Next summer, the National Constitution Center will open two new galleries celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday, focusing on America’s founding principles and the core tenets of its government, writes Michael Tanenbaum for PhillyVoice.
The additions will be made possible by a $15 million gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, CEO of Citadel Credit Union. Griffin, a collector of historical documents and fine art, made the largest donation the Old City museum has ever received. The two galleries will be in the museum’s large circular section, known as the drum.
“It will include an extraordinary combination of interactives,” said Jeffrey Rosen, CEO of the National Constitution Center.
The first gallery will open in February 2026. This will explore connections between America’s founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. It will also delve into themes of liberty, equality, and government by consent through biographies and stories from the Revolutionary era.
Opening in May 2026, the second gallery will explore the separation of powers through exhibits on governmental checks and balances and the federalism model.
“It will be a great opportunity to do a deep dive into the way that the three branches of government work,” said Rosen.
Read more about the National Constitution Center’s soon-to-debut galleries in PhillyVoice.
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