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{{About|the museum in Philadelphia|the Washington, D.C., office building recently renamed "Constitution Center"|Nassif Building}}
{{About|the museum in Philadelphia|the Washington, D.C., office building recently renamed "Constitution Center"|Nassif Building}}
{{use mdy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox museum
{{Infobox museum
| name = National Constitution Center
| name = National Constitution Center
| image = National_Constitution_Center_Front.jpg
| image = National Constitution Center - 2 (53586570586).jpg
| imagesize = 275
| imagesize = 275
| caption = Exterior of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| caption = Exterior of the National Constitution Center in [[Philadelphia]]
| map_type = Pennsylvania
| map_type = Pennsylvania
| map_caption = Location within Pennsylvania
| map_caption = Location of the National Constitution Center in [[Pennsylvania]]
| coordinates = {{coord|39.9536|-75.1491|type:landmark_globe:earth_region:US-|display=ti}}
| coordinates = {{coord|39.9536|-75.1491|type:landmark_globe:earth_region:US-|display=ti}}
| map dot label = Philadelphia
| map dot label = Philadelphia
| established = 17 September 2000
| established = September 17, 2000
| dissolved =
| dissolved =
| location = [[Independence Mall (Philadelphia)|Independence Mall]], [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]]
| location = [[Independence National Historical Park]], [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| type = History museum
| type = History museum
| visitors = 817,000 (2011)
| visitors = 817,000 (2011)
| director = [[Jeffrey Rosen (legal academic)|Jeffrey Rosen]]
| director = [[Jeffrey Rosen (legal academic)|Jeffrey Rosen]]
| curator =
| curator =
| publictransit = {{rint|septa|60px}} [[5th Street (SEPTA Market–Frankford Line station)|5th Street]]: {{Rail color box|system=SEPTA|line=Market-Frankford}} {{bus icon|12px}} {{rint|septa|60px}} [[SEPTA]] bus: {{SEPTA bus link|38|44|48}}<br>{{bus icon|12px}} [[Philly PHLASH]]
| publictransit = {{rint|septa|60px}} [[5th Street/Independence Hall station|5th Street/Independence Hall]]: {{Rail color box|system=SEPTA|line=Market-Frankford}} {{bus icon|12px}} {{rint|septa|60px}} [[SEPTA]] bus: {{SEPTA bus link|38|44|48}}<br>{{bus icon|12px}} [[Philly PHLASH]]
| website = {{official URL|https://constitutioncenter.org/}}
| website = {{official URL|https://constitutioncenter.org/}}
}}
}}
The '''National Constitution Center''' is a nonprofit institution devoted to the [[Constitution of the United States]]. On [[Independence Mall (Philadelphia)|Independence Mall]] in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], the center is an interactive museum and a national town hall for constitutional dialogue, hosting government leaders, journalists, scholars, and celebrities for public discussions (including presidential debates). The center offers civic learning resources onsite and online. It does not house the original Constitution, which is stored at the [[National Archives Building]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]
The '''National Constitution Center''' is a non-profit institution that is devoted to the study of the [[Constitution of the United States]]. Located at the [[Independence Mall (Philadelphia)|Independence Mall]] in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], the center is an interactive museum which serves as a national town hall, hosting government leaders, journalists, scholars, and celebrities who engage in public discussions, including Constitution-related events and presidential debates.


The groundbreaking ceremony (attended by President [[Bill Clinton]])<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theconstitutional.com/about/abou-enable.html| title = The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia| access-date = 27 March 2013 }}</ref> was held on September 17, 2000, the 213th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. The center opened on July 4, 2003,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/22/travel/travel-advisory-constitution-center-to-open-in-philadelphia.html | title=TRAVEL ADVISORY; Constitution Center To Open in Philadelphia – New York Times | access-date = 28 March 2013 | work=The New York Times | date=22 June 2003}}</ref> joining other historic sites and attractions in what has been called "America's most historic square mile"<ref>{{cite web|title=Independence Visitor Center|url=http://phlvisitorcenter.com/attraction/independence-visitor-center|work=Independence Visitor Center|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> because of its proximity to [[Independence Hall]] and the [[Liberty Bell]].
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 17, 2000, the 213th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. The center opened on July 4, 2003,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/22/travel/travel-advisory-constitution-center-to-open-in-philadelphia.html | title=TRAVEL ADVISORY; Constitution Center To Open in Philadelphia – New York Times | access-date = 28 March 2013 | work=The New York Times | date=22 June 2003}}</ref> joining other historic sites and attractions in what has been called "America's most historic square mile"<ref>{{cite web|title=Independence Visitor Center|url=http://phlvisitorcenter.com/attraction/independence-visitor-center|access-date=9 August 2013}}</ref> because of its proximity to [[Independence Hall]] and the [[Liberty Bell]].


The center offers civic learning resources onsite and online. It does not house the original Constitution, which is stored at the [[National Archives Building]] in [[Washington, D.C.]]
⚫
==Background==


⚫
==Background==
[[File:National_Constitution_Center-exterior.jpg|thumb|left|200px|alt=Long, "We the People Inscription" at the National Constitution Center|"[[We the People]]" inscription at the National Constitution Center]]
[[File:National_Constitution_Center-exterior.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Long, "We the People Inscription" at the National Constitution Center|"[[We the People]]" inscription at the National Constitution Center]]
The center was created by the Constitution Heritage Act.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theconstitutional.com/about/abou-enable.html | title = The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia | access-date = 28 March 2013}}</ref> Approved on September 16, 1988, and signed by President Ronald Reagan,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.brynmawr.edu/iconog/uphp/indnoll2/linked%20pages/INHP%20HISTORY.htm | title=Untitled Document | access-date=28 March 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128184221/http://www.brynmawr.edu/iconog/uphp/indnoll2/linked%20pages/INHP%20HISTORY.htm | archive-date=2012-11-28 | url-status=dead }}</ref> the act defined the National Constitution Center as "within or in close proximity to the Independence National Historical Park. The Center shall disseminate information about the United States Constitution on a non-partisan basis in order to increase the awareness and understanding of the Constitution among the American people."<ref>{{cite web |title=H.R. 1939 (100th): Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/100/hr1939/text/enr |website=Gov Track |publisher=www.govtrack.us |access-date=26 July 2019}}</ref> The center is at 525 Arch Street, an address chosen because May 25 (5/25) was the date that the [[Timeline of drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution|Constitutional Convention began]] in Philadelphia.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}
The center was created by the Constitution Heritage Act.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theconstitutional.com/about/abou-enable.html | title = The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia | access-date = 28 March 2013}}</ref> Approved on September 16, 1988, and signed by President Ronald Reagan,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.brynmawr.edu/iconog/uphp/indnoll2/linked%20pages/INHP%20HISTORY.htm | title=Summary of INHP and Independence Mall Evolution | access-date=28 March 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128184221/http://www.brynmawr.edu/iconog/uphp/indnoll2/linked%20pages/INHP%20HISTORY.htm | archive-date=2012-11-28 | url-status=dead }}{{cbignore}}</ref> the act defined the National Constitution Center as "within or in close proximity to the [[Independence National Historical Park]]. The Center shall disseminate information about the United States Constitution on a non-partisan basis in order to increase the awareness and understanding of the Constitution among the American people."<ref>{{cite web |title=H.R. 1939 (100th): Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/100/hr1939/text/enr |website=[[GovTrack]] |publisher=www.govtrack.us |access-date=26 July 2019}}</ref> The center is at 525 Arch Street, an address chosen because May 25 (5/25) was the date that the [[Timeline of drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution|Constitutional Convention began]] in Philadelphia.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}


The architectural firm of [[Pei Cobb Freed & Partners]] designed the center,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pcf-p.com/a/p/9810/r0.html | title = Pei Cobb Freed & Partners | access-date = 28 March 2013}}</ref> and [[Leslie E. Robertson]] Associates were the structural engineers for the project. Witold Rybczynski of ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote, "Quiet but assertive, respectful of its surroundings, considerate of its public, this building is destined to take its place among the nation's leading public monuments."<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/08/arts/architecture-review-more-perfect-union-of-function-and-form.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm | title = ARCHITECTURE REVIEW; More Perfect Union Of Function And Form – New York Times | access-date = 28 March 2013 | work=The New York Times | first=Witold | last=Rybczynski | date=8 July 2003}}</ref>
The architectural firm of [[Pei Cobb Freed & Partners]] designed the center,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pcf-p.com/a/p/9810/r0.html | title = Pei Cobb Freed & Partners | access-date = 28 March 2013}}</ref> and [[Leslie E. Robertson]] Associates were the structural engineers for the project. [[Witold Rybczynski]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote, "Quiet but assertive, respectful of its surroundings, considerate of its public, this building is destined to take its place among the nation's leading public monuments."<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/08/arts/architecture-review-more-perfect-union-of-function-and-form.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm | title = ARCHITECTURE REVIEW; More Perfect Union Of Function And Form – New York Times | access-date = 28 March 2013 | work=The New York Times | first=Witold | last=Rybczynski | author-link=Witold Rybczynski | date=8 July 2003}}</ref>


[[Ralph Appelbaum Associates]] designed the center's visitor experience and exhibition hall. The public space is {{convert|160000|sqft|m2}}, including galleries. The center has {{convert|75785|sqft|m2}} of exhibit space. The center is made of American products, including {{convert|85000|sqft|m2}} of Indiana limestone, 2.6 million pounds of steel, and a half-million cubic feet of concrete. Construction of the center was overseen by project manager [[Hill International]].
[[Ralph Appelbaum Associates]] designed the center's visitor experience and exhibition hall. The public space is {{convert|160000|sqft|m2}}, including galleries. The center has {{convert|75785|sqft|m2}} of exhibit space. The center is made of American products, including {{convert|85000|sqft|m2}} of Indiana limestone, 2.6 million pounds of steel, and a half-million cubic feet of concrete. Construction of the center was overseen by project manager [[Hill International]].


Prior to its closure in December 2019, the [[Newseum]], a journalism-themed museum in Washington D.C., had featured a four-story-tall stone panel displaying the text of the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment]] as part of its exterior design. The [[Freedom Forum]], a nonprofit organization that created the museum, announced in March 2021 that the panel would be dismantled and donated to the National Constitution Center for display in its second-floor atrium.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/newseum-first-amendment-tablet-relocate/2021/03/17/9cdef064-874c-11eb-8a8b-5cf82c3dffe4_story.html | title = Newseum donates its distinctive First Amendment facade to Philadelphia history center | access-date = 1 January 2022 | work=The Washington Post | first=Peggy | last=McGlone | date=18 March 2021}}</ref>
Prior to its closure in December 2019, the [[Newseum]], a journalism-themed museum in Washington D.C., had featured a four-story-tall stone panel inscribed with the text of the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment]] as part of its exterior design. The [[Freedom Forum]], a nonprofit organization that created the museum, announced in March 2021 that the panel would be dismantled and donated to the National Constitution Center for display in its second-floor atrium.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/newseum-first-amendment-tablet-relocate/2021/03/17/9cdef064-874c-11eb-8a8b-5cf82c3dffe4_story.html | title = Newseum donates its distinctive First Amendment facade to Philadelphia history center | access-date = 1 January 2022 | newspaper=The Washington Post | first=Peggy | last=McGlone | date=18 March 2021}}</ref>


==Leadership==
==Leadership==
The National Constitution Center board of trustees appointed law professor, legal commentator, and former visiting scholar [[Jeffrey Rosen (legal academic)|Jeffrey Rosen]] to serve as president and chief executive officer of the center; Rosen began his tenure in June 2013.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://constitutioncenter.org/about/president-and-ceo | title=President and CEO – National Constitution Center | access-date = 6 June 2013}}</ref> The chairmen of the board of the Center have been:
The National Constitution Center board of trustees appointed law professor, legal commentator, and former visiting scholar [[Jeffrey Rosen (legal academic)|Jeffrey Rosen]] to serve as president and chief executive officer of the center; Rosen began his tenure in June 2013.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://constitutioncenter.org/about/president-and-ceo | title=President and CEO – National Constitution Center | access-date = 6 June 2013}}</ref> The chairmen of the board of the Center have been:
{| class="wikitable"
{|
! Chairman !! Period
|-
|-
|[[John C. Bogle]]||1999{{endash}}2007
|[[John C. Bogle]]||1999{{endash}}2007
Line 42: Line 45:
|[[George H. W. Bush]]||2007{{endash}}2009
|[[George H. W. Bush]]||2007{{endash}}2009
|-
|-
|Bill Clinton||2009{{endash}}2012
|[[Bill Clinton]]||2009{{endash}}2012
|-
|-
|[[Jeb Bush]]||2013{{endash}}2017
|[[Jeb Bush]]||2013{{endash}}2017
Line 53: Line 56:


==Civic education==
==Civic education==
Originally through its Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, the center offers onsite and online civic-education programs and a study center which develops and distributes teaching tools, lesson plans and resources.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/news/story.jhtml?id=133200008 | title = Annenberg Foundation Awards $6.4 Million to National Constitution Center PND Foundation Center | access-date = 28 March 2013}}</ref>
Through its Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, the center offers onsite and online civic-education programs and a study center which develops and distributes teaching tools, lesson plans and resources.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/news/story.jhtml?id=133200008 | title = Annenberg Foundation Awards $6.4 Million to National Constitution Center PND Foundation Center | access-date = 28 March 2013}}</ref>


==Public engagement==
==Public engagement==
The center has hosted several debates, including a 2008 Democratic presidential primary debate between [[Hillary Clinton]] and [[Barack Obama]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/DemocraticDebate/story?id=4670271&page=1#.T-InzphTYTA | title = Transcript: Obama and Clinton Debate – ABC News | access-date=28 March 2013}}</ref> a town hall meeting with [[John McCain|Senator John McCain]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/politics&id=6199863 | title=McCain's town-hall meeting at Constitution Center 6abc.com | access-date=28 March 2013}}</ref> and a 2006 Pennsylvania Senatorial debate between Republican incumbent [[Rick Santorum]] and Democratic challenger [[Bob Casey Jr.|Bob Casey]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/politics-federal/santorum-on-the-attack-in-final-debate-with-casey-455094/?print=1 | title = Santorum on the attack in final debate with Casey – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Printer friendly | access-date = 28 March 2013}}</ref>
The center has hosted several debates, including a 2008 Democratic presidential primary debate between [[Hillary Clinton]] and [[Barack Obama]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/DemocraticDebate/story?id=4670271&page=1#.T-InzphTYTA | title = Transcript: Obama and Clinton Debate – ABC News | website = [[ABC News]] | access-date=28 March 2013}}</ref> a town hall meeting with [[John McCain|Senator John McCain]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/politics&id=6199863 | title=McCain's town-hall meeting at Constitution Center 6abc.com | access-date=28 March 2013}}</ref> and a 2006 Pennsylvania Senatorial debate between Republican incumbent [[Rick Santorum]] and Democratic challenger [[Bob Casey Jr.|Bob Casey]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/politics-federal/santorum-on-the-attack-in-final-debate-with-casey-455094/?print=1 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126104502/https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-federal/2006/10/17/Santorum-on-the-attack-in-final-debate-with-Casey/stories/200610170237 |archive-date=2022-01-26 |title=Santorum on the attack in final debate with Casey |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |last=O'Toole |first=James |author-link=James O'Toole (reporter) |access-date=6 May 2023}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


==Liberty Medal==
==Liberty Medal==
In 2006 the center became home to the [[Philadelphia Liberty Medal]], an annual award established in 1988 to recognize "men and women of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://constitutioncenter.org/libertymedal/about.html | title = THE LIBERTY MEDAL | access-date = 28 March 2013}}</ref>
In 2006, the center became home to the [[Philadelphia Liberty Medal]], an annual award established in 1988 to recognize "men and women of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://constitutioncenter.org/libertymedal/about.html | title = THE LIBERTY MEDAL | access-date = 28 March 2013}}</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
George Will wrote for ''The Washington Post'', "At the other end of the mall sparkles a modernist jewel of America's civic life, the National Constitution Center".<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/12/AR2005081201409.html | title = George F. Will – Sense From the Hall of Framers | access-date = 28 March 2013 | work=The Washington Post | date=14 August 2005}}</ref> Jason DeParle wrote for ''[[The New York Times]]'' Learning Network, "Since opening in 2003, [the National Constitution Center] has put forward a vision of constitutional history both left and right have embraced."<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/featured_articles/20050912monday.html | title = Constitutional Lessons, Old and New, on Display | access-date = 28 March 2013 | work=The New York Times}}</ref> According to ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'', "The National Constitution Center has established itself as one of the city's cultural celebs, attracting a million visitors a year, putting pizzazz into civic and educational offerings, hosting blockbuster exhibitions, and attracting the nation's intellectual cognoscenti and media elite like bears to honey."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://articles.philly.com/2006-06-13/news/25402331_1_national-constitution-center-joseph-torsellaconstitutional-issues | title = Philadelphia does history right So far, so good for the National Constitution Center. - Philly.com | access-date = 28 March 2013}}</ref>
George Will wrote for ''The Washington Post'', "At the other end of the mall sparkles a modernist jewel of America's civic life, the National Constitution Center".<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/12/AR2005081201409.html | title = George F. Will – Sense From the Hall of Framers | access-date = 28 March 2013 | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=14 August 2005}}</ref> Jason DeParle wrote for ''[[The New York Times]]'' Learning Network, "Since opening in 2003, [the National Constitution Center] has put forward a vision of constitutional history both left and right have embraced."<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/featured_articles/20050912monday.html | title = Constitutional Lessons, Old and New, on Display | access-date = 28 March 2013 | work=The New York Times}}</ref> According to ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'', "The National Constitution Center has established itself as one of the city's cultural celebs, attracting a million visitors a year, putting pizzazz into civic and educational offerings, hosting blockbuster exhibitions, and attracting the nation's intellectual cognoscenti and media elite like bears to honey."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://articles.philly.com/2006-06-13/news/25402331_1_national-constitution-center-joseph-torsellaconstitutional-issues | title = Philadelphia does history right So far, so good for the National Constitution Center. - Philly.com | access-date = 28 March 2013}}</ref>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery class="center" widths="220px" heights="200px">
File:2012-07 ncc 01.JPG|alt=Large lobby, with state flags and bunting|State flags in the lobby
File:2012-07 ncc 01.JPG|alt=Large lobby, with state flags and bunting|State flags in the lobby
File:2012-07 ncc 06.JPG|alt=Models of the U.S. Capitol and another building|Exhibits
File:2012-07 ncc 06.JPG|alt=Models of the U.S. Capitol and another building|Exhibits
File:2012-07 ncc 03.JPG|alt=See caption|Life-sized statues of the signers of the Constitution in Signers' Hall
File:2012-07 ncc 03.JPG|alt=See caption|Life-sized statues of the [[Signers of the United States Constitution|signers of the Constitution]] in Signers' Hall
</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
⚫
{{Portal|Philadelphia}}
* [[Philadelphia Liberty Medal]] – An annual award administered by the Center
* [[Philadelphia Liberty Medal]] – An annual award administered by the Center
* [[Constitution Day (United States)]]
* [[Constitution Day (United States)]]
Line 88: Line 90:
* [http://speakingofhistory.blogspot.com/2007/07/podcast-109-interview-with-eli-lesser.html Podcast interview with Eli Lesser – Director of Education for the National Constitution Center from the Speaking of History podcast, July 2007]
* [http://speakingofhistory.blogspot.com/2007/07/podcast-109-interview-with-eli-lesser.html Podcast interview with Eli Lesser – Director of Education for the National Constitution Center from the Speaking of History podcast, July 2007]
* [http://blog.constitutioncenter.org/ Constitution Daily blog of the National Constitution Center]
* [http://blog.constitutioncenter.org/ Constitution Daily blog of the National Constitution Center]

⚫
{{Portal|Philadelphia}}


{{Museums in Pennsylvania}}
{{Museums in Pennsylvania}}
{{Philadelphia}}
{{Philadelphia}}
{{US Constitution|state=expanded}}
{{US Constitution|state=expanded}}

{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}


⚫
[[Category:2004 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Independence National Historical Park]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Independence National Historical Park]]
[[Category:Constitution of the United States]]
[[Category:History museums in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:History museums in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Independence National Historical Park]]
[[Category:Independence National Historical Park]]
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[[Category:Museums in Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Museums in Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Old City, Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Old City, Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Constitution of the United States]]
[[Category:Race Street]]
⚫
[[Category:2004 establishments in Pennsylvania]]

Latest revision as of 04:51, 14 March 2024

This article is about the museum in Philadelphia. For the Washington, D.C., office building recently renamed "Constitution Center", see Nassif Building.

National Constitution Center
Exterior of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is located in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Location of the National Constitution Center in Pennsylvania
EstablishedSeptember 17, 2000
LocationIndependence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Coordinates39°57′13″N 75°08′57″W / 39.9536°N 75.1491°W / 39.9536; -75.1491
TypeHistory museum
Visitors817,000 (2011)
DirectorJeffrey Rosen
Public transit access 5th Street/Independence Hall:
  Market–Frankford Line
Bus transport SEPTA bus: 38, 44, 48
Bus transport Philly PHLASH
Websiteconstitutioncenter.org Edit this at Wikidata

The National Constitution Center is a non-profit institution that is devoted to the study of the Constitution of the United States. Located at the Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the center is an interactive museum which serves as a national town hall, hosting government leaders, journalists, scholars, and celebrities who engage in public discussions, including Constitution-related events and presidential debates.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 17, 2000, the 213th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. The center opened on July 4, 2003,[1] joining other historic sites and attractions in what has been called "America's most historic square mile"[2] because of its proximity to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

The center offers civic learning resources onsite and online. It does not house the original Constitution, which is stored at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C.

Background[edit]

Long, "We the People Inscription" at the National Constitution Center
"We the People" inscription at the National Constitution Center

The center was created by the Constitution Heritage Act.[3] Approved on September 16, 1988, and signed by President Ronald Reagan,[4] the act defined the National Constitution Center as "within or in close proximity to the Independence National Historical Park. The Center shall disseminate information about the United States Constitution on a non-partisan basis in order to increase the awareness and understanding of the Constitution among the American people."[5] The center is at 525 Arch Street, an address chosen because May 25 (5/25) was the date that the Constitutional Convention began in Philadelphia.[citation needed]

The architectural firm of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners designed the center,[6] and Leslie E. Robertson Associates were the structural engineers for the project. Witold Rybczynski of The New York Times wrote, "Quiet but assertive, respectful of its surroundings, considerate of its public, this building is destined to take its place among the nation's leading public monuments."[7]

Ralph Appelbaum Associates designed the center's visitor experience and exhibition hall. The public space is 160,000 square feet (15,000 m2), including galleries. The center has 75,785 square feet (7,040.7 m2) of exhibit space. The center is made of American products, including 85,000 square feet (7,900 m2) of Indiana limestone, 2.6 million pounds of steel, and a half-million cubic feet of concrete. Construction of the center was overseen by project manager Hill International.

Prior to its closure in December 2019, the Newseum, a journalism-themed museum in Washington D.C., had featured a four-story-tall stone panel inscribed with the text of the First Amendment as part of its exterior design. The Freedom Forum, a nonprofit organization that created the museum, announced in March 2021 that the panel would be dismantled and donated to the National Constitution Center for display in its second-floor atrium.[8]

Leadership[edit]

The National Constitution Center board of trustees appointed law professor, legal commentator, and former visiting scholar Jeffrey Rosen to serve as president and chief executive officer of the center; Rosen began his tenure in June 2013.[9] The chairmen of the board of the Center have been:

Chairman Period
John C. Bogle 1999–2007
George H. W. Bush 2007–2009
Bill Clinton 2009–2012
Jeb Bush 2013–2017
Joe Biden 2017–2019
Neil Gorsuch 2019–

Civic education[edit]

Through its Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, the center offers onsite and online civic-education programs and a study center which develops and distributes teaching tools, lesson plans and resources.[10]

Public engagement[edit]

The center has hosted several debates, including a 2008 Democratic presidential primary debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama,[11] a town hall meeting with Senator John McCain,[12] and a 2006 Pennsylvania Senatorial debate between Republican incumbent Rick Santorum and Democratic challenger Bob Casey.[13]

Liberty Medal[edit]

In 2006, the center became home to the Philadelphia Liberty Medal, an annual award established in 1988 to recognize "men and women of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe."[14]

Reception[edit]

George Will wrote for The Washington Post, "At the other end of the mall sparkles a modernist jewel of America's civic life, the National Constitution Center".[15] Jason DeParle wrote for The New York Times Learning Network, "Since opening in 2003, [the National Constitution Center] has put forward a vision of constitutional history both left and right have embraced."[16] According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, "The National Constitution Center has established itself as one of the city's cultural celebs, attracting a million visitors a year, putting pizzazz into civic and educational offerings, hosting blockbuster exhibitions, and attracting the nation's intellectual cognoscenti and media elite like bears to honey."[17]

Gallery[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "TRAVEL ADVISORY; Constitution Center To Open in Philadelphia – New York Times". The New York Times. June 22, 2003. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  2. ^ "Independence Visitor Center". Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  3. ^ "The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia". Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  4. ^ "Summary of INHP and Independence Mall Evolution". Archived from the original on November 28, 2012. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  5. ^ "H.R. 1939 (100th): Constitution Heritage Act of 1988". GovTrack. www.govtrack.us. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  6. ^ "Pei Cobb Freed & Partners". Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  7. ^ Rybczynski, Witold (July 8, 2003). "ARCHITECTURE REVIEW; More Perfect Union Of Function And Form – New York Times". The New York Times. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  8. ^ McGlone, Peggy (March 18, 2021). "Newseum donates its distinctive First Amendment facade to Philadelphia history center". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
  9. ^ "President and CEO – National Constitution Center". Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  10. ^ "Annenberg Foundation Awards $6.4 Million to National Constitution Center PND Foundation Center". Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  11. ^ "Transcript: Obama and Clinton Debate – ABC News". ABC News. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  12. ^ "McCain's town-hall meeting at Constitution Center 6abc.com". Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  13. ^ O'Toole, James. "Santorum on the attack in final debate with Casey". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on January 26, 2022. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  14. ^ "THE LIBERTY MEDAL". Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  15. ^ "George F. Will – Sense From the Hall of Framers". The Washington Post. August 14, 2005. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  16. ^ "Constitutional Lessons, Old and New, on Display". The New York Times. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  17. ^ "Philadelphia does history right So far, so good for the National Constitution Center. - Philly.com". Retrieved March 28, 2013.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to National Constitution Center.
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