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National Constitution Center

National Constitution Center, Philadelphia: Hours, Address, National Constitution Center Reviews: 4.5/5

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National Constitution Center

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See all things to do
National Constitution Center
4.5
1,607
#35 of 463 things to do in Philadelphia
Speciality Museums • History Museums
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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About
The National Constitution Center is the first and only nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the U.S. Constitution and its legacy of freedom. Located two blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Historic Philadelphia, the Center illuminates constitutional ideals and inspires active citizenship as a state-of-the-art museum, a civic education hub and America's Town Hall.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: City Center East
How to get there
  • Franklin Square • 2 min walk
  • Chinatown • 5 min walk
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Cafe Ole
101
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Attractions
385 within 6 miles
United States Mint
1,136
486 ftGovernment Buildings
Benjamin Franklin's Grave
363
416 ftCemeteries
Christ Church Cemetery
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Franklin Square
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2,430
0.2 miVisitor Centers
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1,114
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,607 reviews
Excellent
954
Very good
423
Average
158
Poor
48
Terrible
24
blairkk25
New Jersey2,662 contributions
Always an interesting place to visit
Dec 2021
I visited the National Constitution Center in December 2021. I bought my ticket online the evening before. I have been here many times before - the last time two years ago in 2019. The first thing I did was take a photo of President Joseph Biden, number 46. The window near the exhibit entrance has photos of all 46 presidents. I visited the two special exhibits. The first special exhibit was on the Civil War and Reconstruction. The second special exhibit was on the history of the women's suffrage movement and the women's right to vote. In the interest of time, I did not visit the second floor which is all about the US constitution. I have visited several times before and it is definitely worth it. The center has a nice gift and book shop and next store is a Starbucks. I definitely enjoy my visits to the National Constitution Center.
Written December 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Karen H
Norwood, MA67 contributions
Informational
Nov 2021
This museum was very informational and totally worth the cost. It only took us 1.5 hours and was very enjoyable. The knowledge of the staff was impressive.
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frederick G
Newton, MA25 contributions
A timely, appropriate gem in Philadelphia’s historic crown.
Nov 2021 • Solo
Somehow, the NCC didn’t come into being until the early 2000s, in spite of the Constitution been ratified a few blocks away nearly 220 years before. But it was worth it, and a most appropriate addition to Philadelphia’s historic area. Here, you will learn the struggles and debates that led to the most important document in our nation’s public life; the conflicts that the Constitution created leading to our most devastating conflict; the amendments that have attempted to correct or add to the original document; the question of rights for Black Americans, women, and others; and the many debates over these issues we still deal with today. Most of the exhibits are interactive and fairly effectively deal with anticipated questions such as “could I legally vote in my state in 1800?” (Many couldn’t). In light of the many significant and solemn debates we face today over voting rights, reproductive rights, migration, etc., however you fall on these issues, the NCC tells you why these questions are important, and why these remain so difficult to resolve. Although the Constitution is usually a subject most associated with lawyers, historians, and political scientists (i.e. dry and dense), the Center does it’s best to make it relatable to everyone. It’s an eclectic mix of history, politics, and the law. If you’re into these things, this is the place for you.
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Francois G
3 contributions
Great place to learn history
Oct 2021
Superb exhibits (slavery through civil rights, women right to vote…) as well as permanent display around US history. Very well done and instructive.
Written October 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MelissaClaire93
Cinnaminson, NJ826 contributions
Not super impressed
Jul 2021 • Solo
I came to Philly for the 4th of July celebrations and the Constitution Center was offering free tickets for the day so I decided I couldn’t miss it. They were also supposed to have outdoor exhibits with war rein-actors or something but I stood outside of some of them waiting for information and none of them acknowledged me. The center had a lot of information. I love history and museums but I found this a little scattered and irrelevant. The best part (albeit the most crowded) was the signers room where they had - I assume life size? statues of all the signers of the constitution. That was cool to walk through. The “We the People” show was also really cool and powerful. If you go be sure to catch that. They also had a pretty nice gift shop with some cool stuff. Overall I wasn’t impressed. If I was recommending museums in the area there are a lot of cooler ones than this one in my opinion. If you catch it on a free day I’ll though there are a couple of cool things to see.
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Soars37
Washington DC, DC326 contributions
A Historical and Educational Gem!
Oct 2021
The NCC anchors the mall, about three blocks north of Independence Hall. At this time it's open Wednesday to Sunday. We arrived in Philadelphia early Sunday afternoon, and after dropping our bags at our hotel went next to NCC. We've enjoyed the virtual programs from NCC and were very glad to be able to visit in person.

We arrived a few minutes before the performance of Freedom Rising. We found it very interesting, with one caution: it is very hard for a person with hearing difficulty to hear some parts of the performance. Music over voice makes the voice hard to hear, and there were a few places where the actor dropped his voice, and could not be clearly heard. Still, it is a condensed history lesson, and well worth visiting.

From there we spent over an hour in the museum. There are many fascinating subjects relating to the constitution. One aspect new to me was the number of states that allowed women and persons of color to vote at times when it was not possible in all states. There are many interactive displays, and it is tempting to try many of them! The Signers' Hall is another fascinating area. Standing with Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, George Mason, and the other life-size statues was really a treat!

The gift shot is well stocked with a variety of books, nick-knacks, apparel, etc.

Our feet gave out before we had seen everything, and we hope to return soon.
Written October 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hrobinson1114
Hopkinsville, KY2,430 contributions
You could visit again and again and always see something new
Oct 2021 • Solo
EXPANSIVE!

When I went, the bottom floor was dedicated to amendments 13, 14, and 15. It discussed the civil war, reconstruction, and the enslaved peoples’ struggle for freedom. Tons of unique and interesting artifacts, including a signed copy of the emancipation proclamation by Abraham Lincoln, a prosthetic leg, and a field surgical kit. A real carpet bag from a carpet bagger. I met a very nice and informative docent who gave me a lot of extra info.

This museum also has a feature I really like, which is where you can “take the museum home with you.” You can scan QR codes and listen to interviews at home instead of on-site. Or you can use a QR code to do more reading on a subject.

The museum has a ton of multimedia displays—bronze figures, was figures, video, audio, art.

There is also an exhibit on women’s suffrage. And there is a fun room full of bronze figures such as Hamilton and Washington, meant to represent the founding fathers discussing the constitution.

They also have some films available, but I passed on those. I’m told they are very good.

Upstairs there is a HUGE gallery breaking down the constitution and the way law works in the US. One tract discusses the Supreme Court, citizenship, etc. One tract still focuses on the constitution and how it’s changed over the years.

I really liked an interactive exhibit where you could choose a random photo (from many photos) on a screen, and it would then explain to you how that person changed the constitution or law. Some were well known (John Lewis for example). Some were more obscure.

I recommend this museum. One of my favorites so far (along with the national liberty museum). It’s one you can visit over and over and never see it all or learn it all.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WorldTravelerSoCal
Milwaukee, WI252 contributions
Highlight of Philly Vacay
Jul 2021
We went to the National Constitution Center in July 2021. I enjoyed the multimedia presentation on the founding the US. They had good exhibits. It was a lot of fun to take photos with the founders, who are cast bronze statues. Overall one of the highlights of our trip.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BHUANG69
New Providence, NJ1,211 contributions
Interesting experience
Jul 2021
My friend and I spent quite some time here. On 03JUL, we saw many people with old -style costumes gathering on the lawn. Turned out there were there to reenact history. Some of them were friendly. Others just minded their own business and went on with their own thing. The gift shop inside sells a lot of things but it was a bit too dry generate interest.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
s c
Petersburg, VA489 contributions
Loved it
Jun 2021
Due to covid asked to preorder timed entry ticket. I'd allowed 2 hours for visit but that wasn't enough. Had been before years ago. Still loved it. The we the people performance is outstanding. Current exhibit on women's suffrage interesting. So many names unfamiliar with. Appreciate learning new things. The highlight all the individual displays. Not as hands on interactive but quite understandable. Information still good. Display highlighting individual citizen's stories very inspiring.
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about National Constitution Center
National Constitution Center is open:
  • Wed - Sat 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking National Constitution Center tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 19 National Constitution Center tours on Tripadvisor