USS Constitution Museum
Photo: Own work — CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The USS Constitution Museum, located in Boston’s Charlestown Navy Yard, offers interactive exhibits and educational programs about the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship.
Planning your visit
USS Constitution was launched in 1797 and is the oldest commissioned warship afloat anywhere. She earned the name Old Ironsides in 1812 when British shot was seen bouncing off her live-oak hull, and she defeated four Royal Navy vessels in a war the young republic badly needed victories in.
The ship is berthed in the Charlestown Navy Yard, still crewed by active-duty US Navy sailors who give the tours, and boarding her is free.
The museum is a separate building and is where the interpretation lives: interactive exhibits that put visitors in the position of the crew — furling sail, firing a gun, eating the rations, deciding whether to enlist — plus the ship's construction, her restorations and the artefact collection.
Admission is by suggested donation.
The Freedom Trail ends here. Allow two hours for both. Current availability is shown below.
Before you book
Where is USS Constitution Museum?
USS Constitution Museum is in Boston, United States. The map on this page marks its exact location.
How long should I allow for USS Constitution Museum?
Allow two hours for both. That is the time the collection itself takes at an unhurried pace, before any queue.
Do I need to book USS Constitution Museum in advance?
Tickets can be bought on the door at quiet times, but booking ahead fixes the date and avoids the queue at busy ones. Live availability is shown on this page.
