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National Constitution Center

National Constitution Center Review

This 160,000-square-foot museum brings the U.S. Constitution alive through a series of highly interactive exhibits tracing the development and adoption of the nation's landmark guiding document. The heart of the sprawling museum, The Story of We the People, takes you from the American Revolution through the Constitution's ratification to major events in the nation's constitutional history, including present-day events like the inauguration of President Barack Obama, Hurricane Katrina, and the recent economic crisis. Later, you can play the role of a Supreme Court justice deciding an important case, and walk among the framers in Signers' Hall, where you can decide whether to add your signature to the list of Founding Fathers. The facility has 100-plus exhibits, plays host to many events with major historians, authors, and political figures, and also houses the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, a hub for constitutional education efforts.

    Contact Information

  • Address: 525 Arch St., Independence Mall, Historic Area, Philadelphia, PA, 19106 | Map It
  • Phone: 215/409--6700
  • Cost: $12 adults, $11 seniors 65 and over, $8 children ages 4-12; active military and children ages 3 and under are free. Group rates available. Upcharges may apply for feature exhibits
  • Hours: Weekdays 9:30-5, Sat. 9:30-6, Sun. noon-5
  • Website: www.constitutioncenter.org
  • Metro SEPTA- The Market-Frankfurt subway line stops one block from the Center at 5th and Market Streets.
  • Location: Historic Area

Member Reviews

  • AllysonK, from Philadelphia
    5/12/11

    Unless you have kids, skip this. The introductory presentation "We the People" is nice, if a little cheesy. The rest of the center is devoted to the development of "we the people" and what it means in this country. Most of the exhibit involves reading a paragraph then moving on with little visual memorabilia. Some of the interactive exhibits are fun, especially for kids. I personally enjoyed the "Can you vote in year x" interactive screens throughout the center. They wouldn't be that great for kids, since they are all under voting age, but, especially as a woman, it spoke to me about the struggles of different groups to gain voting rights. Overall, though, it is certainly not worth the price of admission (unless maybe you have children and could make it an educational experience), especially when there are so many other things to do around there for free or for just a few dollars.

    Ratings details: Experience: 3 | Ease: 3 | Value: 1 | Don't Miss: 2
  • bachslunch, from US
    10/19/08

    A historic museum mostly of interest to kids and those who know little about history. Starts off with a snore of a multimedia show, after which you get turned into a large space illustrating historic facts with less memorabilia than would be nice. Expensive for what you get.

    Ratings details: Experience: 2 | Ease: 3 | Value: 1 | Don't Miss: 2
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