national archives museum guided tour

Visiting the National Archives Building & Museum in Washington, DC

This historic museum near dc's national mall is where you can see america’s founding documents..

The Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, have opened for viewing of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights with limited capacity from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Reserve timed entry tickets on Recreation.gov. The reopening of the Rotunda and its continued operation will be contingent on local public health metrics remaining below targets for safe reopening.

What and where is the National Archives Building & Museum?

The National Archives & Records Administration Building and Museum is located on Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th and 9th Streets, just north of the National Mall . The building houses both a museum and the National Archives and Records Administration, which is responsible for federal records deemed to be of historical importance.

National Archives & Records Administration

The National Archives Building is home to more than three billion records in total, including the three most important documents in American history: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These can be viewed in the building’s Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom.

The museum is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Its hours are 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., seven days a week. Admission is always free.

The easiest way to reach the National Archives is via Metrorail  or the DC Circulator . The closest Metro stop is Archives – Navy Memorial – Penn Quarter on the Green and Yellow lines. The DC Circulator’s National Mall route will take you near the building, making it easy to continue your exploration of the National Mall afterwards. The facility is handicap accessible.

What’s inside the National Archives?

The National Archives features distinct areas that all serve a different purpose in illuminating American history through vital documents.

The aforementioned Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom enjoys the most attention, and for good reason. The semicircular room contains the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The exhibition surrounding the charters highlights the composition and continuing significance of each document.

The David M. Rubenstein Gallery is home to Records of Rights , which features numerous Archives documents and a 17-foot touch screen to summarize American debate around essential issues such as citizenship, voting rights, equal opportunity, free speech and more. The highlight of the gallery is one of four surviving originals of the 1297 Magna Carta.

The Public Vaults take you deeper into the Archives’ records. At any given time, more than 1,000 documents are on display, indicating the incredible breadth of American democracy. Each vault is themed based on words from the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, which is only fitting. The exhibit has also added an interactive element to take you even closer to the country’s history.

Beyond its myriad exhibits and historical documents, the National Archives Museum also features the William G. McGowan Theater , a 290-seat venue that often hosts documentary films and forum discussions. You can also educate and entertain the next generation in the Boeing Learning Center , which offers hands-on activities relating to Archive materials. Last but not least, the National Archives Store is a great spot to pick up American memorabilia and souvenirs to take home with you.

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Guided Tour of the National Archives Museum in Washington DC

Explore the Most Important Documents in US History on This Two Hour Tour of the National Archives Museum in DC

• • Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights & More
• • Explore Exhibits With an Expert Local Guide
• • One of the Most Fascinating Museums in DC

Why We Love This Unique Experience

Washington DC Experience Gifts: If historic documents, bills, proclamations and declarations are your thing, the DC National Archives Museum Tour is for you! An impressive collection of the most important papers in US history is housed within the museum, including the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the United States Constitution and lots more. Although holding documents dating as far back as the 13th century, the stunning Classical Revival building was only completed in the 1930s, and now showcases over 19,000 square feet of public display space. Join an expert local guide and explore the incredible exhibits; a fantastic experience for your next DC vacation or a great gift idea for history fans!

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Experience overview:.

The National Archives will introduce you to the original paperwork that formed the United States of America. This 1.5 - 2 hour semi-private guided tour will welcome up to 8 people to come face to face with the seemingly humble documentation that gave birth to the most powerful nation in the world.

Step through the doors of this majestic neoclassical building, considered a temple to American history. Follow your guide, starting at the National Archives Rotunda, to learn about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution while standing in front of the perfectly-preserved documents from the 17th and 18th centuries. Alongside the Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers, they all feature the signatures of world-famous statesmen like Alexander Hamilton. Next, in the Public Vaults Exhibits, letters written by presidents including George Washington and John F. Kennedy are on display. The United States’ turbulent racial past comes alive while learning about the Emancipation Proclamation, which helped end slavery in the 19th century. More recent papers, like a citation issued to civil rights activist Rosa Parks, illustrates how long these racial issues lasted. Finally, in the Rubenstein Gallery, examine even older documents like the Magna Carta of 1297. Although it was written well before the Americas were even discovered by Europeans, it heavily influenced many of the other artefacts you’ll see in the National Archives.

Highlights Generally Include: (but not limited to)

• Declaration of Independence
• United States Constitution
• Bill of Rights
• Magna Carta of 1297
• Handwritten George Washington letter
• Petition signed by citizens advocating abolishment of slavery
• Citation issued to Rosa Parks
• Letters written by Alexander Hamilton

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Activity FAQs

Are the tours in english?

Yes, all our tours are led by professional English speaking tour guides.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Whether it rains, snows or shines, we run our tours. We advise you to be dressed accordingly to the weather. Check the forecast before coming out of the hotel. And wear comfortable shoes.

Details & Important Info

Additional experience details & important information.

IMPORTANT Before you go:

• Please arrive at the designated meeting point 10 minutes prior to your tour start time. Please note : All latecomers risk missing the tour .
• We ask that all guests bring identification (with age indicated).
• Please do not bring any oversized bags, or personal items larger than a small backpack
• This tour runs everyday rains or shine, please dress accordingly
• This is a tour of the permanent collection only

Cancellations & Refunds

Reservation changes, cancellations & refunds.

Changes to reservations for tickets can be made until 2 days prior to the date scheduled. Reservations may be re-scheduled by the operator of the activity due to reasons such as weather, minimum participation requirements, mechanical issues or other interruptions beyond their control.

All gift certificate sales are final and not refundable. Gift certificates can only be exchanged prior to redemption.

A full list of terms of sale of tickets and certificates can be viewed here .

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The capital of the United States, the playground of politicians and presidents, is just as enticing for tourists who want to experience a slice of American history. Our English speaking guides organize private and small group tours to the city’s most important institutions, like the National Museum of American History and the Air and Space Museum. Rub elbows with Senators as you stroll the historic monuments on the Mall and learn about the iconic figures buried at Arlington National Cemetery. At Babylon Tours, our engaging guides want to make it clear that D.C. isn’t just for the fat cats on Capitol Hill – it’s also yours to explore.

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DC National Archives Museum Tour

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Self-Guided Timed Entry

National Archives

The Rotunda and all galleries of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, are open for viewing of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights; The Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery, featuring Power & Light: Russell Lee's Coal Survey ; and the David M. Rubenstein Gallery, featuring Records of Rights . 

• Entry to the National Archives is free. If you choose to reserve a self-guided timed ticket, a non-refundable $1.00 advance reservation convenience fee will be charged for each ticket. Changes are allowed on a ticket order at no additional charge. If you cancel, reservation fees are non-refundable. 
• Want to skip the public line? Timed entry tickets are available for entry times from 10:15am to 4:30pm . Timed entry ends at 4:30pm to afford our visitors enough time to experience the Rotunda before the exhibit closes promptly at 5:30pm. Persons arriving after their scheduled ticket time are not guaranteed admission to the museum.

Personal and other information collected through recreation.gov will be shared with NARA's support partner, the National Archives Foundation, in order to conduct outreach and enhance the visitor experience. If you do not want your personal and other information shared with the Foundation, please email [email protected] .  

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

The National Archives Museum is located at 701 Constitution Avenue, NW [between 7th & 9th Streets] Washington, DC 20408. There is limited, metered parking available on various streets around the National Archives Museum, but use of the Metro (Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Green/Yellow Lines) is strongly suggested.

• Your reservation confirmation email (digital or printed) acts as your ticket .
• Plan to arrive at the entrance at least 10 minutes prior to your reservation time. Include all members of your party in the reservation, regardless of age.  
• Visitors are subject to security screening.  

Entry to the National Archives is free. However, a nonrefundable $1 advance reservation service fee applies to each timed entry reservation. There are NO REFUNDS on any ticket orders. When the Archives is unexpectedly closed due to special events, national security concerns, or for other reasons, it will NOT be able to refund any money. In the event of a cancellation, attempts will be made to inform you of the closure and re-book your tickets to another date, or you may choose to modify your reservation on your own before the scheduled time, provided tickets are available at the new date and time.

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National Archives News

National Archives’ NATO Treaty Tours DC

By Cara Moore Lebonick | National Archives News

The North Atlantic Treaty on display in the Mellon Auditorium. National Archives photo by Stephanie Loden.

The North Atlantic Treaty on display at the Congressional Reception. National Archives photo by Stephanie Loden.

Participants in the National Archives’ education initiative “Civics for All of US” look at the North Atlantic Treaty, which established the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, at the Rotunda on June 25. National Archives photo by Susana Raab.

WASHINGTON, August 30, 2024 — In honor of the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the National Archives and the U.S. Department of State have partnered to loan the North Atlantic Treaty to the Department of State National Museum of American Diplomacy through September 26. The treaty had also traveled to NATO Headquarters in Brussels for the anniversary celebration in April and was on display throughout Washington, DC, over the summer.

Also known as the Washington Treaty—for its signing in Washington, DC, on April 4,1949—the document established NATO. The original treaty has been held by the National Archives since 1999. 

Extensive effort was needed to plan the tour, since Archives staff must accompany the Washington Treaty at every stop. Registrars, exhibits conservators, and archivists all took part during various portions of the DC tour. Staff completed proper loan and possession procedures to ensure that the whereabouts of the record (called “chain of custody") would be recorded and thoroughly inspected the artifact’s conditions before releasing it for loan. In addition, a special display case had to be constructed.

Essential support for the display, including monitoring the document and its visitors, during the NATO summit, held in Washington, DC, July 9–11, was provided by NARA staff. NATO summits bring together heads of state and government a central platform to discuss relevant issues facing the Alliance.

“We got asked, ‘Is that the real thing?’ the most over the days of the summit,” said Karen Hibbitt, registrar for the National Archives. “All of this is here, NATO is here, because of this [document]. NATO exists because of this.”

NATO Treaty 2024 Tour Schedule

• May 9: NATO Conference of Commandants Dinner hosted by National Defense University
• May 10–July 8: National Archives Rotunda Galleries 
• July 8: United States Capitol, Congressional Reception for NATO Parliamentary Leaders
• July 9: Display for the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 NATO Summit at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium
• July 11: Washington Convention Center for the NATO Summit’s International Media Center
• July 12–31: National Archives Rotunda Galleries
• August 1–September 26: Department of State National Museum of American Diplomacy

Normally, the treaty is stored in the vault at the National Archives at Washington, DC. As the safety of the document is paramount, Archives staff ensured that the chain of custody was properly maintained from the vault to the exhibit locations.The National Archives followed all required protocols to share this important treaty with the public while preserving it for future generations. 

“While this may be a new adventure for the NATO treaty being on display, this is a standard process for giving public access to our holdings, even those from the vault,” said Joshua Mason, an archivist at the National Archives at Washington, DC.

“Our diligence in the preservation, handling, transportation, exhibition, and security standards is what allows the National Archives to engage in public events and shows the public that we have prominent holdings from treaties to public laws, as well as those on permanent display," added Dong Eun Kim, exhibits conservator. 

The treaty is currently on temporary display at the Department of State National Museum of American Diplomacy as part of the exhibit The Road to NATO: Building the Transatlantic Alliance . It will be featured until September 26 alongside other NATO-related documents and artifacts.

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VDNKh: the Renowned Exhibition Park

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Moscow has many parks, from the great forest parks towards the edge of the city, to Gorky Park and historic aristocratic estates. But VDNKh - the “Exhibition of National Economic Achievements” is absolutely unique.

The magic starts as you approach the park - with the futuristic Space monument and Cosmos Hotel, and Vera Mukhina’s giant steel statue of the Factory Worker and Collective Farmer, designed as the Soviet contribution to the 1937 World’s Fair in Paris. And then, when you pass through the huge central gates into the park itself, you find yourself in a different world - a complete "city" of extravagant monuments, pavilions and fountains, in every imaginable style, separated by wide open squares and broad avenues.

The park first opened in 1939 as an agricultural exhibition center, built to show off the achievements of Soviet farming to the urban population. It quickly became very popular, but it was closed during the Great Patriotic War. In the 1950s work started again on a more ambitious scale: it became a huge fantasy park celebrating the many diverse cultures of the Soviet Union’s sixteen Republics and the life of its people - the industries where they worked and the agriculture that put food on their plates. It attracted visitors from all over the Soviet Union, and became a hugely popular meeting place for Muscovites of all ages. 

Over the decades new pavilions were added, and many were redesigned, and the result is an eclectic mixture of Stalinist neo-Gothic buildings with golden spires, neoclassical gateways and startling modernist constructions from the 1960s and 1970s, huge statues, elaborate fountains and themed pavilions in a wide range of exotic styles.

In the 1990s, this grand Soviet project went through hard times and a lot of the pavilions fell into disrepair, but in recent years it has been restored to its former grandeur. New attractions have also been added, bringing this historic park into the 21 st century without destroying its unique atmosphere.

 In our program:

• You will explore the park - a real open-air architecture museum: dozens of unique pavilions, monuments and attractions, the Vostok rocket and the Buran Space Shuttle, the famous Fountain of the Friendship of Peoples, with its 16 larger than life golden statues, and much much more.
• You will hear fascinating stories about the designers and the construction process, and how the park has changed over the decades - a process that is still continuing.

There are a number of possible routes around the park - the exact route will depend on the time of year and your tastes. At the end of the tour you will have time to explore some of the park’s exhibits and attractions - the unique Buran space shuttle, the Virtual Reality entertainment center, the Oceanarium, and the historic pavilions, or relax in one of the many cafes.

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Meeting point We'll pick you up at your hotel

Main parkway

Overview Square of Industry

The Friendship of Peoples Fountain

The Stone Flower Fountain

Overview of the pavilions

End of tour

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• Excursion VDNKh: the Renowned Exhibition Park
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