Located on Independence Mall, the National Constitution Center brings the U.S. Constitution to life for the whole family through multimedia exhibitions, live performances, timely public programs and dynamic educational resources. As America's first and only nonpartisan, nonprofit institution devoted to the Constitution, the Center illuminates constitutional ideals and inspires acts of citizenship.
The National Constitution Center was created by the Constitution Heritage Act in 1988. On September 17, 2000, the Center broke ground at 525 Arch St. in Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park – America's most historic square mile – 213 years to the day the U.S. Constitution was signed. The Center is the first-ever museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution.
The National Constitution Center is both a museum that attracted one million visitors in its first 15 months of operation and an engine of civic and constitutional education for children and adults.
About the Museum:
The architectural firm of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners designed the National Constitution Center. The firm is responsible for the expansion of the Louvre and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art. Ralph Appelbaum Associates designed the Center's visitor experiences and exhibition hall. Appelbaum also created the visitor experiences and exhibition halls at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Newseum, and the Rose Planetarium.
The project cost of the National Constitution Center was $185 million, which included construction, exhibit design, and fabrication, as well as a $40 million endowment.
The total square footage of public space is 160,000 square feet, including galleries.
