
The USS Constitution is a historic warship owned by the United States Navy and located in Boston. The ship is free to visit and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. However, visitors must pass through a security screening and show federal or state photo identification. The USS Constitution Museum is located nearby and offers discounted or free admission programs. The museum is wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcome on the top deck of the ship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | USS Constitution |
| Type | Historic warship |
| Location | Boston National Historical Park |
| Accessibility | Limited; a ramp provides access to the top deck depending on tide conditions |
| Visitor Information | Available on the USS Constitution's Hours and Visitor Info page |
| Entrance Fee | May apply |
| Visiting Hours | Limited schedule; available on the Hours and Visitor Info page |
| Guided Tours | Informational talks and timed guided tours provided by crew members |
| Service Animals | Allowed on the top deck |
| Security | Photo ID may be required for access |
| Related Attractions | USS Constitution Museum |
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What You'll Learn
- The USS Constitution is owned by the US Navy and operated separately from the Museum
- The ship is free to visit and is open on a limited schedule
- The Museum is accessible to all visitors and offers discounted or free admission
- Visitors must pass through security screening and show photo identification
- Service animals are allowed on the top deck, which is accessible via a ramp

The USS Constitution is owned by the US Navy and operated separately from the Museum
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. The USS Constitution was launched in 1797 and was built at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Boston, Massachusetts. The ship's first duties included providing protection for American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France.
The USS Constitution is currently berthed at Pier One of the former Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. It is open to the public year-round and offers free tours. The ship is maintained by a crew of approximately 75 US Navy sailors, who also participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events. The USS Constitution is still an active-duty vessel and is considered a special duty assignment.
The nearby USS Constitution Museum is a privately-run, non-profit institution located in a restored shipyard building at the foot of Pier Two. The museum is accessible to all visitors, with exhibits spread across two floors. Visitors to the USS Constitution and the museum are required to pass through a security screening and show valid photo identification.
While the USS Constitution is owned and operated by the US Navy, the museum is a separate entity run by a private organization. The museum's mission is to promote the understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through public events, education, and outreach programs. The USS Constitution and the museum work together to preserve and showcase the history of the ship and its role in American naval history.
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The ship is free to visit and is open on a limited schedule
The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides", is the world's oldest naval vessel still afloat. It is maintained in its 1812-era configuration and is located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. The ship is open to the public and can be visited free of charge. However, it operates on a limited schedule, and there may be times when it is closed to visitors.
The ship is owned and operated by the United States Navy and is an active-duty vessel. As such, visitors are required to pass through a security screening and show federal or state photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport. Similar to airport security procedures, visitors will need to remove bulky clothing, jewellery, watches, belts, and any bags for examination.
Access to the ship is limited to those who can safely walk aboard the top (spar) deck unassisted. Steep ladder-like steps lead below decks, and wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers are not permitted on board. Service animals are allowed on the top deck, and proof of their status as verified service animals will facilitate the security screening process.
The USS Constitution's website provides detailed information on its hours of operation and visitor requirements. It is closed on certain holidays, including Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The ship's active-duty crewmembers guide visitors through the ship's history and decks, providing informational talks and organising timed guided tours on a first-come, first-served basis.
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The Museum is accessible to all visitors and offers discounted or free admission
The USS Constitution Museum is committed to providing accessibility for all visitors. The museum offers a range of features to ensure that individuals with different abilities can access and enjoy the exhibits. The museum has two floors that are physically accessible to walkers, wheelchair users, scooter users, and people with strollers. The facility includes ramps and elevators, and accessible restrooms are also available. Service animals are welcome at the museum but must remain under the owner's control. Additionally, a Communication Book and Social Narrative can be downloaded from the museum's website to help visitors communicate their needs during their visit.
The USS Constitution ship, owned by the United States Navy and operated separately from the museum, also offers limited accessibility. A ramp provides access to the top deck, depending on tide conditions. Service animals are permitted on the top deck. It is important to note that all visitors to the ship must pass through a security screening and present federal or state photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport. Similar to airport security procedures, visitors will be asked to remove bulky clothing, jewellery, watches, belts, and all bags for inspection.
The USS Constitution Museum offers discounted or free admission programs to individuals, families, and groups. Visitors can explore ways to save on admission through the museum's website or by purchasing a Boston pass, which provides significant discounts of up to 55% on museum tickets. The ship itself is free to visit on a first-come, first-served basis, but it is important to check the ship's operating hours, as it is open on a limited schedule and closed on certain holidays.
The USS Constitution Museum and ship provide a range of accessibility options and admission opportunities for all visitors. By offering discounted and free admission, as well as ensuring physical accessibility, the museum and ship are committed to making their historical offerings available to a diverse audience. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the provided accessibility features and plan their trips accordingly, keeping in mind the security requirements and operating hours of both the museum and the ship.
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Visitors must pass through security screening and show photo identification
All visitors to the USS Constitution must go through a security checkpoint and present photo identification. This is because the USS Constitution is an active-duty ship, and security measures are in place to protect the ship and its visitors.
The security screening is similar to airport security. Visitors will be asked to remove any bulky clothing, such as jackets, and all jewellery, watches, belts, and bags will need to be examined. It is recommended to leave these items at home or in secure storage before your visit to expedite the security process.
Federal or state-issued photo identification is required for entry. A driver's license or passport is acceptable. Visitors under the age of 18 are exempt from the photo identification requirement but must still undergo the screening process.
The security measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of all visitors and staff, and the USS Constitution is committed to providing a safe and accessible experience for all.
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Service animals are allowed on the top deck, which is accessible via a ramp
The USS Constitution is a historic warship located in Boston, Massachusetts. The ship is open to visitors on a limited schedule, and admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. To access the ship, visitors must pass through a security checkpoint at the Navy Yard Visitor Center and provide federal or state photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport. Visitors under the age of 18 are not required to present photo identification but must go through the security screening process.
Service animals are allowed on the top deck of the USS Constitution, which is accessible via a ramp, depending on tide conditions. The ship's crew members guide visitors through the history and decks of this historic warship. The crew may provide informational talks or organise timed guided tours, depending on the season and visitor demand.
The USS Constitution is committed to providing accessibility for all visitors. The ship's museum, located on the top deck, is physically accessible to walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers. Service animals are welcome in the museum but must be under the control of their owners at all times.
For visitors with service animals, it is important to note that the top deck of the USS Constitution is accessible via a ramp. This ramp is dependent on tide conditions, so it is advisable to check the tide times before planning your visit. The crew of the USS Constitution is dedicated to ensuring a safe and inclusive experience for all visitors and their service animals.
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Frequently asked questions
USS Constitution is a historic ship with limited accessibility.
USS Constitution is located at the Boston National Historical Park.
USS Constitution is open on a limited schedule. It is closed on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
All visitors to USS Constitution are required to pass through a security screening and show federal or state photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport. Visitors under the age of 18 do not need photo identification but must go through the screening process.
Yes, service animals are allowed on the top deck of the USS Constitution.

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