in analysis and deep thinking about America's founding principles through various resources, including videos, podcasts, and blog posts on constitutional topics.
When planning your visit, consider purchasing timed tickets for "Freedom Rising," a captivating 17-minute multimedia theatrical performance that runs every 30 minutes. The Center also offers exclusive access to tours, packages, and programs for groups of 15 or more, providing discounted admission to must-see exhibits. With so much to explore, visitors can expect to spend a full afternoon at the museum or make it a quick stop as part of a drive-by tour of nearby attractions like Independence Hall and Franklin Square. Whether you're visiting with children or exploring as an adult, the National Constitution Center promises an engaging and educational experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The National Constitution Center features a range of exhibitions, performances, and programs. Visitors have said that 1-2 hours is enough to see everything at a leisurely pace, especially if you have children with you. However, if you want to read the Constitution and its history in detail, you may want to spend a full afternoon there.
The Center offers hundreds of interactive exhibits, engaging theatrical performances, and original documents of freedom. Visitors can see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights up close, including five priceless drafts of the U.S. Constitution. The Center also features a 17-minute multimedia theatrical performance called Freedom Rising, which runs every 30 minutes until an hour before the museum closes.
The National Constitution Center is a museum in Philadelphia, located near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It was created as a bipartisan institution by Congress and opened in 2003. The Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages and backgrounds through its exhibits and programs, encouraging deep thinking and analysis of the Constitution and America's founding principles.
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