5.0(31 reviews)
Exclusive DC Archives & Portrait Gallery Tour
From$174.9
3 hours
Washington DC, USA
About this activity
Delve into America's history with a guided tour of the National Archives and National Portrait Gallery, featuring iconic documents and artworks.
Highlights
- Explore the National Archives Building
- See the Declaration of Independence
- Discover the National Portrait Gallery
- View iconic American artworks
- Enjoy a personalized guided experience
Full description
Step into the heart of American history with our exclusive tour of Washington D.C.'s National Archives Building and National Portrait Gallery. Marvel at the original Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution housed in the Archives. Then, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of American art and history at the Portrait Gallery, featuring works from the 18th century to the present. This personalized experience offers insightful commentary and convenient transportation, ensuring a memorable and educational journey through the nation's past.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of the National Archives Building
- Visit to the National Portrait Gallery
- Transportation between sites
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
After a break to ponder the complexity of history (and grab a bite) your guide will lead you to the dual exhibition space of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Inside the local Washingtonians favorite Smithsonian space you’ll wander hallways that seamlessly flow between the two collections surrounding one of the most relaxing spaces in downtown Washington DC, the Kogard Courtyard. Your guide will take you to see the famous Presidential Portrait Gallery and you’ll hear stories of other famous Americans as you view their portraits in painting, sculpture, and video form. Make your way over to the Luce Center of the American Art portion and get a chance to peek inside the labs of the Lunder Conservation Center! Some of the most iconic figures in Art and History pop up in the most unexpected places in this criminally overlooked Smithsonian!
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
2
The best way to understand the who and the what of the United States of America! Skip-the-line at the National Archives and start with the original handwritten “Charters of Freedom” housed in their spectacular Rotunda. Your guide will narrate the extraordinary circumstances that brought this nation into existence. Surrounded by documents and paintings giving depth and nuance to the founding period, no trip to the US Capital city is complete without a visit to the National Archives. But at Babylon we take it a step farther. In the Rubenstein Gallery, go even further to the philosophical foundations by viewing a 1297 copy of the Magna Carta. You will be guided around the room as the concept of citizenship, what it means and who is included evolves from the declaration that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
National Archives Museum, 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408, USA
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early.
- Tour duration includes travel time between sites.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour.
- Bring a valid ID for entry into federal buildings.
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- Notes: National Archives and other attractions or museums may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Traveler reviews
5.031 reviews
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Tour of the Capitol
Jim was an exceptional tour guide! He was very knowledgeable and accommodating!
Wander49361035623Apr 17, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Acing the Archives
Our guide was informed, enthusiastic, and a good communicator. We learned much about the archives and were impressed with how she went the extra mile to answer our questions and make our experience pleasant.
Storyteller566087Apr 16, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Fantastic tour!
Allen was an amazing tour guide! So informative and we learned so much from him!
Roostravel2021Apr 4, 2026TRIPADVISOR
We did the Library of congress tour with Maribeth today March 19 and she was FABULOUS!
Maribeth was very knowledgeable and entertaining! She had answers for everyone’s questions and was very apologetic that it was so cold and that the Supreme Court was closed! And we all knew it was not her fault. It is truely AMAZING how much information is stored in her head! You could tell she could have talked for days! Such a sweet lady… Very aware of everyone’s needs.
DonnaMarieWilsonMar 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great Tour
Annmarie was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and really did her best to give us the best bang for our buck with so many golden nuggets! I would highly recommend making a day out of one of her toys tours!
hillarym742Sep 5, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
Notes: National Archives and other attractions or museums may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.