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Civic Holidays | In Person

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Date
Monday, January 19
Time
All Day
price
Free, In-Person
MLK-Day-speech-reading.jpg

"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
- Martin Luther King Jr. 

The National Constitution Center honors Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s lifelong dedication to justice, equality, education, and service for the greater good. Join us for educational programs and immersive performances that discuss and teach about Dr. King’s enduring legacy. Come learn, create, donate, and celebrate with us!

The museum is open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19, 2026, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is free.

 

Programs at the Museum

School Supplies Drive
School Supplies Drive

10 a.m.–5 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall
In the spirit of service emulated by Martin Luther King Jr., the National Constitution Center is organizing the donation of books and school supplies for Philadelphia school students. Donations of newly purchased school supplies, including pens, pencils, crayons, copy paper, hand sanitizer, and folders, as well as age-appropriate books, can be dropped off at the Center throughout January and will be donated to the School District of Philadelphia. Visitors who donate will receive tickets to the Franklin Square Carousel, courtesy of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (tickets limited).

Arts and Crafts Activity Tables
Arts and Crafts Activity Tables

10 a.m.–5 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall
Create community-based craft projects that explore Martin Luther King Jr.’s core beliefs of peace, justice, and equality, while sharing the changes that you want to see in the world!

Inspired by Independence Show
Inspired by Independence Show

10:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.; Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook Stage
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’” These words of Dr. King’s, along with other landmark speeches throughout American history, borrowed the words of the Declaration of Independence to expand the document’s promise of freedom and equality. This program will explore moments throughout history when the powerful words of the Declaration have inspired new generations of Americas to build on the legacy of the nation’s founding.

Reading of “I Have a Dream” Speech
Reading of “I Have a Dream” Speech

11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook Stage
A diverse ensemble of local actors performs a passionate reading of Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

Family Concert: Songs Inspired by the Civil Rights Era
Family Concert: Songs Inspired by the Civil Rights Era

12:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., Kirby Auditorium
David and Jenny Heitler-Klevans of the interactive children’s music group, Two of a Kind, join composer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and educator Rodney Whittenberg for a celebration of songs inspired by the civil rights era. Sing, dance, and clap along during this interactive program!

Quiet Room and Story Corner
Quiet Room and Story Corner

10 a.m.–5 p.m., Freedom Classroom
Enjoy a quiet space to relax, color, or read beloved books about Martin Luther King Jr. Day, like Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King by Jean Marzollo.