National Constitution Center, Philadelphia

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This is Benjamin Franklin's 300th Anniversary Year, so Philadelphia has many special events planned in celebration. An exhibition featuring the life and accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin is being presented at the National Constitution Center, running from December 15, 2005 to April 30, 2006. We weren't sure what to expect, but it was phenomenal.

With our grandson in tow, we wound through the exhibit hall finding one interesting thing after another. We saw several portraits of Benjamin Franklin and his family members; his first published newspaper; jeweled shoe buckles presented to him by Louie the 16th; an account book from his days in France; a family Bible which was presented to his daughter, printing press machinery and many, many other artifacts. There were many audio descriptions of events in his life, such as the haranguing he received in France over some treasonous letters that were discovered. At the end of the exhibit, full size statues of the founding fathers bid adieu.

It might be interesting to note that this exhibit will be going to France next, but not the entire display due to the extreme value of the artifacts.

Our hotel was featuring a 300th Anniversary Ben Franklin special, so we received two tickets to the exhibit when we checked in--we just had to purchase an additional ticket for our grandson. The National Constitution Center is open Sun.-Fri. from 9:30 am-5 pm; Sat. 9:30 am-6 pm. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for a child/senior/student /military; and is free for children 4 and under.

The Constitution was written and signed in Philadelphia more than 200 years ago. It is the foundation upon which all of America's laws are based, argued, and written. It is what makes our government tick!

This is the only museum in the country dedicated to the United States Constitution. Interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and live theater describe many stories associated with the Constitution. You can vote for your favorite president, take the Presidential Oath of Office, e-mail elected officials, and even choose to sign your name to the Constitution - or sign as a dissenter, explaining why you disagree with its principles (freedom of speech!)

Car Parking- Proceed through the light at 6th Street and turn right into the National Constitution Center parking garage.*

The National Constitution Center is dedicated to explaining this document through exhibits, films, artifacts and photos. The current exhibit honors sport heroes, Babe Ruth, etc.

Walk through the life-sized sculpture exhibit of the signers of the Constitution.

The center frequently hosts excellent speakers. I recently enjoyed hearing Richard Clark, former National Security Advisor.

At the dedication ceremony of the Center, participants were directed to pull a ribbon which caused a pillar to fall, narrowly missing Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Conner!

You wouldn't think they would make a building this big just for the constitution, but they did. And it's really cool! Whoever planned this knew how to make history fun.
Two favorites: pretending to be sworn in as president. And the bronze life-sized figures in the signing hall. And if your presidential candidate didn't win in the real election, you can try again in the mock voting booths.

The National Constitution Center is a museum dedicated to "honoring and explaining" the US Constitution and it's uniqueness and radical nature in the history of world governments. (The Constitution was written about 500 yards from this museum at Independence Hall.) If that sounds boring to you, well it did to me, too, at first, but after I walked through the main entrance of this museum I knew that I was wrong. In all truthfullness, this is one of the most awesome museums I have ever experienced. The 17 minute live multimedia show that all guests see upon entering moved me to tears (keep in mind that I am a northeastern liberal here, not exactly a flag waver.) The interactive exhibits were all fun and educational, for both kids and adults, and they have a special kids' show about the Bill of Rights which takes place every 30 minutes. For history buffs, from any country, this place is must see.

Admission: $7, $5 kids
Cool gift shop and Cafe

After seeing Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, cross Market St. and head to the National Constitution Center. This has recently been constructed and attracts many visitors. I only went here back in early March of this year. It was fantastic, and if you're a US native, then you should leave feeling very patriotic.

It offers visitors an in depth look at our constitution, and the resulting effects it has had on democracy and our history. There is a lot to see once you exit from the initial 25 minute opening show. You could easily spend 4 hours here.

I was there for the opening of the National Constitution Center on July 4th, 2003 and unfortunately, the event was marred by a slight mishap with the frame of a stage that was constructed for the event. Many famous Hollywood actors, musicians and politicians were in attendance and my sister and I were standing on a distant lawn watching the ceremony. Apparently, they were trying to pull down a curtain, but the whole frame came down and injured a few people including the mayor of Philadelphia!! Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt.

The next day, we went to visit the place, but I wasn't overly impressed. The design of the building evokes images from the movie Gattaca. Not exactly warm and fuzzy. The exhibits consist mainly of multi-media educational shows. It costs $6 for adults.