Combo: National Archives + Museum of American History Tour - Private
About this activity
Private 5.5-hour guided National Archives and American History tour, with reserved Archives entry and a lunch break. The full two-museum route is limited to six guests; the listed maximum of eight applies to the American History portion.
Highlights
- Declaration, Constitution and Bill of Rights
- A rare 1297 copy of the Magna Carta
- The original Star-Spangled Banner
- George Washington’s uniform and sword
- Dorothy’s ruby slippers and civil rights history
Full description
Explore the founding documents at the National Archives with your own guide, then visit American History for the Star-Spangled Banner, Washington’s uniform and Dorothy’s ruby slippers. This private 5.5-hour tour includes reserved, skip-the-line Archives entry; security screening may still apply. Allow about an hour for a lunch break at your own expense. The Archives portion is limited to six guests. The displayed maximum of eight reflects capacity for the American History visit, not an eight-person booking for the full two-museum route.
Begin with your guide at the National Archives, where the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights anchor a visit to the Rotunda. The route may also feature a 1297 Magna Carta, the Emancipation Proclamation and letters from George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. After a break for lunch at your own expense, continue to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Explore the original Star-Spangled Banner, George Washington’s uniform and sword, Lincoln’s top hat, the Greensboro Lunch Counter and Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Your private guide connects the founding ideas to the people and artifacts that shaped the country. Exhibit availability can vary.
Included / Excluded
- Private guided visit to both museums
- Reserved, skip-the-line National Archives entry
- Professional guide exclusively for your group
- Guided visit inside the Smithsonian American History Museum (general admission is free)
- 5.5-hour tour including a break
- Food and drinks, including lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Optional gratuities
- Luggage and coat storage
Itinerary
National Archives Museum — Constitution Avenue front stairs
Meet your private guide ten minutes early at the bottom of the Archives front stairs. Enter with reserved, skip-the-line access for a two-hour guided visit to the founding documents and related exhibits.
Lunch break and walk to American History
Take a break for lunch at your own expense, then walk with your guide to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Meeting point
Start Location
National Archives Museum — Constitution Avenue front stairs
National Archives Museum, 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408, USA
Meet your private guide 10 minutes early at the bottom of the front stairs at 701 Constitution Avenue NW.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- Provide a mobile number with country code for day-of-tour contact.
- Cancel at least 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
- This private tour is wheelchair friendly.
- The full two-museum tour can include up to six guests because of National Archives capacity. The listed eight-guest maximum applies only to the American History portion.
Know before you go
- Meet by the bottom of the front stairs at the National Archives Museum, 701 Constitution Avenue NW.
- Arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled tour start.
- Wear comfortable shoes and allow time for security screening.
- Your guide coordinates reserved, skip-the-line entry at the National Archives.
- Bring a valid photo ID or a clear photo of one.
Cancellation policy
Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
Reviews
We booked this tour to get as much as possible out of our time at The Met. What we didn’t know we were getting was a personalized experience full of captivating stories about the artists' lives and the people who brought the art to the museum. Robin was a wealth of knowledge and a highlight of our trip to New York!
Spent a great day with Charlie he was very engaging and shared lots of information and entertaining stories with us. He took great care of us and we would recommend him for any future tours.
Mark, tour guide for the Metropolitan Museum is an outstanding teacher: engaging; entertaining; professional; personable; experienced and deeply knowledgeable as a result of a lifelong passion and relationship with the Met. He loves what he does and cares deeply about sharing his knowledge and insight to spark curiosity and inspire his clients--his students--to understand context and meaning of each piece or work of art reviewed. My wife, a retired professor emeritas and myself both left thoroughly impressed and grateful to have been taught by best and most captivating guides we have had the privilege of meeting on one of our many travels and adventures. Hire the best. Hire Mark. Worth every penny and every minute of your time you can afford at the Met. Like us, you will look forward to coming back for another teaching session from Mark. In my case, hopefully we will be back on my birthday next year! (Thanks again Mark!)
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
Meet your private guide at the National Archives front stairs on Constitution Avenue NW, ten minutes early. Bring a valid photo ID or clear photo. Small bags may be screened. Exhibits can vary. This private tour is wheelchair friendly.