Attraction
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Boston's encyclopaedic art museum on Huntington Avenue in the Fenway, with collections ranging from ancient Nubia and Japan to American art and late evening opening on…
USS Constitution Museum
A non-profit museum in the Charlestown Navy Yard telling the story of USS Constitution, the US Navy's oldest commissioned warship, which is moored alongside and free to board.
At a glance
- Type
- Maritime museum
- Area
- Charlestown, Boston, United States
- Opening
- Open daily · 09:30–17:00
- Official site
- ussconstitutionmuseum.org
Good to know
- Pay-what-you-can admission
- Free ship visits
- Family-friendly exhibits
- Museum store
Why we recommend it
USS Constitution, nicknamed Old Ironsides, is the oldest commissioned warship in the US Navy, and she is moored in the Charlestown Navy Yard, one of the last stops on the Freedom Trail. Beside her, in a restored shipyard building at the foot of Pier 2, the USS Constitution Museum tells the story of the ship and the people who designed, built and sailed her. The museum was founded in 1972 and is a private non-profit organisation, run separately from the ship, which belongs to the Navy. The Navy Yard is part of Boston National Historical Park.
Visiting both gives the fullest picture. In the museum, Old Ironsides in War and Peace covers the ship's construction, her fame in the War of 1812 and the work that has kept her afloat. All Hands On Deck is an all-ages exhibit about everyday life at sea during that war, and is designed with children in mind. Other galleries look at the causes and consequences of the war and at the battle between Constitution and HMS Java.
The museum is open every day from 9:30am to 5pm, closing on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day, and early on Christmas Eve. Admission works on a suggested, pay-what-you-can basis, with standard, reduced and pay-it-forward levels. The ship itself is free to visit on a first-come, first-served basis from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, and is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Boarding the ship involves a security check. Adults need a federal or state photo ID such as a driving licence or passport, and everyone is screened, so expect to remove jackets, belts, watches and bags. Under-18s do not need ID but still go through screening. Travel light to keep things simple, and allow around two hours for the museum and ship together.
This is a good stop for families, history enthusiasts and anyone walking the full Freedom Trail, since Bunker Hill Monument, the trail's final site, is also in Charlestown. The museum's directions and parking page sets out the options for getting there, and the museum store is worth a look for books on naval history. Pick a dry day if you can, since time on the ship's open deck is part of the visit.
USS Constitution Museum FAQs
When is the museum open?
Every day from 9:30am to 5pm, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. It closes at 2pm on 24 December.
When can you board USS Constitution?
The ship is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm and is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Does it cost anything?
Boarding the ship is free. Museum admission is pay-what-you-can, with suggested standard, reduced and pay-it-forward levels.
Do you need ID to board the ship?
Yes. Visitors aged 18 and over need a federal or state photo ID, and everyone goes through a security screening.
Who runs the ship and the museum?
The ship is owned by the US Navy, and the museum is a private non-profit run separately.
Is it good for children?
Yes. The All Hands On Deck exhibit is designed for all ages and explores life at sea in the War of 1812.
How long should you allow?
Around two hours for the museum and ship together.
What is nearby?
Bunker Hill Monument, the final Freedom Trail site, is also in Charlestown.