defying skepticism - View this location on map

it is easy to go into the national constitution center (215-409-6600) a bit skeptical -- a museum dedicated to a historical document? am i about to be overwhelmed with hokey patriotism? not to worry. the center starts you off with a multimedia show that is both basic and nuanced, skimping on neither patriotism nor tricky issues like slavery. (not everyone agrees: there were protests by blacks around the time it opened.) afterward, head through the interactive exhibitions under the blown-up text of the constitution and wonder if 217 years from now there will be a similar museum for the new iraqi constitution. admission is $6. New York Times
525 arch street, Philadelphia, PA

Cultural, Historical, Kids