Inside the National Constitution Center Museum of Philadelphia is a deeper appreciation for American History that focuses on being nonpartisan. These concepts continue to be complex even today in the current political climate. What makes this museum so successful is that it simply states the facts and information in an easily accessible way for all to understand. A part of the Independence National Historical Park, this is just one small stop but one of the must-do attractions about American History in Philadelphia. Let us guide you through this engaging and thought-provoking museum.

Location
Independence Mall
525 Arch Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

Hours

• Monday – Closed
• Tuesday – Closed
• Wed – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Thur – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Fri – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sat – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sun – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Ticket Prices (Purchase Here)

Adults	$19
Seniors (age 65 and older)	$15
Veterans	$15
Youth (age 6 – 18)	$15
Children (age 0 – 5)	FREE
Active Military	FREE
Retired Military	FREE
Members	FREE

Top Attractions and Exhibits

We The People

The main exhibit of “We The People” will bring to you the history of the United States Constitution. Follow from the left of the entrance along the circular wall and see the timeline of the Constitution, from the books that inspired the signers to the other written documents, letters, artifacts, and photos through the American Revolution, Civil War, Reconstruction Period, Civil Rights, to our current period.

For fun interactive activities, there are a few. Stand behind the podium and take the presidential oath of office like other historical figures before you. Or climb into a voting booth where an onscreen randomizer allows you to vote on different presidents both Democratic and Republican throughout history. Through popular quotes and their views on foreign relations, economy, social issues, and education among others see which party you not only lean towards but which era president most met your common views.

American National Tree

This rotating display helps to highlight individual Americans across many diverse backgrounds who helped shape the Constitution to what it is now. With touchscreens below the tree, you can select from over 100 people and learn their origin stories, roles, and the impact they had on the country. They are composed of members of the military, suffragettes, artists, writers, and civil rights activists. Each person helped pushed the United States just a little bit more forward for us today.

First Amendment Exhibit

Religious liberty, free press, freedom of assembly, right to petition, and free speech are core values that you might take for granted sometimes without knowing the amount of work involved. These protected freedoms, that are fundamental in American society, are described here in detail with it’s very own exhibit to help you better understand them and how they affect your every day life even now.

With interactive displays and games to quiz your knowledge, you will learn about the status of these rights before the amendment was drafted versus what it is today. Find out why it is necessary to have it and how it is used in accordance with the law and how much the government can restrict you. Learn about specific individuals who helped championed the causes of the first amendment and your protected rights with items and documents of significance from the Supreme Court to newspaper articles. See how other countries adopted these rights and freedoms into their own charters and constitutions.

Freedom Rising

One of the highlights of the center, it is a 360-degree theatrical performance that gives you a quick civics tutorial of the Constitution. This 20 minute presentation that helps to inform you of it’s creation to it’s involvement in the daily life of the American citizen. It’s compelling storytelling by a single live narrator in the center of the theatre with multimedia presentation of images and music on the screens above.

It’s performed every hour during the day so there is no chance you will miss it. You will be informed that no photography or recordings are allowed as this is performance is copywritten. Just sit back and enjoy a nice break off of your feet and learn a little bit more about democracy.

How Women Won The Vote

This exhibit focuses on the women’s suffrage movement of the late 19th to 20th century that led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment and giving women the right to vote. You will learn about the key historical figures of Ida Wells, Susan B. Anthony, and Alice Paul. They led the charge for change in their home states before joining together to become a national organization across the country in this decades-long struggle.

Described through the interactive exhibits and media presentations are the strategies used such in the movement. These include demonstrations, petitioning for political support from those in office such as President Woodrow Wilson, and in some cases civil disobedience such as sit in’s and marches.

Civil War and Reconstruction

Even though the constitution had been ratified by the Founding Fathers, it still did not give everyone equal rights and protections under the law. Slavery was still a significant part of the American culture and economy. You will learn from the exhibit the debates that were fought over the words of the constitution versus the realities of the country people were living in at the time. How these key philosophical and political clashes were the key events that led to the Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation.

See the hard-fought rights of former slaves who escaped bondage or those that were born free African-American citizens and volunteered to fight for their undeniable rights. From here the end result was that the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendment were ratified and added to the constitution. These amendments abolished slavery, granted citizenship, and protected a persons right to vote regardless of color, race, or class.

Move through the exhibit to the Reconstruction era and see the struggle for civil rights after the Civil War throughout America. This area focuses on how they went rebuilding the country and adapted to the changing landscape. That even though great strides had been made in the evolution of the constitution, it was still difficult to enforce in some areas that were met with extreme disapproval and violence.

Signers’ Hall

Walk into Signers’ Hall and join the 1787 Constitutional Convention. There is a bronze statue created from historical descriptions and paintings of the different groups that were delegated with placard name and home state that signed the Constitution. They also have the infamous three who refused to sign as there was no Bill of Rights. It’s journeying back in time to one of the most pivotal moments in history and you can join in.

Conclusion: Visitor Experience

The open layout of the National Constitution Center makes it easy to navigate without getting lost in the crowds. Which there will be plenty of as this is engaging for all ages. It has so many different learning styles which are appreciated. This is a popular educational destination with additional workshops and programs. Besides out of state visitors you could the museum filled with school field trips, history classes, family outings, and museum aficionados.

It will give you a deeper appreciation of American freedoms once you leave. The National Constitution Center may even inspire you to take a more active role in being informed of current issues both domestic and abroad. It is safe to say you will enjoy your time spent here and leave will just a little more knowledge then when you entered.