National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

The National Constitution Center is a museum on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, devoted to the U.S. Constitution and the long argument over what it means. It sits a short walk from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, in the city where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed.

The story behind it

The center opened in 2003 and was built to teach visitors how the Constitution came about and why it still matters. It is a fitting neighbour for Independence Hall, where the document was drafted in 1787. Its best-known room, Signers' Hall, fills a space with life-size bronze figures of the men who shaped the Constitution, including three delegates who refused to sign it.

The building also invites a look at the opening words, "We the People." When they were written, they did not truly cover everyone, and the meaning of "the people" has widened over the centuries. The Constitution and the Declaration are also linked by a few people. Benjamin Franklin was one of a small group who signed both, along with George Read, Roger Sherman, Robert Morris, George Clymer and James Wilson. Another detail worth knowing is that Congress voted for independence on July 2, 1776, and adopted the final wording of the Declaration on July 4.

What to look for

• Signers' Hall is the place to stand among the bronze figures, and you can compare their poses and sizes as if you had walked into the room in 1787.
• Look for the three figures of the delegates who declined to sign, which shows that the document was a hard-won compromise.
• The building's frontage looks out over Independence Mall, so take a moment outside to see how the museum fits with the historic buildings around it.
• Notice how the exhibits treat the question "who are the people?", since this idea runs through the whole story of the Constitution.

Tips for your visit

• Allow one to two hours inside if you like museums, and less if you only want Signers' Hall. Check current opening hours before you go.
• Go early in the day or on a weekday if you want quieter rooms, since school groups and summer crowds can fill the halls.
• Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are very close, so you can combine all three. Check current entry arrangements for Independence Hall.
• The center is indoors, so it works well as a stop on a hot or rainy day, with the outdoor sights of Old City on either side.

See it on a quest

Philadelphia Old Town: Solve the Case brings you to the National Constitution Center on foot as one stop on a longer route through the old part of the city. The app tells you about each place as you arrive and sets a puzzle based on what is in front of you, so you look closely instead of just walking past. One ticket covers the whole group.

Franklin’s Time Agents: Founding Philly takes a founding-era theme and links the center to the streets around it. You walk from place to place at your own pace, hear the story of each stop as you reach it, and solve a puzzle on the spot. One ticket covers the whole group.