Coming Soon to the Museum
The National Constitution Center will open two new galleries on America’s founding and the separation of powers in time for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Thanks to a generous $15 million gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, the largest single gift in the organization’s history, the National Constitution Center will open a new gallery on America’s founding in February 2026, as well as a new gallery on the separation of powers in May 2026.
As part of this historic gift, Griffin will lend his copy of the U.S. Constitution—one of the 14 known original, official printed copies—as well as a rare first printing of constitutional amendments being debated by Congress that would become our Bill of Rights, to be displayed just steps from where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. These rare documents will be on display throughout 2026 during the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations that will attract millions of global visitors to Philadelphia.
These galleries are part of the first major renovation of the main exhibit space, which currently displays The Story of We the People, since the National Constitution Center’s opening in 2003. This renovation began in 2023 with the debut of the new gallery, The First Amendment.
New Galleries Coming 2026
America's Founding Gallery
Now Open
Featuring a rare copy of the U.S. Constitution—one of 14 known original, official printed copies, and from which all subsequent printings of the final text of the Constitution originate—this gallery will tell the story of America’s founding principles, exploring how we declared independence, fought a revolution, learned from early challenges, and ultimately developed a new form of government.
Separation of Powers Gallery
A new exhibit about the separation of powers will explore how the Constitution defines roles and balances power between the three branches of government and between the federal government and the states.
Visit the Museum
Beginning in February 2026, visitors will have access to the new America's Founding gallery and First Amendment gallery, the iconic Signers' Hall, the live Freedom Rising performance and our exhibit galleries on the Civil War and Reconstruction and the 19th Amendment. The gallery on separation of powers will open May 2026.
General admission tickets include access to museum exhibits as well as a range of engaging, educational daily museum programs for visitors of all ages.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $24.95 on-site $19.95 online |
| Seniors (age 65 and older) | $19.95 on-site $14.95 online |
| U.S. Military Veterans | $19.95 on-site $14.95 online |
| College Students (with ID) | $19.95 on-site $14.95 online |
| Youth (age 6 – 18) | $19.95 on-site $14.95 online |
| Family pack (two adult and two youth tickets) | $78.95 on-site $63.95 online |
| Children (age 0 – 5) | FREE |
| Active and Retired U.S. Military | FREE |
For information about bringing groups of 12 or more to the National Constitution Center, contact the Group Sales team at [email protected] or visit our Group Sales page.
The National Constitution Center and America's 250th
As America prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in July 2026, the National Constitution Center will invite learners of all ages to rediscover the founding ideas that continue to shape our nation today, by offering:
- A new Interactive Declaration of Independence that includes the full document annotated by legal scholar Akhil Reed Amar, as well as an audio version of the text;
- A new America at 250 Toolkit, with essays from leading scholars and interactive videos that allow for meaningful exploration of the founding documents;
- Convenings across America, modeled on our weekly We the People podcast and America’s Town Hall programs; and
- Memorable museum experiences, family-friendly events, interactive exhibits and daily programs, and much more!
Join us in celebrating our nation’s historic milestone, and explore how the framework for our government and freedoms established in 1787 still guide us and how each generation helps carry them forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Construction on the separation of powers gallery will continue through early May 2026.
Beginning in February 2026, visitors will have access to the new America’s Founding gallery and First Amendment gallery, the iconic Signers’ Hall, the live Freedom Rising performance, and our exhibit galleries on the Civil War and Reconstruction and the 19th Amendment. The gallery on separation of powers will open May 2026.
America’s Founding will open in February 13, 2026, and the exhibit on separation of powers will open in May 2026.
Consistent with our history and mission, the National Constitution Center will play a central role in the nation’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, and in preparing the nation for the Constitution’s 250th anniversary in 2037.
Stay tuned for more information on how we are:
- developing and disseminating new legacy educational products including a new Interactive Declaration of Independence;
- modeling civil dialogue through convenings across America; and
- leading the way for a high visibility, high impact commemoration in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
