While Philadelphia is known as the home of Benjamin Franklin, the Liberty Bell, the cheesesteak and the Declaration of Independence, don't forget it's also the birthplace of our federal constitution. Thankfully, the National Constitution Center, which shares the same park as Independence Hall where the document was written, is a world-class museum which celebrates the tumultuous creation and legacy of our founding legal system.
Parking and Public Transportation at the National Constitution Center
Parking in an underground garage is located beneath the museum; to access, enter off of Race Street. Parking isn't cheap, however (between $8 and $16 for the day), so you may want to consider public transportation. The fastest and easiest way to get to the National Constitution Center from Center City is the Market-Frankford subway line, which has a stop one block from the museum. SEPTA bus routes 38, 44, and 48 also service the area.
Admission to the National Constitution Center
General admission includes regular and special exhibitions, like the interactive Signer's Hall and the theatrical presentation Freedom Rising. Prices range from $8 for children 4-12 to $14.50 for adults. Museum members and active military personnel can visit for free. The National Constitution Center also has several reduced cost and free admission days throughout the year, like Memorial Day and National Constitution Day.
Must See/Do at the National Constitution Center
After seeing the 17-minute Freedom Rising performance, make sure to check out the interactive, multimedia The Story of We The People exhibit, which includes a rare early copy of the Emancipation Proclamation. One of the most popular attractions at the National Constitution Center is its Signers' Room, which houses 42 life-size bronze statues of the delegates of the Constitutional Convention. The museum also has several impressive rotating exhibits as well, like one on Kennedy family photography and the history of gay rights in the U.S.
Other Places to Visit Near the National Constitution Center
Two of America's most iconic symbols, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, are within two blocks of the National Constitution Center and tickets are free (walk-up only; to secure tickets in advance, you'll have to pay a nominal $1.50). The relatively new National Museum of American Jewish History is also close by, where you can see Irving Berlin's piano and Albert Einstein's pipe.
Insider tip for visitors to the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center has a wealth of historical artifacts, spanning from an original chair used by a delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 to Sandra Day O'Connor's Supreme Court robes. Given its subject matter, the museum also plays host to many political types year-round, from presidential hopefuls to political activists. Each year, the National Constitution Center awards its Liberty Medal to people who "have strived to secure the blessings of liberty the world over." Past recipients include Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan, and Malala Yousafzai.
Author's bio: Jeff Birou is an education administrator by day, travel and freelance writer by night. You can find him at his blog, Lance+Jeff, or on Twitter at @Jetsetter_Jeff.