Where is the original copy of the US Constitution kept?

Asked by: Miss Carlotta McKenzie  |  Last update: February 5, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (62 votes)

The original U.S. Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, is permanently housed and on public display in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom at the National Archives Museum, located at 701 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. These foundational documents are preserved in state-of-the-art encasements and are accessible to the public daily.

Where do they keep the original copy of the Constitution?

The National Archives in Washington, DC. National Archives Museum.

Where can you find the original U.S. Constitution?

All four pages of the document are on permanent display at the National Archives.

Where is the original U.S. Constitution currently displayed?

The four-page Constitution and the original Bill of Rights will be surrounded by 17 Constitutional amendments, filling the Rotunda at the National Archives in Washington, DC in a dramatic and highly visual display.

How many original copies of the Constitution still exist?

Washington, D.C. There are 12 remaining complete final printings (and one incomplete) of the Constitution known to exist (Evans 20818).

Full US Constitution to Go on Display for First Time Ever

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How much does an original copy of the Constitution cost?

First-edition copy of US Constitution sells for record $43.2 million. Editor's Note: This article was updated with the final sale price and other details following the auction's conclusion.

Is God mentioned in the US Constitution?

No, the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly mention God, Jesus, or Christianity; its framework is secular, focusing on governmental structure, though it mentions "religion" in the First Amendment to protect religious freedom and prohibit an established religion. The only divine reference is in the signing date, "in the Year of our Lord," a common phrase of the era, not a theological statement, notes TCU Magazine.
 

Where can I get a physical copy of the U.S. Constitution?

To learn more about the Constitution — the people, the events, the landmark cases — order a copy of “The U.S. Constitution & Fascinating Facts About It” today! Call to order: 1-800-887-6661 or order pocket constitution books online.

Where is the real Declaration of Independence kept?

After the war it was returned to the Library of Congress and today can be seen on display in the rotunda of the National Archives. The dimly lit hall at the National Archive where the Charters of Freedom, the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence, are displayed. Washington, D.C.

How much does it cost to see the original Declaration of Independence?

Entry to the National Archives is free.

Where can I get a free copy of the US Constitution?

You can get a free copy of the U.S. Constitution from organizations like Hillsdale College and First Liberty Institute, or view and download it online from official sources like the National Archives and Congress.gov. Many sites offer pocket-sized versions for easy carrying, while others provide printable PDFs and interactive resources.
 

Did the original Constitution say anything about slavery?

The Constitution of the United States as it was drafted and sent for ratification in 1787 did not contain the word “slave”, but slavery had been a fiercely debated topic during the Constitutional Convention and the document contained references and protections for enslavement across its parchment pages.

What is the difference between the Constitution of 1951 and 1954?

the Macpherson Constitution of 1951 gave some legislative powers to the Regions under central control; in 1954, the Lyttleton Constitution introduced true federalism with division of legislative powers between the centre and the regions; in 1957, self government was granted to the Eastern and Western Regions, etc.

Which is the no. 1 Constitution in the world?

The Indian constitution is the world's longest for a sovereign nation. At its enactment, it had 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules. At about 145,000 words, it is the second-longest active constitution—after the Constitution of Alabama—in the world.

Does the original US Constitution still exist?

Located on the upper level of the National Archives, the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom is the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights.

Is the Declaration of Independence really stored in a vault?

This is a good time to know where we keep the Charters of Freedom, which is the collective name for the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. When these aren't on display at the National Archives building, they are underground in an bomb-proof vault.

What happened to the original copy of the Declaration of Independence?

The signed copy of the Declaration, engrossed by Timothy Matlack in July 1776 and now badly faded, is displayed in the Charters of Freedom rotunda at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

How much jail time for stealing the Declaration of Independence?

18 U.S.C. 668 (THEFT OF MAJOR ARTWORK) – “A person who steals or obtains by fraud from the care, custody, or control of a 'museum' any 'object of cultural heritage'… shall be fined [up to $250,000], imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.” 18 U.S.C.

How much is an original Declaration of Independence worth?

Probably the most common question we get in the Americana department is “I found an original copy of the Declaration of Independence—is it worth anything?” The short answer: it's worth somewhere between zero and ten million dollars.

Where is the real copy of the Constitution?

Note: The following text is a transcription of the Constitution as it was inscribed by Jacob Shallus on parchment (the document on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum). The spelling and punctuation reflect the original.

What did Albert Einstein say about Jesus?

Though Jewish, Albert Einstein expressed deep admiration for Jesus Christ, calling him a "luminous figure" whose personality "pulsates in every word" of the Gospels, acknowledging Jesus's historical existence and his profound, "divine" teachings, even if some sayings echoed earlier prophets, while advocating for a purified Christianity stripped of priestly dogma, focusing on Jesus's ethical message for humanity.
 

Did all 613 laws come from God?

Yes, the 613 mitzvot (commandments) in Judaism are traditionally considered to have been given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai, forming the core of the Torah, though the Bible doesn't explicitly state the number 613; Jewish tradition, particularly Maimonides' work, compiled and enumerated them from the texts of the Torah, with the Ten Commandments serving as a summary of these broader laws. The exact list and interpretation vary, with some laws being ceremonial, moral, or judicial, and not all are applicable today. 

What did Benjamin Franklin say about Jesus?

Benjamin Franklin admired Jesus's moral teachings, calling His system "the best the world ever saw," but had doubts about His divinity, though he didn't dogmatize on the matter, focusing instead on Jesus's ethics of doing good as exemplified in his own 13 virtues, blending classical wisdom with Christian principles for a practical, virtuous life. He valued the actions and morals of Jesus (like humility) over strict dogma, seeing revealed religion as less important than virtuous conduct for societal good.