National Liberty Museum Presents "Free Speech: Our Right, Our Responsibility"
Now On View
Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right. At Free Speech: Our Right, Our Responsibility, immerse yourself in the idea of free speech — a cornerstone of our society. This exhibition is the first in a series of three to mark the National Liberty Museum’s Year of Free Speech, opening September 13.
Discover the historical and philosophical roots of free speech. Explore the complexities inherent in free speech across time. Reflect on the vital role of free speech in shaping our shared future. The exhibition traces the roots of free speech to demonstrate how this right fosters robust civil discourse, fueling the quest for truth and societal progress — and how it challenges each of us to navigate these freedoms with commitment and care.
Visitors will also explore how free speech can be a contentious and polarizing topic in an era of loud voices, online cancel culture and campus protests — and what challenges accompany this essential freedom. Plan your visit today, and engage in our shared responsibility to understand and foster a culture of free speech. Free Speech: Our Right. Our Responsibility. is one of three exhibitions celebrating the Year of Free Speech hosted by the National Liberty Museum.
Through this year, our exhibitions will examine: the power of speech and free expression to promote freedom and equality, the challenges of censorship and social moderation, and free speech in a changing communication landscape. Topics will include school book bans, free speech on college campuses, and free speech online. The exhibitions will fuse historical content, contemporary art, multimedia elements, and interactives to promote discovery and dialogue.
Visitors should look forward to thinking about free speech differently and deepening their understanding of this fundamental right.
To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, NLM will host events including:
NLM Celebrates: CollegeFest on Saturday, September 14-Sunday, September 15, featuring free admission for new and returning college students in the Philadelphia region as part of Campus Philly’s annual weekend-long celebration
NLM Celebrates: PARK(ing) Day on Friday, September 20, featuring an outdoor pop-up experience in front of the Museum and pay-what-you-wish admission as part of Philadelphia’s city-wide PARK(ing) Day event
Free Speech: Our Right, Our Responsibility Community Open House on Saturday, October 26, featuring pay-what-you-wish admission and creative activities for all ages
Advisors
Will Creeley
Debi Ghate
Amna Khalid
Kasey Meehan
Crystal Patterson
Nadine Strossen
Jonathan Zimmerman
Shop This Exhibition
With a great selection of local art and Philadelphia-inspired merchandise, don’t miss out on items you won’t find anywhere else!s.
Shop This Exhibition
