Visitors Guide to the National Archives

National Archives

The National Archives is home to the original Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, all of which are housed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. Other exhibits include the Public Vaults permanent exhibit gallery, the Lawrence F. O'Brien temporary exhibit gallery, the Boeing Learning Center, and the William G. McGowan Theater. The National Archives tour gives you an inside look at these historic records and will be an informative and interesting part of your trip to Washington, DC!

Please read through the following information to prepare for your tour and to make sure that it is an enjoyable experience.

When you must request this tour by: At least six weeks in advance of visit during peak season (April through July). Other months of the year are more flexible.

What You Need to Have with You upon Arriving for the Tour: The National Archive tour office will email your tour confirmation directly to you. Please print this out and bring it with you. Please note that my office will not receive this confirmation.

Location: 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20408
Exact Location: Since you will be receiving a Congressional tour, you can enter through the Special Events door at Constitution Avenue and 7^th Street NW. You should be in line at the entrance at least ten minutes prior to the start time of your visit to pass through security screening.

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Nearest Metro:
Archives/Navy Memorial Museum Station-Yellow/Green Line, Indiana Avenue and 7^th Street NW

Duration: One to one and a half hours (except busy days, when it may take up to an hour to get through security).

Prohibited/Accepted Items: Below is a list of prohibited and accepted items for this tour. Security screening will be conducted upon entry. Prohibited items will be confiscated.

Prohibited Items:

Weapons of any sort including knives, guns, explosives, etc.
Food and beverages
Backpacks

Accepted Items:

Cameras (except in the theatre and exhibit areas)
Cell Phones
Strollers
Purses
Wallets
Jackets
Keys
Umbrellas

Dining Options: The Charters Café in the National Archives Building is open Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:00pm. There are also vending machines in the basement with a small sitting area. Other options include eating outdoors on the Mall or at the U.S. Navy Memorial.

Food may also be purchased at these nearby attractions:

National Gallery of Art
National Museum of Natural History
National Museum of the American Indian
National Air and Space Museum
Old Post Office Pavilion
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Gift Shop: The National Archives Shop has special hours from March 16 through Labor Day, when it is open from 10:00am-7:00pm. The rest of the year, its hours are 10:00am-5:30pm. The Shop is located below the Rotunda of the Charters of Freedom.

Accessibility: This tour is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments.

If you have any further questions, please visit http://www.archives.gov/nae/visit/reserved-visits.html, or call my main office at (202) 224-2651 or toll-free at (800) 332-6106 and ask for my Director of Constituent Services.

If while in DC you need immediate help with your National Archives tour, you can call the Archives directly at (866) 272-6272.

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