The National Constitution Center’s annual Liberty Medal honors men and women of courage and conviction who strive to secure the blessings of liberty for people around the globe. On July 3, 2026, the eve of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the Center will award the 38th annual Liberty Medal to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for his lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression around the world—ideals enshrined by America's founders in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
This year’s Liberty Medal ceremony will take place outside on Independence Mall, against the backdrop of the National Constitution Center, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. The ceremony will reflect on the enduring meaning of liberty at a moment of historic national reflection and will underscore Philadelphia’s central role in both the nation’s founding and its ongoing civic life. The event will bring together civic and faith leaders and members of the public to consider how America’s founding ideals articulated 250 years ago continue to resonate globally. Pope Leo XIV intends to deliver live acceptance remarks virtually from the Vatican, which will be livestreamed to those in attendance on Independence Mall as well as online via the Center’s website.
The museum will be closed on Thursday, July 3. The Liberty Medal ceremony is open to the public. To learn more about tickets and sponsorships, click here.
Celebrate America’s 250th with us all week long! There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Kids and families can experience special performances of Schoolhouse Rock Live!, face painting, meet-and-greets with historical reenactors, colonial-era games, a Revolutionary War encampment, and the Center’s interactive exhibits. Visitors of all ages can also take part in signature summer events, including Wawa Hoagie Day; the Red, White, & Blue To-Do; and the 38th annual Liberty Medal honoring Pope Leo XIV.
