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Interactive museum near the 1797 wooden frigate made famous as "Old Ironsides" in the War of 1812.

At a glance

#1 of 6 Historical landmarks in Charlestown #1 of 6 Tourist attractions in Charlestown

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.70

0.2 km from the center of Charlestown

Rating breakdown

  • 5 ★78%
  • 4 ★17%
  • 3 ★4%
  • 2 ★1%
  • 1 ★1%

What reviewers talk about

Share of 16 recent reviews that mention each topic.

  • Price & value31%
  • Service & staff25%
  • Location13%
  • Waiting & crowds6%
  • Cleanliness6%
Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA 02129
USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown – photo 1
USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown – photo 2
USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown – photo 3
USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown – photo 4
USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown – photo 5
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USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown – photo 9
USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown – photo 10
USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown – photo 11
USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown – photo 12

Quick facts

What is the rating of USS Constitution Museum?
USS Constitution Museum is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 13,989 reviews.
How does USS Constitution Museum rank in Charlestown?
USS Constitution Museum is #1 of 6 Historical landmarks in Charlestown by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is USS Constitution Museum located?
Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA 02129 — 0.2 km from the center of Charlestown.
What do visitors mention most about USS Constitution Museum?
Most often: price & value, service & staff, location (from 16 recent reviews).
How can I contact USS Constitution Museum?
Phone: (617) 426-1812 · Website: ussconstitutionmuseum.org
YK Zhou
The USS Constitution is a great historical site to visit! I was glad we could go inside. The museum was very good. It had great hands on exhibits and a great place to take you kids to or go there in general. The museum had a cool scavenger hunt, my kid loved it. P.S closed on Monday and Tuesday due to maintenance.
Daniel Borg Said (Dias)
I really enjoyed the history and the effort it takes to maintain its seaworthiness. You need around 30-45mins to go around the shop and read the very brief and interesting information cards.
It's completely free to visit the ship.

Unexpectedly I enjoyed the Museum even more! An average donation for adults is 10-15$. This is a very interactive museum which does a great job of making understanding ship building and running interesting and immersive! Great for children and adults alike!
Joe Heerdink
I did not know I could have learned so much about a US Naval Ship, but I did and it was great. If you are ever in the area check out the museum and then check out the USS Constitution. What a beautiful ship. Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy and is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat. Totally worth the time. We took a ferry from Long Wharf, what a fun trip.
Santico Valenzuela
My visit to the USS Constitution Museum was an absolutely unforgettable experience that left me in awe of both the ship's storied history and the incredible dedication of those who have preserved it for future generations.

From the moment I stepped foot into the museum, I was transported back in time to an era of adventure, bravery, and naval prowess. The museum's exhibits are meticulously curated, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of the USS Constitution, fondly known as "Old Ironsides."

One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the meticulously reconstructed decks of the ship itself. Walking in the footsteps of sailors who served aboard this legendary vessel, I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the history that surrounded me. From the towering masts to the intricate rigging, every detail served as a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of those who sailed her.

The museum's interactive exhibits further brought the USS Constitution's story to life, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the challenges and triumphs of life at sea. Whether manning the cannons, hoisting the sails, or navigating through treacherous waters, I found myself fully immersed in the excitement and adventure of naval warfare.

But perhaps what impressed me most was the passion and dedication of the museum staff and volunteers. Their knowledge and enthusiasm were infectious, as they shared captivating stories and insights that deepened my appreciation for the ship and its place in history. Their commitment to preserving the legacy of the USS Constitution is truly commendable and made my visit all the more memorable.

My visit to the USS Constitution Museum was an enriching and inspiring experience that left me with a newfound appreciation for America's maritime heritage. Whether you're a history buff, a naval enthusiast, or simply someone looking for an engaging and educational outing, I cannot recommend this museum highly enough. Prepare to be transported on a journey through time aboard one of the most iconic ships in American history – it's an experience you won't soon forget.
Leandro Wanderley Couto da Silva
This beautiful ship today is a free museum for those who like to know a little more about history. Located in Boston, being one of the points of the famous Freedom Trail.

It is possible to get on the boat and have the feeling of what the travels were like at that time, as well as understanding a little about how it was used during the American War.

USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. It is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat.

It was launched in 1797, one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed.

The name "Constitution" was among ten names submitted to President George Washington by Secretary of War Timothy Pickering in March of 1795 for the frigates that were to be constructed.
Mugdho Aosaf
There history is reflected quite well with visual and audio artefacts and guides. Plus it had practicality to explain about canon firing and wooden deck. Lastly, there is this Goat too. Definitely worth a visit to learn about US history, naval ship history and the battles of the past. The staffs are super friendly and helped me add to my penny press collection by providing the change.
Kelly Liptrap
Great small museum but packed full of information. Lots of interesting facts about being a sailor at the time of the USS Constitution what it took to build the ship. And the opportunity to board the ship. Be sure to have your photo ID if you want to board the vessel.
Zimra Sawyer
As adults we had an excellent time at this Hands-On museum. The interactive exhibits are really nice we had an enjoyable time and we learned a lot. Deep down inside me and my friends are just little children. The tour of the boat was nice, wish there was just a little bit more time for photos on the ship.
Spring Preble
Had to stop by and see the ship my 3rd cousin 8x removed commanded, Edward Preble. We loved it. It was a quite crowded day, entry was free.
Alex Chernyaev
I really have enjoyed this museum. You can first see the original ship and then come here and learn the whole history and experience the life of a sailor back two hundred years ago. The exhibition itself is pretty informative and interactive. You can find a lot of information here. also they have nice and clean restroom. One more good point is that there is no admission and you can get inside for free, it is actually donation-based but you can leave as much money as you want to, no pressure
Florida 40
The USS Constitution is America's first Navy Ship. The museum works on donations and they request $15-20 dollars for the entrance. After a full day touring Boston, we arrived close to 5pm when the museum was closing. We were asked to pay the full amount. Shortly after, another staff member came to the front and started greeting people as they walked into the lobby. He was also letting them know the museum worked on donations and to please donate any amount they were comfortable with paying. There is also a putt putt golf game in front of the building working fully on donations also. Pretty cool.
Roberta Kaub
The ship is something I had to see. It was on my bucket list! The museum is wonderful and only asks for a small donation. I would do the museum before seeing the ship so a person can imagine sailor life and survival intensity. Please also admire the dry dock next to it. I've never seen one 😳 very cool!
Lexi Haddock
Really interactive and fun museum! We enjoyed getting a hands on experience learning about building of the USS Constitution, the history of what life was like for the sailors on it, and the history of the ship’s battles. It was informational, educational, and entertaining.

Very family friendly. You can touch and interact with many of the exhibits.

There’s also a mini golf right in front of the entrance.

Entrance fee is a suggested donation.
Deborah Eckdahl
100% worth the time. It makes you feel so proud of our country. You don’t always realize how lucky we are to be US citizens. And when you see the proud history of these brave men and women who founded our country and the civility, they had towards each other and against the so-called enemies, instead of like today, tearing each other apart, it makes you long for some civility of times past
Mindi Stavish (Simply Stavish)
My sons loved exploring the museum and the ship. By donation only so I felt it was well worth the time. The water front area was pretty even though we went on a super foggy, overcast afternoon. Fun gift shop as well!

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