National Constitution Center facts for kids
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The outside of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia
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| Established | September 17, 2000 |
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| Location | Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Type | History museum |
| Visitors | 817,000 (2011) |
| Public transit access |
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The National Constitution Center is a museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that is all about the Constitution of the United States. It is a non-profit organization, which means its main goal is to educate people, not to make money.
The center is an interactive museum located on Independence Mall, an area known as "America's most historic square mile." It's very close to other famous sites like Independence Hall, where the Constitution was signed, and the Liberty Bell.
Inside, you can find fun exhibits and learn about American history. The center also acts as a national town hall. It hosts discussions with government leaders, journalists, and scholars about the Constitution. It has even hosted presidential debates.
It's important to know that the center does not have the original Constitution document. The real one is kept safe at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C.
Contents
History of the Center
The idea for the museum came from the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988, which was signed by President Ronald Reagan. The act called for a center that would teach the American people about the U.S. Constitution in a fair and unbiased way.
Construction on the museum began on September 17, 2000. This date was special because it was the 213th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. The center officially opened to the public on July 4, 2003.
The center's address is 525 Arch Street. This address was chosen for a reason: the Constitutional Convention, where the Constitution was created, began on May 25 (5/25).
Designing the Building
The famous architectural firm Pei Cobb Freed & Partners designed the building. It is made from American materials, including Indiana limestone and millions of pounds of steel.
In 2021, the center received a special addition. A large stone panel with the words of the First Amendment was donated to the museum. It was once part of the Newseum in Washington, D.C., and is now displayed in the center's second-floor atrium.
What's Inside?
The National Constitution Center is full of things to see and do. The main attractions are designed to be interactive and engaging for visitors of all ages.
Main Exhibits
The museum has several permanent exhibits.
- Freedom Rising: This is a multimedia theater presentation that tells the story of the U.S. Constitution. It is shown in a 360-degree theater.
- The Story of We the People: This is the main exhibit hall. It takes you on a journey through American history, from the colonial period to today. It has over 100 interactive and multimedia exhibits.
- Signers' Hall: This room features 42 life-sized bronze statues of the men who signed the Constitution. You can walk among the statues of famous Founding Fathers like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
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State flags hang in the main lobby.
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Exhibits include models of important government buildings.
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You can see life-sized statues of the signers of the Constitution in Signers' Hall.
Learning and Events
The center is a place for learning and important national conversations.
Education Programs
The center offers many educational resources for students and teachers. It has online classes, lesson plans, and other tools to help people learn about the government and their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
Hosting National Debates
Because of its importance, the center is often chosen to host major political events.
- In 2008, it hosted a presidential primary debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
- In 2024, a presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris was held at the center.
The Liberty Medal
Since 2006, the National Constitution Center has been the home of the Philadelphia Liberty Medal. This is an award given every year to people from around the world who have shown great courage in defending freedom.
Leadership of the Center
The president and CEO of the center is Jeffrey Rosen, a law professor who started in 2013. The center is also guided by honorary chairs. In the past, these have included U.S. Presidents like George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden. Currently, Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Stephen G. Breyer serve as co-chairs, showing the center's commitment to being non-partisan.
See also
- Philadelphia Liberty Medal – An annual award administered by the Center
- Constitution Day (United States)
- Independence National Historical Park
- Founding Fathers of the United States
- Landmark Cases: Historic Supreme Court Decisions, 2015 TV series
