Spotlight: Philadelphia - National Constitution Center

Spotlight: Although the National Constitution Center is not officially part of Independence National Historical Park, it is located nearby in Independence Mall and can easily be incorporated in your day's itinerary. The center functions as a National Town Hall, hosting government leaders, journalists, and scholars for public discussions and debates regarding the laws of government. It first opened on July 4, 2003.

Location: The National Constitution Center is located in downtown Philadelphia at 525 Arch Street.

Cost: $14.50/adult, $8.00/child (4-12), $13.00/youth (13-18), $13.00/senior (65+)
- Admission is free with purchase of the Philadelphia City Pass.

Time: Mon. - Fri. (9:30 am - 5:00 pm); Sat. (9:30 - 6); Sun. (noon - 5 pm). Allow between 1-3 hours.

Description: The National Constitution Center is dedicated to “disseminate information about the United States Constitution on a non-partisan basis in order to increase the awareness and understanding of the Constitution among the American people.”
     In order to accomplish this objective, the center has dozens of interactive exhibits that teach visitors about U.S. government. The three main exhibits are Freedom Rising, The Story of We the People, and Signer's Hall.
     As part of your price of admission, visitors get to view the fabulous multimedia theatrical presentation called Freedom Rising. This impressive 17-minute presentation takes viewers on a journey highlighting the way the Constitution has molded U.S. history from 1787 to the present.
     The Story of We the People guides visitors through milestones in U.S. history. The American National Tree highlights 100 individuals who have helped shape constitutional history. Artifacts include a rare copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, FDR's fedora, and Sandra Day O'Connor's Supreme Court robe.
     The other permanent exhibit is Signer's Hall. Here you can sign a modern copy of the Constitution amid a room full of life-size bronze statues representing the 42 original signers of the Constitution, including George Washington, Ben Franklin, and James Madison.

There are dozens of other exhibits and activities that are rotated through on a temporary basis. For example, one of the many activities is Hail to the Chief - a jeopardy style game in which participants test their knowledge of U.S. Presidents. You can also take the Oath of Office, committing yourself to uphold the Constitution.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Admission is FREE on Constitution Day (Sept. 17).
- The National Constitution Center offers a variety of constitutional seminars, discussions, course materials, and digital resources for students of all ages.
- Photography and video are prohibited throughout the museum except for Signer's Hall, where visitors are encouraged to take a picture with their favorite Founding Father.

Nearby: Franklin Square, Adventure Aquarium, Chinatown, Penn's Landing