Step into the stories of USS Constitution, America’s Ship of State.
Through hands-on exhibits, rare artifacts, personal stories, artwork, and photography, visitors of all ages can explore the people and enduring legacy behind “Old Ironsides.”
Special Exhibits
Exploring Old Ironsides: New Perspectives by Photographer Greg M. Cooper
See America’s Ship of State through a fresh lens. This special photography exhibition features striking large-scale images by Boston-based photographer Greg M. Cooper, who has spent more than 20 years capturing USS Constitution from rare and remarkable vantage points.
From sweeping views of the ship underway in Boston Harbor to close-up details revealed in dry dock, these photographs invite visitors to look again at a familiar icon. Discover the power, craftsmanship, and beauty of “Old Ironsides” in moments both grand and intimate, and experience the Ship from perspectives few people ever see.
Exploring Old Ironsides is presented by Yawkey Foundation.
Art of the Ship
Step into the Museum’s theater and see USS Constitution as artists have imagined, remembered, and celebrated her over time. Drawn from the USS Constitution Museum Collection, this exhibition brings together artwork depicting “Old Ironsides” and the powerful place she holds in America’s maritime story.
Through these works, visitors can explore how Constitution has inspired generations, from dramatic depictions of life at sea to artistic interpretations of America’s Ship of State.
Core Exhibits
“Old Ironsides” in War and Peace
Sail through three centuries of USS Constitution‘s history! From the ship’s construction and early beginnings in the fledgling United States Navy, to the highs and lows of battle in the War of 1812, to diplomatic voyages and continued preservation, see how “Old Ironsides” rose to fame as a national icon.
All Hands on Deck: A Sailor’s Life in 1812
Join USS Constitution’s 1812 crew and set sail on a voyage of discovery for the whole family! Meet your fellow sailors and try your hand at everything from scrubbing the decks to balancing aloft to furl a sail.
Along the way, you’ll follow the stories of real Constitution sailors and their families back home. These personal stories, uncovered through decades of research pouring over census records, memoirs, diaries, journals, letters, newspapers, and pension records, are brought to life through personal narratives, artifacts, and interactive displays. All Hands on Deck more than just learning about history—it’s a chance to connect with it.
