The National Archives in the United States has publicly displayed the complete United States Constitution for the first time, including all 27 amendments.
“This has never happened before, so it’s very exciting, and the exhibition will only last for two weeks,” said Jessie Kratz, a historian at the National Archives and the curator of the exhibition, to The Epoch Times.
Visitors can view these documents in the Circular Gallery of the Archives Building at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., from September 16 to October 1.
The exhibition also includes the fifth page of the Constitution, known as the “transmittal page,” which explains the approval process of the states’ formation and was signed by George Washington, who served as the president of the Constitutional Convention at that time.
The curator scheduled the opening of the exhibition on September 17, the day before “Constitution Day” in the United States.
While the original copy of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights have been on display at the Archives, the fifth page and an additional 17 amendments were usually kept in storage for preservation purposes.
Kratz stated, “We hope to share all of this with the American people.”
According to the curator, most documents are typically exhibited for only one year within a ten-year period.
The exhibition is free to enter, but space is limited, and the demand for viewing is high. Those interested in visiting can reserve timed-entry tickets for daily slots from 10 am to 5:30 pm. To accommodate visitors, the gallery will extend its hours until 7 pm on weekends, specifically on September 20-21 and September 27-28.
One of the first visitors to see the complete Constitution included two brothers from Newcastle, Indiana, along with many young students.
Chris Davis, 41, shared his excitement in an interview with The Epoch Times, stating, “I think this is incredible, especially with so many children here who can experience this firsthand.”
He encouraged everyone with the opportunity to visit the National Archives, saying, “It’s definitely one of the top three things you should do in your lifetime. If you can come here and fully experience this important opportunity to understand your country’s history, many things we won’t repeat.”
He expressed joy in sharing the experience with his brother, both having a special love for American history.
Donald Williams, 38, also interviewed by The Epoch Times, remarked, “Seeing all these documents on display in full feels a bit surreal.”
He took note of the various measures taken to preserve the documents, including low lighting, humidity and temperature control, and multi-layered security, saying, “It really gives me peace of mind.”
He mentioned that his viewpoints were influenced by his four-year service in the U.S. military.
“These documents were protected by many who paid the ultimate price,” Williams stated, pointing out the thousands buried in Arlington National Cemetery who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
“Freedom is not free. It comes at a cost, and many times it’s paid in blood. Those men and women who ultimately sacrificed their lives should be remembered because they fought and died for the ideals on these documents.”
For those unable to visit Washington, the exhibition can also be viewed online.
The display of the Constitution marks the beginning of the celebrations for the “US 250th Anniversary,” with the peak scheduled for July 4, 2026.
The Archives also plan to host other events, including the historic reopening exhibition, “The American Story,” on October 23.
This 10,000-square-foot interactive experience will feature 50 original documents and artifacts, many of which have never been publicly displayed before.
One of the highlights includes a copy of the Constitution with handwritten annotations by George Washington.
Two new permanent exhibitions – “Emancipation Proclamation” and the 19th Amendment – are set to open in spring 2026.
Subsequently, related celebrations will officially kick off in June 2026, with a three-day festival featuring live music performances, historical reenactments, and entertainment activities suitable for all ages.