Search
 

$137.5M Constitution Center to Open July 4

PHILADELPHIA-The central axis of the new 160,000-sf, two-story building aligns perfectly with the center of Independence Hall, four blocks to the south, where the U.S. Constitution was originally debated. The new Liberty Bell Center, under construction, will complete Independence Mall.

By Marita Thomas | Updated on June 30, 2003

PHILADELPHIA-National Constitution Center, the $137.5-million interactive museum devoted to the history and meaning of the U.S. Constitution, opens July 4. It is the third completed structure and the northern anchor of the planned four-building, four-block Independence Mall complex. The southern anchor, tiny by comparison, is Independence Hall where the text of the Constitution was originally debated.

To prevent the 160,000-sf Constitution Center from overshadowing its Colonial ancestor to the south, architect Henry N. Cobb of Pei, Cobb, Freed & Partners segmented the building into a cluster of distinct geographic shapes. They include a circular theater with a 360-degree projection screen, a triangular restaurant and rooftop picnic area, and a rectangular exhibit section.

Just to the south is the newly completed visitors center. A new Liberty Bell Center is under construction between the visitors center and Independence Hall. Together, these four buildings create a pedestrian mall with large expanses of greenery and an unobstructed view from end to end.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.