The National Constitution Center – History of Philadelphia

‘We the People – Defining Our Goverment’

The National Constitution Center should not just be on your checklist of things to do in Philadelphia, but should be an experience that one would not forget. The Center is a place for everyone to jump back into history, almost like you are experiencing the History of Philadelphia in real time.

The powerful experience of the National Constitution Center begins when you first decide to explore the ‘We the People’ exhibit, which is a permanent exhibit year round. When choosing this exhibit, you aren’t issued a ticket to enter, but a Delegate’s Pass. The Center wants to send a message that constitutional democracy demands participation. This pass wants you to think as “Founders”, making you a part of Philadelphia History, and thinking for the future of our Country.

The National Constitution Center Visitor Experience

What is unique about this museum is that the gallery is circular, which is not common in most museums. Another interesting fact is that the gallery does not highlight artifacts, things being collected in display cases. It actually highlights ‘people’ and ‘ideas’, giving an imaginary sense to how we started as a nation.

The National Constitution Center has three concentric rings to the ‘We the People’ exhibit. The outermost ring is the chronological story, 13 sections telling the constitutional story from 1765 until today. Keeping in mind that our Constitution has been a work in progress, and not just about 1776, these stories span from 1765 to the present.

The central ring of the gallery treats the subject differently. It is not a chronological journey, but a thematic one, organized by the words of the Preamble itself. The exhibits in this ring are more interactive, allowing the visitor to not only participate, but make them feel like they are in the middle of something, a specific event or story.

The innermost ring of the gallery provides a third approach to the content. In this ring, you are ask broad questions that the ‘Founders’ considered. Such questions as, “what makes us Americans?” or “Have we established equal justice?”

The overall experience could give you shivers or chills just thinking about this, being a part of American history in a ‘live’ function. And this is just the beginning of the National Constitution Center.

Complete breakdown of the ‘We the People’ exhibit. More info on the ‘We the People’ exhibit.

The National Constitution Center Exhibits Experience

The National Constitution Center is more than just a museum. The Center offers programs, education, events, and daily activities. Outside of its permanent featured exhibits, the Center has several featured exhibits that are show cased for a duration of about 3 months per exhibit. So you always want to stay up-to-date on the most recent featured exhibits. National Constitution Center Featured Exhibits

Do you like facts?

• Basic facts of the National Constitution Center.
• National Constitution Center Fun Facts

Location

525 Arch St. in Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Hours

Monday – Friday  |  9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturdays  |  9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Sundays  |  12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Phone

(215) 409-6700

Web Site

• The National Constitution Center

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• The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia
• Spies, Traitors, & Saboteurs at the National Constitution Center

Related Articles About Museums in Philadelphia

• Fireman’s Hall Museum
• Franklin Institute
• Mummers Museum
• National Museum of American Jewish History
• National Liberty Museum
• Philadelphia Museum of Art – Fairmount Park, PA
• Philadelphia History Museum aka Atwater Kent Museum
• Please Touch Museum – interactive museum for kids
• Rodin Museum

All photos courtesy of The National Constitution Center