I love this museum. It’s very informative. The only thing that could make it better. Are headsets that read information to young people that don’t like to read very much anymore. We bought our tickets at the Philadelphia information center where they give a discount on all tickets in the area.
There is a lot to take in here. The main exhibits right now are about 13th-15th Amendment, the 19th Amendment, and the newest exhibit, the 1st Amendment. There is a live performance about the Constitution given once an hour. It's about 20 minutes and is informative and entertaining.
The building itself is impressive with a beautiful panoramic view of Independence Hall across the way. The life-size statues of all the Founding Fathers/delegates is enough of a reason to visit. The staff are all friendly and helpful. 👍
I buy the ticket online and show them at the front desk, pretty easy to get in. This museum has several galleries, all of which tell you why the U.S. constitution is so special.
There are several features that you should not miss.
The first is the “We the People” show, which takes place every hour. The narrator is an Asian female who has done a phenomenal job! Her words are clear, her emotion is strong, and her expression is full of passion. The entire show may lose at least half of the value without her performance! I do enjoy her work so much!
The second is the room with all bronze sculptures of figures who participated in the signing of Declaration of Independence. It is amazing to see those people in real human size gathered in a small room and announced the independence from the Great Britain.
The third is the terrace on the second floor, which gives you a grandiose view of the Independence Park and the Independence Hall.
There is SO MUCH to see here. I'm really glad we stopped and made time! There is a video presentation with a live presenter that is worth making time to see, and just tons and tons of exhibits to view both upstairs and down. To give it a good go, I would say allow 2 hours to wander - but you could absolutely take longer if desired. It wasn't free, but I felt the ticket price of $14.50 was worth it!
Fabulous visit with friends. The interactive displays are excellent. History of our country’s independence presented in exciting photos, music and narrration.
It was very educational, it was a smooth place to go through, and you are your own guide. Very well mapped out.
This is a 4.5 star museum. My only gripe is that it tells a sort of traditional textbook history and not as much of a "historian" type history. There isn't enough backstory on what was happening in the world, no real setup of why the Constitution is how it is. Then it just starts telling American history with a sprinkle of amendments. The live show is a bit of a commercial for America. It was all good, mind you. Just didn't have the perspective and nerdiness to be a 5 star museum experience. I'd still recommend it since it fills out a visit to Independence Hall and Park nicely. Definitely don't skip out. Also, I wish it was open 7 days a week. We had to adjust our whole schedule around this museum's opening days.
Good museum to visit if you want to learn more about the constitution and the different amendments.
Must do the narrated show: gives a good historical perspective.
Should start the visit with the show, then visit the galleries on the second floor, then the first floor.
A lot of very knowledgeable guides. Ask questions!
Good place for kids, especially upper elementary school students.
Street parking is available, if not, there are plenty of paid lots.
A great companion to the Independence Hall and Liberty Bell.
One of the best touristy experiences I encountered in Philadelphia was the National Constitution Center. The name isn't very sexy, but the experience was far greater than expected. I got free admission because of where I work. Bring employee or student ID, especially if affiliated with an educational institution or the government. This place is absolute treasure. There is a live 20-minute show with an actor, showing off what the Constitution is about, then the exhibits are mesmerizing. The final room is the Hall of Statues and photos don't do the place justice. When people entered the hall, there were all sorts of awed noises from the visitors. From the National Constitution Center, on a clear day, you can see Independence Hall.
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