Frommer's Review
Opened July 4, 2003, on Philadelphia's redesigned Independence Mall, the stunning, modern National Constitution Center is the first museum in the world devoted to the United States Constitution -- its history and its relevance in the daily lives of Americans. The 160,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, designed by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, in angular glass, steel, and limestone, has departments of history, education, and outreach, all using a blend of the most exciting and attention-grabbing technological tools to offer something for everyone, from scholars to casual visitors. While same-day tickets are usually available, it's a good idea to buy tickets in advance, and arrive 20 minutes early for the timed theater shows that welcome visitors twice each hour.
As you stroll north from Independence Visitor Center, you'll cross Arch Street and a broad walk to the gleaming white stone entrance to the Constitution Center, emblazoned with those three magic words, "We the People . . ." A 15- to 17-minute multimedia show with an inspiring live actor and 360-degree movie screen explains the Constitution's early history. From there, visitors learn how the Constitution affects the functioning of government -- you can take your own Presidential Oath of Office, explore a national family tree, try on a Supreme Court robe, and check out the Bill of Rights. Signers Hall has bronze life-size figures of the 39 men who signed the Constitution, and the three who dissented. Especially good are exhibits featuring a voting machine from Palm Beach, Florida, from the contested 2000 election, and one featuring tools used by G. Gordon Liddy at the Watergate burglary. There are plenty of daily events, lectures, and programs, as well as a 225-seat, glass-enclosed restaurant and store.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
