Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The National Constitution Center will honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s lifelong dedication to justice, equality, and service for the greater good with free online educational programs and free admission to the museum on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 17, 2022. The holiday will serve as the kick off for the Center’s series of freedom and equality themed programming and discounted admission between January and March 2022.

From Wednesday, January 19, through Thursday, March 31, visitors can enjoy discounted admission of $10 for adults (usually $14.50) and $7.50 for youth ages 6-18 (usually $11). This promotion is valid online only; tickets must be purchased in advance. Special freedom and equality themed programming through March for educators, students, families, and lifelong learners will include civic holiday celebrations and special programs at the Center, including discounted and free admission days; online classes taught by constitutional experts; virtual tours of the museum; and professional learning opportunities for educators featuring distinguished guest speakers.

Ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students and learners of all ages can join the National Constitution Center to explore the 1950s and 1960s civil rights movement; the Warren Court; and landmark civil rights laws enacted by Congress—including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965—and how they have been interpreted by the Supreme Court. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, associate professor of history at The Ohio State University, will join National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen for an online class on Friday, January 14, at 1 p.m. ET. The Center will also host an introductory level class on Wednesday, January 12, at 12 p.m. ET and an advanced level class on Wednesday, January 12, at 2 p.m. ET each focused on civil rights. Learners of all ages can register for classes here or watch live on YouTube.

On-site at the National Constitution Center, museum admission will be free on Monday, January 17, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Visitors to the Center can experience a reading of King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, performed by a diverse ensemble to local actors; a family concert featuring songs of the civil rights era; and a story corner and arts and crafts tables. A full schedule of online and on-site programming for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, including links to register, is available here.

The National Constitution Center will continue its annual collection of books and school supplies for Philadelphia school students, as part of Global Citizen’s Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service. 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 donated to the School District of Philadelphia.

The museum will be open outside of normal operating hours on Monday, January 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General operating hours are currently Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The National Constitution Center is committed to the health and safety of visitors, staff, and volunteers and is following protocols in accordance with local, state, and federal health guidelines. As a GBAC STAR™ accredited facility, the Center is proud to be recognized for cleaning and disinfecting to a higher standard. More information on health and safety policies is available here.

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