National Archives to Display Entire U.S. Constitution Including All 27 Amendments for the First Time in U.S. History

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC – For the first time in history, the entire United States Constitution will go on display, to celebrate 250 years of American Freedom.

The four-page Constitution and the original Bill of Rights will be surrounded by 17 Constitutional amendments, filling the Rotunda at the National Archives in Washington, DC in a dramatic and highly visual display.

This historic, special display will also include the rarely displayed fifth page of the Constitution. This original document outlines a set of instructions to the States on how to implement the Constitution, signed by George Washington as President of the Constitutional Convention. 

Jim Byron, Senior Advisor to the Acting Archivist of the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said:  “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, the National Archives is playing a major role in the coast-to-coast commemorations by providing the American people access to their history. This extraordinary installation welcomes all Americans to celebrate the bedrock of our national life: our Constitution.”

The display will open to the public in the Rotunda on Tuesday, September 16 and remain open through Wednesday, October 1. Visitors can view and experience the entire Constitution during regular museum hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Those visiting within those dates should anticipate longer than usual wait times. Visitors are encouraged to reserve timed-entry tickets at Recreation.gov.

To give visitors even more opportunities to see the special display, the National Archives Museum will be open extended hours until 7:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, as well as Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28.

The display of the entire Constitution is part of the National Archives’ celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Other upcoming activities at the National Archives include the opening of a new permanent exhibition space, The American Story and Discovery Center, in October 2025. The new galleries at the National Archives Museum will be the first and only museum experience in Washington, DC to use artificial intelligence to bring visitors individualized opportunities to explore American history. 

# # #

About the National Archives
The National Archives and Records Administration is a federal agency that serves the American people by preserving and making available the records of the United States Government through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries. The National Archives is the custodian of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, on display for all to experience in Washington, DC. Learn more about the holdings of the National Archives at www.archives.gov.

About the National Archives Foundation
The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at www.archivesfoundation.org.