The National Constitution Center, located at 525 Arch Street on Independence Mall, brings the story of the Constitution to life through more than 100 interactive and multimedia exhibits, film, sculptures, photographs, and artifacts.
The Center is open from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.
General museum admission prices are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors ages 65 and over, and $8 for children ages 4-12. Active military personnel and children ages 3 and under are free. Group rates are also available.
For more information about any of these events, please call (215) 409-6700 or visit www.constitutioncenter.org.
You can also read our review of the National Constitution Center.
Ongoing Exhibits, Group Offerings and Events
Exhibit: The Story of We the PeopleExhibit Admission: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors ages 65 and over, and $8 for children ages 4-12
The National Constitution Center's permanent exhibit, The Story of We the People, tells the story of the Constitution, its history, and its contemporary relevance through more than 100 multimedia exhibits, film, photographs, text, sculpture, and artifacts. It also features a powerful, award-winning theatrical performance, Freedom Rising, and Signers' Hall, containing 42 life size and lifelike statues of our Founding Fathers. Visitors can take the Presidential Oath of Office, sit at a replica Supreme Court bench, vote for their favorite president, and more.
Special Events: On the Campaign Trail – A Presidential Summer
Event Admission: Free with regular museum admission
Families staying close to home this summer won't have to travel far to engage in the presidential election. The Center provides the ideal place for families and out-of-town guests to delve into the history of our democracy, as well as our future challenges.
Visitors can take the Oath of Office, cast a vote for president, learn about historic elections of the past, and more during On the Campaign Trail – A Presidential Summer. As soon as visitors step through the Center's front doors, they will find "election central" in the Grand Hall Lobby, complete with a countdown clock to Election Day. Every guest, even those under the age of 18, will have the chance to cast their vote for president, and they can see up-to-date results in a running tally. Guests ages 18 and over can register to vote on-site, as well.
Registration forms are available in the Lobby for residents from every state, and Constitution Center staff members are on-hand to assist with the registration process.
Visitors can also view a special display of voting booths from America's past and learn about different voting methods, the expansion of voting rights, and the importance of voting for all citizens. They can weigh in on current campaign issues by responding to questions posted on special election "talk back" panels in the Lobby.
During the daily Elections from Start to Finish presentation, visitors have the chance to learn about in the election process from the primaries to the inauguration. Guests can participate in 5-10 minute demonstrations that include the latest campaign developments, debates, and speeches.
iPod Audio Tour: Meet the Signers
Audio Tour Fee: $2 for members, $3 for non-members with regular museum admission
The Meet the Signers audio tour introduces visitors to the men portrayed in 42 lifesize, bronze statues in the most popular room at the museum, Signers' Hall. In Meet the Signers, visitors are transported back to September 17, 1787 in Independence Hall, where the delegates to the Philadelphia convention gathered to sign the Constitution. Guests can hear the delegates speak as they explore the room and learn what they were thinking after four months of working to create this world-changing document. NCC iPod audio tours are available daily with the purchase of regular museum admission.
Traveling Programs: The Traveling History Program at the National Constitution Center
Fees Vary. Please call 215-409-6754 for more information and to make reservations.
The National Constitution Center's Traveling History Program makes history and civics come to life. All programs are designed to be fun and interactive while meeting curriculum standards. Schools can wake up the citizens inside of students with performances and exciting challenges for all grade levels. Outreach programs are available daily all year long. Schools should call two weeks in advance for the best booking dates. Please call 215-409-6730 for more information, including topics and program fees.
Special Traveling Program: Philadelphia Voter Registration Initiative
Fees Vary. Please call 215-409-6754 for more information and to make reservations.
The NCC is taking its fun and exciting show, Headed to the White House, on the road to high schools all year long. Any Philadelphia high school is eligible to have an educational and entertaining hour with the Center's staff to teach students about presidential elections and to get 18 year old students registered to vote. Please call 215-409-6730 for more information, including program fees.
Event: Sizzling Summer Celebrations
Every Friday from Friday, May 30 – Friday, August 29, 2008, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Event Admission: Free with regular museum admission
Every Friday until Labor Day, the NCC will host exciting days of summer fun, where visitors will have the chance to make crafts and play games from different time periods throughout history.
July will focus on activities from 1860-1890. Visitors can play parlour games, try on hoop skirts and pantaloons, and learn how to host a tea party. Guests can also learn early American dances, songs, and recitations from the 1800s. Craft activities include the chance to make decorative fans, Victorian handkerchief dolls, and journals.
August will focus on the 1900s with a special focus on presidential campaigns. Children will have the chance to make their own campaign buttons, posters, and presidential seals. They can also practice throwing out the first pitch as president in our Presidential Pitching Cage.
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