See the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights at the National Archives Museum in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
1-2 Hours
Spring, Fall
Free
Overview
If you are planning a trip to Washington, D.C., the National Archives Museum is one of those stops that deserves a place on your itinerary. Located along Constitution Avenue near the National Mall, the National Archives is home to some of the most important documents in American history, including the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Stepping into the Rotunda of the National Archives Building and seeing these vital documents in person is an experience that makes the history of the United States feel much more real. Beyond the famous founding documents, the museum also explores voting rights, free speech, equal opportunity, military records, federal records, and the many ways Americans have debated essential issues throughout the country’s history.
The National Archives was created to solve a very practical problem: the federal government’s records needed a secure, permanent place where they could be preserved and made available to the public. Before the National Archives existed, federal records were scattered among basements, attics, abandoned buildings, and other storage spaces. Congress authorized construction of a National Archives building in the Public Buildings Act of 1926, and architect John Russell Pope was selected to design the monumental structure. Construction began in 1931, and President Herbert Hoover laid the cornerstone in 1933. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation establishing the National Archives as an independent agency in 1934. The building was completed in the mid-1930s, and the first federal records began arriving soon afterward.
The building itself is an impressive piece of Washington, D.C., architecture. Designed with massive Corinthian columns, monumental sculptures, bronze doors, and specially engineered archival spaces, it was created to protect the country’s records for generations. The founding documents eventually arrived at the National Archives in the 1950s. Today, the building continues to serve as both a federal repository and a public museum, and the National Archives Building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2023.
Walking up to the National Archives building
We loved the detail on all of the historic buildings
The National Archives Plan
When we were planning our time in Washington, D.C., we wanted to see as much of the city as possible, so we made a point of including the National Archives Museum on our sightseeing list. With the White House, U.S. Capitol, National Mall, Library of Congress, and other Washington landmarks competing for our attention, it would have been easy to skip a museum that focuses primarily on historical documents. But the chance to see the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights was too good to pass up. Since the National Archives is conveniently located near the National Mall and other downtown attractions, it also made sense as part of a full day of exploring Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Constitution
The Bill of Rights and the The Ten Commandments
Getting There
Location
Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States and sits along the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. The city is filled with monuments, museums, government buildings, memorials, and historic sites, making it an especially easy destination for a history-focused vacation. The National Archives is in downtown Washington, D.C., along Constitution Avenue in the Penn Quarter area, close to the National Mall and within walking distance of many of the city’s most recognizable attractions.
The National Archives Building is at 701 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20408, between 7th and 9th Streets. Its location along Constitution Avenue places it near the heart of the city’s major sightseeing area and just a short walk from Pennsylvania Avenue, the National Mall, and other important Washington landmarks.
Best Time to Go
Washington, D.C., can be visited throughout the year, but spring and fall are especially pleasant for sightseeing because temperatures are generally comfortable for walking between attractions. Spring can be particularly busy, however, and the National Archives notes that March, April, and May can have heavy visitor traffic. Thanksgiving weekend, the Fourth of July, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day can also bring longer entrance lines.
If your goal is to explore several Washington attractions in one day, I would plan the National Archives for earlier in the day and reserve a timed-entry ticket when possible. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The Magna Carta
The Declaration of Independence
The National Archives
Who Can Go?
The National Archives Museum is open to the general public, making it a great spot for families, history enthusiasts, students, visitors interested in American government, and anyone who wants to see the country’s most important documents. You do not have to be a researcher to visit the museum or view the founding documents.
The National Archives is also ADA accessible. Accessible entrances, elevators, and other services are available, and a limited number of manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Braille copies of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence are also available.
It is important to remember that the National Archives Museum is different from the National Archives research facilities. Researchers looking for federal records, military records, genealogical information, or other archival materials may need a research appointment and research card rather than a regular museum visit. The National Archives also operates facilities outside Washington, D.C., including its Archives II facility in College Park, Maryland.
What You'll See
The highlight of a visit is the Rotunda of the National Archives Building, where the nation’s founding documents are displayed. This semicircular room is home to the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights, collectively known as the Charters of Freedom. Seeing the actual documents rather than reproductions is what makes this stop so memorable.
The museum also features exhibits that explore how Americans have understood rights, government, and democracy throughout history. Depending on what is on display during your visit, you can explore historical documents, original artifacts, American memorabilia, and stories connected to subjects such as voting rights and free speech.
Permanent exhibitions currently include The Magna Carta & Records of Rights, The American Story, Discovery Center, and the Charters of Freedom. Temporary exhibitions change over time, so it is worth checking what will be on view when you are planning your trip.
One of the reasons I like the National Archives as a Washington, D.C., attraction is that the documents connect directly to so many other places you can visit around the city. After seeing the Constitution and Bill of Rights, a visit to the Capitol, White House, Library of Congress, or National Mall can add another layer to the American history you are seeing throughout the city.
Closer view of the Declaration of Independence
The outside of the National Archives
What to Bring & Wear
Because the National Archives is easy to combine with other Washington attractions, comfortable walking shoes are one of the most important things to bring. You may spend much of the day walking between museums, monuments, memorials, and historic buildings, so dress for the weather and plan accordingly.
Bring your phone or camera for photos where photography is permitted, along with a small bag containing the essentials you need for the day. Keep in mind that visitors must go through security, so avoid bringing unnecessary items that could slow down the entry process. If you are visiting during a busy season, bring weather-appropriate clothing because the National Archives notes that portions of the waiting area are outdoors.
Where to Go
The easiest way to reach the National Archives is by Metrorail. Take the Yellow or Green Lines to the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Station. The station is across Pennsylvania Avenue from the National Archives Building. Once you leave the station, you will need to walk around the building to reach the public entrance on the Constitution Avenue side.
The general public entrance is at Constitution Avenue and 9th Street, while a staffed wheelchair-accessible entrance is at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street. Metrobus service is also available along 7th Street near Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Avenue.
There is no dedicated visitor parking at the National Archives. Limited street parking is available, along with public parking garages within several blocks, but using public transportation can make trip planning much easier when you are already spending the day exploring downtown Washington, D.C.
How Long Does it Take?
The National Archives recommends allowing at least 90 minutes to visit the exhibit galleries.
For a quick visit focused primarily on the Rotunda and the Charters of Freedom, you could spend less time, but I would allow extra time if you want to explore the other exhibits and historical documents. If you are visiting during a busy period without a timed-entry ticket, remember that the wait to enter can sometimes reach an hour or more.
For our Washington, D.C., sightseeing plans, I would treat the National Archives as a 1.5- to 2-hour stop and then continue exploring nearby attractions.
Cost
Admission to the National Archives Museum is free. Visitors can walk in without a ticket, although the National Archives encourages visitors to reserve a free general admission ticket in advance. A $1 timed-entry ticket is also available for visitors who want to reserve a specific entry time and potentially avoid longer lines.
Entry tickets are especially useful during busy periods. Timed-entry slots are available every 15 minutes between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and visitors should arrive early enough to get through security before their scheduled time.
Tips for The National Archives
- Reserve your ticket ahead of time. General admission is free, but a reserved ticket can make your visit smoother.
- Consider a $1 timed-entry ticket if you are visiting during a busy season or have a packed Washington, D.C., itinerary.
- Go early in the day if you want to avoid some of the heavier crowds.
- Allow at least 90 minutes for the exhibit galleries and more if you enjoy reading historical documents.
- Don't rush the Rotunda. The original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights are the main reason many people visit.
- Look up at the Faulkner murals. Barry Faulkner painted two large murals for the Rotunda in the 1930s.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The National Archives is easy to combine with a full day of walking around the National Mall and downtown Washington.
- Check security requirements before you go. Everyone entering the museum must pass through security.
- Remember the holiday closures. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- Visit the National Archives Store before leaving if you want books, prints, stationery, apparel, accessories, or other items connected to American history.
- Check current exhibitions before your trip. Temporary galleries and programs can change, so look for further information when planning your visit.
- Don't confuse the museum with the research facilities. If you are researching family history, military records, federal records, or other archival materials, check the requirements for the research room and research appointments before arriving.
- Pair it with nearby attractions. The National Archives works well as part of a day that includes the National Mall, Pennsylvania Avenue, the Navy Memorial, the White House, or other Washington, D.C., landmarks.
- Give yourself extra time during peak periods. March through May, public holidays, Thanksgiving weekend, and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day can be particularly busy.