Exhibition Spaces

Note: No food, beverage, or photography is permitted in our theater or exhibition spaces.

MAIN EXHIBITION

The Center’s main exhibition includes three signature attractions: Freedom Rising in the Kimmel Theater, The Story of We the People in the Richard and Helen DeVos Exhibition Hall, and Signers’ Hall.

Freedom Rising is a multimedia theatrical production with 360-degree projection, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and a live actor who narrates the American quest for freedom. Guests will be inspired by this stirring, 17-minute journey through the extraordinary story of “We the People.”

The Story of We the People is a dynamic, interactive exhibition that illuminates America’s constitutional history through innovative exhibits, films and photographs, rare artifacts, and hands-on activities led by our education staff.

Signers’ Hall is one of the Center’s most popular and iconic attractions, where you can sign the Constitution alongside 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers.

Capacity

• 325 in Freedom Rising
• 400 in The Story of We the People

FEATURE EXHIBITIONS

The 1968 Exhibit

June 14 – September 2, 2013

The Vietnam War. Civil rights and women’s lib. MLK and RFK. Janis and Jimi. Laugh-In and love-ins. Bringing one of America’s most colorful, chaotic, culture-shifting years vividly to life, The 1968 Exhibit illuminates the power of “We the People” to exercise and expand our freedoms. Visitors will travel through 12 exhibition areas corresponding to the months of the year—as well as three lounge spaces (bean bag chairs included) inviting playful interaction with 1968’s most enduring and influential music, movies, fashions, and more. Whether you remember the year personally or discovered Hendrix online, The 1968 Exhibit will rock you.

Highlights include:

• Awe-inspiring artifacts such as an actual Bell “Huey” helicopter used by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War
• Icons of space exploration, including a full-size replica of the Apollo 8 command module
• The vibrant Music Trip Lounge, with rock-star memorabilia like original concert tickets, posters, and autographs; and an opportunity to design and share your own groovy album cover
• An immersive environment—utilizing authentic news footage and oral histories—that recreates the buzz and tumult of the 1968 Democratic National Convention, both on the streets of Chicago and the floor of the convention hall