Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
National Constitution Center
Located on Independence Mall, the National Constitution Center brings the U.S. Constitution to life for the whole family through multimedia exhibitions, live performances, timely public programs and dynamic educational resources. As America's first and only nonpartisan, nonprofit institution devoted to the Constitution, the Center illuminates constitutional ideals and inspires acts of citizenship.
The National Constitution Center was created by the Constitution Heritage Act in 1988. On September 17, 2000, the Center broke ground at 525 Arch St. in Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park – America's most historic square mile – 213 years to the day the U.S. Constitution was signed. The Center is the first-ever museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution.
The National Constitution Center is both a museum that attracted one million visitors in its first 15 months of operation and an engine of civic and constitutional education for children and adults.
About the Museum:
The architectural firm of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners designed the National Constitution Center. The firm is responsible for the expansion of the Louvre and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art. Ralph Appelbaum Associates designed the Center's visitor experiences and exhibition hall. Appelbaum also created the visitor experiences and exhibition halls at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Newseum, and the Rose Planetarium.
The project cost of the National Constitution Center was $185 million, which included construction, exhibit design, and fabrication, as well as a $40 million endowment.
The total square footage of public space is 160,000 square feet, including galleries.
Upcoming Events at National Constitution Center
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Recent News
National Constitution Center Announces Events and Programming for Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025
The National Constitution Center is honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s lifelong dedication to justice, equality, and service for the greater good with special events, performances, and service activities. The museum is open for extended hours…
Read More »Independence Week Celebration 2024
Join the National Constitution Center for an array of patriotic festivities surrounding Independence Day, exploring the history of the Declaration of Independence and how the definition of "We the People" has expanded since Thomas Jefferson penned…
Read More »Philadelphia Historic District Partners Announce Inaugural Red, White, and Blue To-Do
July 2 will be a day of ‘pomp and parade’ as envisioned by John Adams Festivities include musical performances, Old City restaurant specials, more PHILADELPHIA, PA - Philadelphia Historic District partners today announced…
Read More »National Constitution Center Announces Julie Silverbrook to Serve as New Vice President of Civic Education
PHILADELPHIA, PA (February 6, 2024) –The National Constitution Center (NCC) announced today that Julie Silverbrook will join the Center as its newly appointed vice president of civic education. “The NCC team and I are excited to…
Read More »National Constitution Center Announces America’s Town Hall Programming for Winter 2024
National Constitution Center Announces America’s Town Hall Programming for Winter 2024 NCC President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen to unveil new book at keystone event on Presidents Day Wide range of programs include tech cases at the Supreme…
Read More »National Constitution Center Opens First Amendment Gallery
The National Constitution Center today opened the doors on its newest exhibit, The First Amendment. Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Center opening to the public, the First Amendment gallery opened today kicking off a month of special…
Read More »Salman Rushdie to Speak at National Constitution Center’s National First Amendment Summit
Salman Rushdie to Speak at National Constitution Center’s National First Amendment Summit Coalition of free speech organizations convene experts at the National Constitution Center and online to discuss threats to freedom of…
Read More »National Constitution Center Announces Recipients of 35th Annual Liberty Medal
National Constitution Center Announces Recipients of 35th Annual Liberty Medal October 27, 2023, ceremony in Philadelphia will honor Judy Woodruff and David Rubenstein Philadelphia, PA (July 31, 2023) – The National Constitution Center today…
Read More »National Constitution Center Unveils Plans for New First Amendment Gallery -June 2023
National Constitution Center Unveils Plans for New First Amendment Gallery New exhibit coming September 2023 features U.S. Supreme Court artifacts, interactive elements, and interviews with notable First Amendment proponents Philadelphia, PA(June…
Read More »National Constitution Center Partners with Travelers for Free Admission, Special Programming in May and July
Philadelphia, PA - The National Constitution Center announced its partnership with Travelers to offer free admission and special programming to museum attendees during Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29, as well as on July 2, in an effort to further…
Read More »National Constitution Center Celebrates Women’s History Month With Special Programming
The National Constitution Center today announced its Women’s History Month programming. As part of the Center’s All Together Now: A Celebration of Equality programming series through the end of March, the Center’s Women’s…
Read More »National Constitution Center : Unveils ‘All Together Now: A Celebration of Equality’ Series for Winter 2023
Philadelphia, PA (January 13, 2022) –The National Constitution Center today unveiled its winter programming series, All Together Now: A Celebration of Equality, as well as free and discounted admission days from January through March. The new…
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