USS Constitution Museum
USS Constitution Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
At the USS Constitution Museum you don't just learn about history, you EXPERIENCE it! Furl a a sail, fire a cannon, and scrub the decks to learn what life was like at sea over 200 years ago. Located across from the ship in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard. The Museum is private non-profit Museum and is operated separately from USS Constitution (the Ship).
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Charlestown
Charlestown’s hilly roads, narrow streets and gaslight lamps, make it an enticing neighborhood to visit. Follow the Freedom Trail over the Washington St bridge from the North End or take the scenic water locks to Paul Revere Park. Walk through City Square and stroll down cute Main street, wandering up the windy residential streets to Monument Square, where you can learn about the city’s history along with a great view of Boston at the Bunker Hill Monument. While it’s not a huge area, there are some excellent restaurants. Find your way to the Charlestown Navy Yard, which is a developing area with lots of condos and an additional site for Massachusetts General Hospital research centers. Here you will also find the USS Constitution Museum. After you’re done, hop on an MBTA ferry at the dock on Baxter street and zip on over to Long Wharf and the New England Aquarium.
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2,490 within 3 miles
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946 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- OrlandoMouseSt. Augustine, Florida2,318 contributionsVisit the Museum, the USS Constitution, USS Cassin YoungIf you are walking the red brick Freedom Trail north, you will eventually arrive at the USS Constitution Museum as well as the home of “Old Ironsides”. All of these are free admission. The museum is self-guided. It is an excellent place to learn the importance of rope manufacturing and the key role it plays in ships and shipping. Outdoors of the museum you can explore the USS Constitution ship. There are three deck levels you can explore but beware you will climb narrow stairs with rope handles. Also watch your head as our ancestors on ships must be much shorter than today. It is a beautiful ship. You can appreciate the handiwork it took to create a wood ship back in the day. Also, while there walk a little further and visit the USS Cassin Young, a destroyer from WWII. While there take a look at the torpedoes and depth charger models.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 25, 2023
- ybqueenCentreville, Virginia174 contributionsShip ShapeThis is a small compact, but very comprehensive museum. It’s reasonable to enter, and the donations are suggested. Military both retired and active duty are free. There’s also an excellent gift shop with many appealing souvenirs as well as a library of books to purchase. There are interactive films to watch. The personnel are friendly and helpful. There is also a nice restroom.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 1, 2023
- jtkoehler2280 contributionsDone miss this gemGreat info, great history info. Very good hands on for the kids, that will get them off their screens. I’ve done the ship, but I like the museum better. $10 suggested donation. We were there about an hour and half. Also there is war ship on the sight.. well worth a visit. Use Uber to get there and head back out.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 9, 2023
- Evil_E207406 contributionsAn Amazing Museum!While not the biggest of museums, it does exactly what it was designed to do - and could not be any better. The displays and the way the information was presented was more than perfect - couldn't ask for a more complimentary museum to the ship! A definite must for anyone interested in the USS Constitution and our navy's history!Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 3, 2024
- Alireza123Tehran, Iran1,385 contributionsDifferent experienceThis museum is about the oldest warship still afloat.you can go both in the ship and the museum building beside it. As I have seen lots of movies which is happened in a warship, it was very interesting and informative for me. I could imagine everything. It is a free museum and you can pay as much as you want. It takes about one hour to see every thing.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 11, 2024
- James HCamp Hill, Pennsylvania72 contributionsSpectacular MuseumVisited here for the first time while on vacation and was not disappointed! The curators have done an amazing job detailing the history of how the USS Constitution came to be and the sailors' lives aboard the ship through fun, engaging, and interactive exhibits. Admission is by suggested donation (for two adults, we gave twenty dollars). The museum (and the separate USS Constitution ship) is a stop on Boston's Freedom Trail. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the area.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 19, 2024
- PChipQMadison, Wisconsin25 contributionsAn unexpected treasureDo not let the initial glance at this museum cause you to underestimate it. We had three teenagers in our group. They were very engaged. As were many younger kids we encountered along the way. The adults had a great time too. One of the best hands on museums we have encountered. We loved it!!!Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 14, 2024
- Brendan SArlington, Virginia2,152 contributionsMore here than expectedI did not expect a museum about one warship to have this much in it. There’s an overview video and a hallway with hands-on exhibits about ship design and construction and large models (one made of Legos) about the Constitution. I especially liked one where you design a warship and sail it into battle against other ships. Another exhibit area discusses the military and long post-active service of the ship. Another floor features a full exhibit on the lives of different crew members aboard the ship, from enlistment to battle. It’s a museum that warrants at least an hour before visiting the Constitution itself, which is docked a stone’s throw away.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 5, 2024
- Patrice A11 contributionsRequired to visit the USS Constitution.The film is a must see, and does a nice review of the naval yard and currently military ship. The naval yard is still run by active naval officers, so you will see them around the yard. The museum itself is rather sparse. It is really a short visit on your way to the USS Constitution.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
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liliest2016
Coral Springs, FL16 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Our family really enjoyed visiting the USS Constitution and museum. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the history of “Old Ironsides” and how cannons “bounced” off her sides. George Washington approved her name and Paul Revere forged her copper bolts and fittings!! Free guided tours are offered. The museum is also a great stop. Very informative and interactive. My teens really enjoyed it and had a chance to “shoot cannons!” Another must see along the Freedom Trail.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bailey G
Orlando, FL106 contributions
Oct 2020
Before I begin, please note that the USS Constitution Museum is DIFFERENT than the USS Constitution tour.
The ship tour itself is free and ran by the National Park Service / Active Military Personnel ( I believe). The Museum is on property, however seems to be privately owned and requires a separate admission fee to get in.
Now that that's been established, let me dive in!
In my review of the ship tour itself, I stated that this is a dream come true for me. As a lover of all thing historical and nautical, it has been on my bucket list to see the ship live and in person. I took the tour and, while I certainly was not disappointed, you don't quite get the full in depth history that lots of us desire.
The museum certainly picks up the slack on that issue! Admission is pretty cheap and military discounts are available. The museum itself has a fantastic collection of artifacts and does a supreme job of taking you through the genesis of this ship through modern times. It has some videos, it has a second story geared for more hands on learning for the children.
While we weren't able to take in the museum to its fullest extent (given we had a train to catch), it is certainly worth taking the time to visit while you're there anyways.
Overall I highly recommend to those who are lovers of history. Whether that's American, nautical or military history, you will certainly come out learning a lot more about something that has been an integral part of our country. I would say this is also really good for families, given the children experiences incorporated into the museum, however with any type of museum that is meant for more mentally mature individuals, this many not be right for everyone.
My wife just happened to be fairly taxed physically that day, as well as mentally from all of the other historical sites we visited leading up to this day, so she had a hard time fully enjoying it. I spent about 2 hours, could've spent a little more again if we weren't on a time crunch, fully taking in everything it had to offer.
The ship tour itself is free and ran by the National Park Service / Active Military Personnel ( I believe). The Museum is on property, however seems to be privately owned and requires a separate admission fee to get in.
Now that that's been established, let me dive in!
In my review of the ship tour itself, I stated that this is a dream come true for me. As a lover of all thing historical and nautical, it has been on my bucket list to see the ship live and in person. I took the tour and, while I certainly was not disappointed, you don't quite get the full in depth history that lots of us desire.
The museum certainly picks up the slack on that issue! Admission is pretty cheap and military discounts are available. The museum itself has a fantastic collection of artifacts and does a supreme job of taking you through the genesis of this ship through modern times. It has some videos, it has a second story geared for more hands on learning for the children.
While we weren't able to take in the museum to its fullest extent (given we had a train to catch), it is certainly worth taking the time to visit while you're there anyways.
Overall I highly recommend to those who are lovers of history. Whether that's American, nautical or military history, you will certainly come out learning a lot more about something that has been an integral part of our country. I would say this is also really good for families, given the children experiences incorporated into the museum, however with any type of museum that is meant for more mentally mature individuals, this many not be right for everyone.
My wife just happened to be fairly taxed physically that day, as well as mentally from all of the other historical sites we visited leading up to this day, so she had a hard time fully enjoying it. I spent about 2 hours, could've spent a little more again if we weren't on a time crunch, fully taking in everything it had to offer.
Written January 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinaNtravel
San Jose, CA2,122 contributions
Sep 2021
This is worth visiting. There isn’t an entry fee, but they do collect donations and the recommended donation amount is provided. It is a rather cute museum, very hands on, and kids will likely enjoy it. First you can watch two 8 minute videos. The first film is about the history of the USS Constitution and how it was named old Ironside. I recommend watching that film for some historical background. The second film highlights some current enlisted folks in the Navy and their thoughts. The Museum also contains a number of displays such as various jobs one might do on a ship, a ship store, a clock, a bell, etc. and as mentioned, a lot of hands-on activities. A restroom is located inside and a gift shop. In addition, in front of the museum, is a dry dock which is huge and worth some pics.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hermann S
San Pedro Sula, Honduras246 contributions
Jun 2021 • Solo
The place is amazing. The entrance fee is up to you as it is only working through donations. The recommended fee to get in is between $10-$15 US dollars. The museum is good for the family as it has movies, games and also a nice souvenir shop.
After or before the museum you can also visit for free the USS constitution Warship which is dated from the 1800's and a World War II Battleship. They are amazingly cool.
After or before the museum you can also visit for free the USS constitution Warship which is dated from the 1800's and a World War II Battleship. They are amazingly cool.
Written June 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller
New York City, NY3,304 contributions
Nov 2021
I visited the USS Constitution Museum in November 2021 as part of doing the Freedom Trail from start to finish. I gave a donation of $10. The museum covered the history of the USS Constitution and related historical events such as the War of 1812 and the Barbary Coast pirates. It was my last stop on the Freedom Trail. As you cross into Charlestown on foot to go to the last stops on the Freedom Trail, I recommend going to the Bunker Hill Monument and Museum first and then the USS Constitution and USS Constitution Museum which is what I did. After I was finished, I took the nearby ferry back to the Long Wharf in Boston which was a nice experience.
Written December 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SML-Travels
Perry Hall, MD77 contributions
Jun 2021
I've made several trips to the USS Constitution over the last 35 years. It feels like this museum has been dramatically expanded in recent years. They do an excellent job of explaining the construction of Old Ironsides, her history, and what life was like for the sailors aboard her.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
itsWanda
Boston, MA383 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
If you are planning to visit the USS Constitution, visiting this museum is a must for you to get a deep understanding of the ship.
You’ll be able to learn from topics ranging from what type wood the ship was made, the names who were aboard, and all the history in between.
There’s no fixed admission fee but there’s a suggested donation amount that you can give, I believe it’s between $10-15 for adults.
This is a great museum for all ages.
You’ll be able to learn from topics ranging from what type wood the ship was made, the names who were aboard, and all the history in between.
There’s no fixed admission fee but there’s a suggested donation amount that you can give, I believe it’s between $10-15 for adults.
This is a great museum for all ages.
Written March 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luvnabby
Morehead City, NC312 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This museum was a big hit with my 10 and 13-year-olds. There are a lot of interactive aspects to the museum and as a whole we loved it! I would highly recommend going. While it is free they do ask for donations. There’s also a gift shop on site. We wanted to actually go see the vessel but that day was a holiday and it was not open to the public.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelli
Keller, TX1,386 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We visited the USS Constitution itself, then went into the museum. There is no set admission fee, but a suggested donation of $5 for kids and $10 for adults. Some of the exhibits are definitely geared toward a younger audience, but we enjoyed them nonetheless and learned a lot. Restrooms onsite were clean. And of course, there’s a gift shop too. Worth a look for service members and anyone who appreciates history.
Written October 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James H
Camp Hill, PA72 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Visited here for the first time while on vacation and was not disappointed! The curators have done an amazing job detailing the history of how the USS Constitution came to be and the sailors' lives aboard the ship through fun, engaging, and interactive exhibits. Admission is by suggested donation (for two adults, we gave twenty dollars). The museum (and the separate USS Constitution ship) is a stop on Boston's Freedom Trail. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the area.
Written May 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this a stop on the Hop On-Hop Off bus route?
Written October 10, 2018
Yes it is!
There are benches near the stop to have a sit down whilst waiting. 3 minute walk max to naval yard.
Written October 11, 2018
How much time should we plan to visit this museum? (We’re 2 seniors, with no kids.)
Written July 22, 2018
I’m sorry I haven’t seen the question sooner! I think 1 hour would be fine. There isn’t much walking involved, but there are some stairs and tight spaces on the ship itself. We had no lines to get in really, maybe 5 people in front of us. The Cityview trolley stop is right in front of the museum.
Written August 4, 2018
Can we do our own tour of the freedom traIL or do we have to pay and tour?
Written July 10, 2017
You can easily follow the trail (just follow the red trailed marked on the sidewalks). But you might want to consider an inexpensive tour guide who will provide lots of interesting information about what you are seeing. Our group felt we would have missed a lot without the benefit of our guide
Written July 11, 2017
We are in town July 12-14th and the website shows the USS Constitution is closed due to docking schedule. What does that mean? Thank you.
Written July 9, 2017
The ship is in dry dock for restoration. It is really something very unique to see while it sits totally out of the water. We were able to board the ship and to explore the main deck and the one below it. I'm not sure if you can still due that due to the restoration schedule. I know they still have to move the cannons back onto the ship, so this could make it off limits to visitors awhile. Please don't let this discourage you from visiting. The museum is amazing (especially if you have school age children). And, even if you can't board the ship, you'll love seeing her in dry dock.
Written July 9, 2017
About how long does it take to see the museum and tour the ship? Also what time of day is the lest busiest in July?
Written April 23, 2017
I would go early in the morning. The museum can be done in 30 minutes or several hours depending on your level of interest. Talk to the crew on the ship. They tell the story best!
Written April 24, 2017
It's free. You can donate whatever you feel is appropriate.
Written January 21, 2017
If you go on their website there are directions to the Nautica Parking Garage where I think you can get discounted parking.
Written October 4, 2016
helpinghand2015
Wakefield, United Kingdom
We are in Boston from 9 September for three full days. Will it be possible to tour the ship during this period? I understand it's in dry dock at this time, so it's not clear if the ship is available for visitors. Also, can visitors simply turn up on the day and buy a ticket.
Thank you,
Helpinghand 2015
Written August 24, 2015
USSCM_1
Boston, Massachusetts
Hi Helpinghand 2015,
Yes, visitors are still able to explore USS Constitution’s top (spar) deck while in dry dock. In September, the Ship will be available for boarding in the afternoons from 2:30-6:00 Tuesday through Friday and 10:00-6:00 on weekends (closed Mondays)*. Visiting USS Constitution is free and does not require any advance ticketing since boarding is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, please be aware that visitors must pass through a security inspection and show federal or state photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport, before going aboard the Ship. Visitors under the age of 18 do not require a photo identification card.
Also, as you may or may not be aware, the USS Constitution Museum and the Ship are operated separately. The Museum, open daily from 9:00-6:00, provides interactive exhibits, hands-on gallery programs, and a vast collection of artifacts that connect visitors of all ages to the stories of “Old Ironsides.” For more information on visiting the Museum, please visit our website.
*The hours listed above are subject to change at any time. The Navy’s website provides the most up-to-date information on visiting the Ship.
We look forward to welcoming you in September!
-The Visitor Experience team at the USS Constitution Museum
Written August 24, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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