National Archives Skip-the-Line VIP ALL ACCESS Tour — Private
About this activity
Explore the National Archives on a two-hour private guided tour with skip-the-line VIP entry. See the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and other historic documents with your own guide.
Highlights
- Declaration of Independence in the Rotunda
- U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights
- Emancipation Proclamation
- Rare 1297 Magna Carta
- Letters and civil rights records
Full description
Your private guide leads you through the National Archives Museum and its Rotunda for two hours. Included skip-the-line VIP entry gives your group more time with the founding documents and the stories behind them. Security screening may still apply.
Stand before the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights as your private guide explains how they shaped the country. The tour may also feature the Emancipation Proclamation, a rare 1297 Magna Carta and letters from George Washington and Alexander Hamilton. Other records, including a Rosa Parks citation, reveal later chapters in the continuing story of American rights. The exact documents on view can change. Your guide can tailor the conversation and pace for your group during this two-hour visit.
Included / Excluded
- Two-hour private guided museum visit
- Skip-the-line VIP entry to the National Archives
- Professional guide exclusively for your group
- Wheelchair-friendly private tour
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Optional gratuities
Itinerary
National Archives front stairs
Meet the private guide at the bottom of the front stairs, 701 Constitution Avenue NW, ten minutes before departure.
Guided National Archives Museum visit
Spend two hours with your private guide exploring the Rotunda and permanent displays. Highlights may include the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, Emancipation Proclamation and 1297 Magna Carta; displays can vary. Included skip-the-line VIP access is facilitated by the guide.
Meeting point
Start Location
National Archives front stairs — 701 Constitution Avenue NW
701 Constitution Avenue Northwest, 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, US
Meet at the bottom of the front stairs on Constitution Avenue NW, ten minutes before departure.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- Provide a mobile phone number, including country code, so the guide can contact you.
- Cancel at least 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
- The private tour is wheelchair friendly. Contact Babylon Tours in advance about access needs.
Know before you go
- Meet your guide at the bottom of the front stairs of the National Archives Building, 701 Constitution Avenue NW.
- Arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start.
- Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes.
- Your guide will facilitate the included skip-the-line VIP museum entry; security screening may still apply.
- Bring a photo ID or a clear photo of one showing your date of birth.
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
This two-hour private guided visit covers the permanent collection. Document displays can change. Bring only small bags for security; entry lines may still form despite reserved skip-the-line access. Museum admission is generally free to the public; this booking includes the private guide and VIP entry.