USS Constitution Museum

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Exploring Old Ironsides: New Perspectives by Photographer Greg M. Cooper

Large-scale photographs by Greg M. Cooper, who has spent over 20 years shooting USS Constitution from rare vantage points — underway in Boston Harbor, in dry dock and in fleeting light.

Now showingFrom 9 Jun$15

Art of the Ship

In the museum's theater: artwork from the collection showing USS Constitution as artists have imagined and celebrated her, from dramatic scenes of life at sea to modern interpretations.

Now showingOngoing$15

Permanent Collections

"Old Ironsides" in War and Peace

Three centuries of USS Constitution's history: her construction for the fledgling US Navy, the battles of the War of 1812, later diplomatic voyages and her long preservation as a national icon.

Permanent collection$15

All Hands on Deck: A Sailor's Life in 1812

Join USS Constitution's 1812 crew: scrub the deck, balance aloft to furl a sail and follow real sailors and their families through artifacts, personal narratives and interactive displays.

Permanent collection$15

Nearby

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Paul Revere House

Architecture14 min walk

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Museum of Science, Boston

Children18 min walk

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Otis House

Architecture19 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does USS Constitution Museum cost?

Standard adult admission to USS Constitution Museum is $15. Suggested admission by donation, in three tiers: Pay it Forward $25 per person, Standard $15 per person, Reduced free–$10 per person. Discounted and free admission programmes are available. The ship USS Constitution is separately operated by the US Navy and is free to board on a first-come, first-served basis after a security screening and photo ID check (under-18s do not need ID).. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.

What are the opening hours of USS Constitution Museum?

USS Constitution Museum is open Open daily 9:00–18:00. Closed Thanksgiving (26 November 2026), Christmas Day (25 December 2026) and New Year's Day (1 January 2027); early closure at 14:00 on 24 December 2026. The ship itself keeps different hours (Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00) and is run separately by the US Navy.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is USS Constitution Museum?

USS Constitution Museum is located at Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA 02129, USA, in the Charlestown Navy Yard area of Boston. The nearest stations are MBTA Water Shuttle from Long Wharf (near the New England Aquarium) to the Charlestown Navy Yard pier, MBTA Bus 93 from Haymarket or Sullivan Square to the Charlestown Navy Yard stop and North Station (Green and Orange Lines, plus Commuter Rail) — walk across the Charlestown Bridge and follow the Freedom Trail to Gate 1.

What can I see at USS Constitution Museum?

Hands-on museum beside Old Ironsides, where you furl a sail, scrub a deck and live a War of 1812 sailor's voyage. Current highlights include Exploring Old Ironsides: New Perspectives by Photographer Greg M. Cooper, Art of the Ship and "Old Ironsides" in War and Peace.

Do I need to book USS Constitution Museum in advance?

Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.

When is the best time to visit USS Constitution Museum?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

Is USS Constitution Museum accessible?

The museum's two floors of exhibits are accessible to wheelchairs, walkers, scooters and strollers, and service animals are welcome. The ship is a different matter: it is kept in its 1812-era configuration, so boarding requires walking aboard the spar deck unassisted and the below decks are reached by steep ladder-like steps. Wheelchairs, walkers, scooters and strollers must be left on the pier.