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← Older revision		Revision as of 15:31, 25 March 2026
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	=== Congressional Mandate ===		=== 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."		The National Constitution Center was established by the '''Constitution Heritage Act of 1988''', signed by President [https://biography.wiki/r/Ronald_Reagan Ronald Reagan]. Congress directed that a center be created to "disseminate information about the United States Constitution on a nonpartisan basis."

	=== Location Selection ===		=== Location Selection ===
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	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 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.		The center opened on '''July 4, 2003''', with ceremonies attended by President [https://biography.wiki/g/George_W._Bush George W. Bush], former Presidents Clinton, Bush (41), Carter, and Ford (via video), and Supreme Court justices.

	== Exhibits ==		== Exhibits ==
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	==== Signers' Hall ====		==== 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.		A room featuring '''42 life-size bronze statues''' of the delegates who signed the Constitution in 1787, plus three who refused (George Mason, [https://biography.wiki/e/Edmund_Randolph 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 ====		==== The Civil War and Reconstruction ====

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{{Infobox Museum
| name = National Constitution Center
| type = History museum
| address = 525 Arch Street
| neighborhood = Old City
| phone = (215) 409-6600
| website = https://constitutioncenter.org
| established = 2003
| collection_size = Constitutional artifacts and exhibits
| annual_visitors = 800,000+
| admission = $19 adults, $14 children
| hours = Wed-Sun 10am-5pm
| public_transit = 5th Street Station (MFL), SEPTA buses
| architect = Pei Cobb Freed & Partners
}}

The '''National Constitution Center''' is an interactive museum on Independence Mall in [[Old City]], Philadelphia, dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. The only museum devoted to the Constitution, it features interactive exhibits, theatrical performances, and rare documents including an original copy of the Bill of Rights.<ref name="ncc">{{cite web |url=https://constitutioncenter.org |title=National Constitution Center |publisher=National Constitution Center |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

The National Constitution Center was established by the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988, signed by President Reagan to create "the only institution in America established by Congress to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis."

The center opened on July 4, 2003, on Independence Mall, blocks from where the Constitution was signed in 1787.

== Exhibits ==

=== Freedom Rising ===

Every visit begins with ''Freedom Rising'', a 17-minute multimedia theatrical presentation in a 360-degree theater. Live actors and projection technology tell the story of "We the People" and the Constitution's journey.

=== The Story of We the People ===

The main exhibition hall explores:

* The Constitutional Convention of 1787
* The Bill of Rights
* Constitutional amendments
* Landmark Supreme Court cases
* Civil rights and constitutional change
* Interactive voting and debate activities

=== Signers' Hall ===

Life-size bronze statues of the 42 delegates present on signing day, September 17, 1787:

* Visitors can walk among the Founders
* Photo opportunities with Benjamin Franklin, George Washington
* Experience the scale of the Constitutional Convention

=== Rare Documents ===

* Original copy of the Bill of Rights
* Rare printings of the Constitution
* Historic documents and artifacts
* Rotating special exhibitions

== The Building ==

Designed by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners:

* 160,000 square feet
* Grand Hall with views of Independence Mall
* Modern architecture on historic site
* Flexible event spaces
* Rooftop with skyline views

== Programs ==

* Town hall debates and discussions
* Constitutional scholars and authors
* Civics education programs
* Annual Naturalization ceremonies
* Presidential programming

== Visiting ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Detail !! Information
|-
| '''Hours''' || Wed-Sun 10am-5pm
|-
| '''Admission''' || $19 adults, $14 children 6-18, free under 6
|-
| '''Address''' || 525 Arch Street
|-
| '''Time needed''' || 2 hours
|-
| '''Best for''' || Families, students, civics enthusiasts
|}

=== Tips ===

* Don't miss Freedom Rising—it sets up the exhibits
* Signers' Hall is a highlight for photos
* Interactive exhibits engage children
* Combine with Independence Hall and Liberty Bell

== Getting There ==

* '''SEPTA Subway''' — 5th Street Station (Market-Frankford Line)
* '''SEPTA Bus''' — Routes 17, 33, 48, 57
* '''Walking''' — On Independence Mall at Arch Street
* '''Parking''' — AutoPark at Independence Mall

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

{{FAQ
|q1=What is the National Constitution Center?
|a1=The National Constitution Center is the only museum in America dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, established by Congress in 1988. It features interactive exhibits, theatrical presentations, and rare documents including an original Bill of Rights. It's a nonpartisan institution focused on civic education.

|q2=Can you see the actual Constitution at the Constitution Center?
|a2=The original Constitution is held at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. However, the National Constitution Center displays rare early printings and an original copy of the Bill of Rights. The exhibits focus on the Constitution's meaning and evolution rather than the document itself.

|q3=Is the National Constitution Center the same as Independence Hall?
|a3=No, they are separate sites on Independence Mall. The National Constitution Center is a modern museum with paid admission ($19 adults). Independence Hall, where the Constitution was signed, is a National Park site with free admission (timed tickets required). Both are worth visiting.

|q4=How long does the National Constitution Center take?
|a4=Plan about 2 hours for the main exhibits, including the Freedom Rising show and Signers' Hall. The interactive nature can extend visits for engaged families. It combines well with other Independence Mall sites.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Independence Hall]]
* [[Liberty Bell]]
* [[Museum of the American Revolution]]
* [[Old City]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://constitutioncenter.org Official Website]
* [https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution Interactive Constitution]

{{#seo:
|title=National Constitution Center - Museum of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia
|description=The National Constitution Center is the only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, featuring interactive exhibits, Signers' Hall with life-size Founders, and rare documents.
|keywords=National Constitution Center, Constitution museum, Independence Mall, Philadelphia history, Bill of Rights, Signers Hall, civics education
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:History Museums]]
[[Category:Old City]]
[[Category:American Revolution]]

National Constitution Center - Revision history

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