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USS Constitution Museum

MilitaryMaritimeHistoryOpen until 6pmFrom $15MBTA Water Shuttle from Long Wharf (near the New England Aquarium) to the Charlestown Navy Yard pier

Housed in a restored granite shipyard building at the foot of Pier 2 in the Charlestown Navy Yard, the USS Constitution Museum tells the story of "Old Ironsides" and the people who designed, built and sailed her. Two floors of galleries mix rare artifacts and personal stories with hands-on displays where visitors can climb into a hammock, heave on a rope or try furling a sail. The museum is a private, non-profit organisation and is managed separately from the ship: USS Constitution herself is an active-duty vessel owned and operated by the US Navy, moored a few yards away and free to board after a security screening. A visit usually pairs the two, but they keep different hours and different admission rules.

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Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA 02129, USA

Nearest station: 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, North Station (Green and Orange Lines, plus Commuter Rail) — walk across the Charlestown Bridge and follow the Freedom Trail to Gate 1

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Hours

Mon09:00–18:00
Tue09:00–18:00
Wed09:00–18:00
ThuToday09:00–18:00
Fri09:00–18:00
Sat09:00–18:00
Sun09:00–18:00

Admission

From $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).

Accessibility

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.

Nearby

Paul Revere House

History14 min walk

Museum of Science, Boston

Science18 min walk

Otis House

History19 min walk

Old State House

History20 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, 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 All Hands on Deck: A Sailor's Life in 1812, Art of the Ship, Exploring Old Ironsides: New Perspectives by Photographer Greg M. Cooper.
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.

Benoît Prieur, via Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

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