National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center is a nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the United States Constitution and what it represents. Located on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the center serves as an interactive museum; a hub of civic education; and a national town hall for constitutional dialogue, regularly hosting government leaders, journalists, scholars, and celebrities for public discussions including presidential debates. The center houses the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, which offers civic learning resources both onsite and online. It does not contain the original Constitution, which is stored at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C.The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by President Bill Clinton, was held on September 17, 2000–213 years to the day after the original Constitution was signed. The National Constitution Center officially opened its doors on July 4, 2003, joining other historic sites and iconic attractions in what has been called America’s most historic square mile” because of the proximity to historic landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, officiating at the opening ceremonies, said, “The Constitution Center and Independence Hall, together with the Liberty Bell, form a place that every American should visit. It will contribute each and every day to the reinforcement of the basic principles that bind us together as a nation and a people.””

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