A nova galeria do National Constitution Center é uma visita obrigatória - veja por quê

Why is America’s Founding worth visiting?

Because history feels different when you’re a part of it.

There’s no dusty mandatory reading or droning lectures here. Instead, you can step inside the victories, experiments and arguments that built (and rebuilt) our nation.

America’s Founding lets you wander immersive corridors, play with physical installations, watch engaging videos and view rarer-than-rare artifacts. But the experience goes beyond that.

  - Foto de Visit Philadelphia

Notice a door handle? Pull it. See a glowing screen? Tap it. Walking through one of those cool hallways? Look left, right, up e down. And if something looks like you can move it, you probably can.

The exhibit bridges the past and the future in an almost magical way. It feels like you’re walking through an interactive timeline, leaving you to reflect on the ideals that shaped the nation.

From beginning to end, America’s Founding is a blueprint for what’s possible. It’s a sensory and aesthetic homage to what the United States has long stood for, offering hope for a brighter future.

What can you see inside the gallery?

America’s Founding is home to several artifacts and installations, with its crown jewel being an original copy (!) of the U.S. Constitution — one of only 14 surviving in the world.

Other highlights include:

• rare first printings of 17 constitutional amendments
• a first edition of The Federalist (comprising the 85 persuasive essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay)
• real 1780s political pamphlets and manuscripts
• a reproduction of the 1777 diary of Elizabeth Drinker (a record of what women faced in the 18th century)
• a traditional printing press
• 1700s-era soldier artifacts (including a rifle bayonet, a pistol, a powder horn and a canteen)
• 250-year-old documents chronicling treaties, military actions, ratifications and potential mutinies, and
• George Washington’s tackle box and fishhooks from the late 1700s.

  - Foto de Visit Philadelphia

On the more high-tech side, the gallery features dynamic floor projections, an interactive timetable where you can view and listen to the issues argued in the Constitution (slavery, executive powers, etc), and a large digital table with physical props that you can use to scan, debate and stamp historical documents.

Visitors to the gallery can also wander through the silhouettes and campfires of General Washington’s encampment; open hidden doors and spin installation set pieces; or kick back to watch dramatic watercolor-style videos (with closed captions) chronicling America’s path — from declaring independence to ratifying amendments.

Who is this gallery perfect for?

Colonial history buffs are going to be jazzed at how it presents American history’s most important moments, but you don’t have to be a fan of U.S. history to love this gallery.

The gallery keeps the info super accessible even for history newbies, and it breathes new life into the dreams we fought so hard for.

Also, anyone who enjoys high-tech installations, stylized designs and super-rare artifacts would really get a kick out of this space.

  - Foto cedida por National Constitution Center

Note: While highly visual and interactive, America’s Founding is pretty text-heavy and may not be suitable for very young children. Still, the center offers plenty of family fun in other ways throughout the year, letting you round out the outing with craft activities, costume contests, kid-centric live programming (with character actors!) and sensory-friendly days.

What else is coming in 2026?

America’s Founding isn’t the only new experience coming to the NCC in 2026.

O Governando a nação gallery — set to debut in May — focuses on the three branches of government and the balance between the federal government and states’ rights.

Stay tuned for more info.

What can I do after the gallery?

Dedicated to the four most critical pages in America’s history, every part of the 160,000-square-foot National Constitution Center takes a deep dive into what “Nós, o povo” truly means.

After exploring America’s Founding, you can watch live productions in a multimedia theater, walk among 42 life-size bronze statues of the 1787 Constitutional Convention delegates in Salão dos Assinantes, and learn more about the Constitutional amendments — including those that granted freedom of speech (First Amendement), ended slavery (13th Amendment) and earned women the right to vote (19ª Emenda).

Signers' Hall   - Foto de J. Fusco para o Visit Philadelphia

Keep an eye on the official events calendar to see what limited-time events are happening at the National Constitution Center now.

Where do I get tickets?

Admission to the gallery — along with all other exhibits and programming — is included with general admission tickets.

Scoop up your tickets online, via phone or in person, with discounts available for seniors, college students, families and more. As always, children 5 years and military (active or retired) get in free.

Como faço para chegar lá?

SEPTA makes getting to the National Constitution Center a breeze via the 5th Street Station stop on the L (Market-Frankford) subway line, or the Route 38, Route 44 and Route 48 buses.

Looking to drive? You’ll find metered street parking all around Old City, or you can opt for a parking spot in the National Constitution Center’s own garage on Race Street (between 5th Street and 6th Street), or the Centro de Visitantes Independence’s parking garage on 6th Street (between Arch Street and Market Street).

For more information on America’s Founding at the National Constitution Center, click the button below — and stay tuned for another new gallery opening at the attraction in May 2026.

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