National Archives Guided Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Skip-the-line access to the National Archives Building
- Expert guided tour of the National Archives
- Viewing of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights
- Learn about the history and significance of these foundational documents
- Experience the National Archives without the usual wait times
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line access to the National Archives Building
- Expert guided tour of the National Archives
- Viewing of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights
- Food and beverages
Itinerary
Step through the doors of this majestic neoclassical building, often called a temple to American history. Follow your guide into the National Archives Rotunda to learn about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution while standing before these remarkably preserved documents. Alongside the Bill of Rights and Federalist Papers, you’ll see signatures from famous statesmen such as Alexander Hamilton. Next, explore the Public Vaults Exhibits, where letters from presidents including George Washington and John F. Kennedy are on display. Learn about the Emancipation Proclamation and its role in ending slavery, then see documents connected to the Civil Rights Movement, including a citation issued to Rosa Parks. Finally, in the Rubenstein Gallery, examine the 1297 Magna Carta. Written centuries before the founding of the United States, it profoundly influenced many of the historic documents housed in the National Archives today.
Meeting point
Start Location
National Archives Museum, 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408, USA
Important information
Know before you book
- Tours are conducted in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
- The National Archives is wheelchair accessible; please inform the tour provider in advance if you require assistance.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; please book accordingly.
Know before you go
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour time to ensure timely entry.
- Photography is allowed, but the use of flash is prohibited inside the Archives.
- Large bags and backpacks are not permitted; consider bringing only essentials.
Cancellation policy
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
- A maximum of 6 people permitted per tour allowed
- Notes: National Archives and other attractions or museums in DC 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
National Archives Museum WithAnnaMarie
Annamarie was a great tour guide at the Washington Museum of National Archives. She was very knowledgeable. We purchased the VIP tour. Little or no waiting.
Best of Archives
Ryan was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide. We would do this plan again anytime to avoid lines and to gain the valuable information we received from him.
Epic! Anne Marie was an awesome tour guide!
We had a wonderful time! Anne Marie was the best tour guide we have ever had. Her Archive knowledge was so deep and interesting. She was kind and patient and we did not feel rushed through our tour. We learned so much and left very happy and fullfilled and proud to be an American! Thank you Anne Marie for making our trip to DC extra special!
Amazing!
Such a wonderful trip with Brenda! We were lucky it was just us so it felt incredibly personalised. Got us straight in and no need to wait to see these impressive documents. So much valuable information given, with additional insights/documents to boot. Just simply worth every penny! Felt very VIP and learnt far more than I would otherwise!
Fantastic experience for our young children
E has a fantastic and personalized experience with Allen. He was such a great guide with an abundance of fascinating stories and details. He was so great with our children as well. He made sure to answer their questions in ways they could understand. We truly enjoyed the “skip the line” experience as we were able to spend our time actually viewing the museum rather than standing in line.