National Archives Museum

The Basics

Discover many of the country’s most treasured documents at the National Archives Museum, and learn more about America’s history. Explore interactive exhibitions at the Public Vaults and get hands-on with history at the family-focused Boeing Learning Center, packed with creative activities. Head to the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom to see the country’s founding documents (accompanied by the vibrant Faulkner Murals), and visit the Record of Rights Gallery to view a copy of the Magna Carta.

In addition to its permanent collection, the National Archives Museum also showcases temporary exhibitions, so it’s worth checking the online calendar when planning a visit.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Entrance to the National Archives Museum is free.

• To protect the fragile documents, no photography is allowed.

• Guided tours are available once daily on weekdays, by reservation only.

• The museum’s Charters Café serves snacks and lunch on weekdays, from midmorning to midafternoon.

• Strollers and large bags are permitted in the museum but must be carried, as there is no coat-check facility.

• The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available to rent.

How to Get There

The museum is located on the National Mall in downtown Washington DC. If using public transportation, take the Green and Yellow Metro Lines to Archives-Navy Mem’l-Penn Quarter Station, or take the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines to Federal Triangle Station. The area also is served by numerous bus lines and can be reached on foot, by car, or by bike.

When to Get There

The National Archives Museum is open daily, from midmorning to early evening. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The museum can be busy during peak tourist season (during the summer months and in advance of major holidays), so if you want to avoid the long lines, make an advanced reservation.

Highlights of the National Mall

Given its location on the National Mall, the National Archives Museum is neighbors with many of the city’s most remarkable monuments and most-visited museums. The National Gallery of Art and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History are less than a block away, and the Hirshhorn Museum, National Air and Space Museum, Washington Monument, and US Capitol also are nearby.

Ways to explore

Get hands-on with history at the family-focused Discovery Center, head to the Rotunda to view the country’s founding documents (accompanied by the vibrant Faulkner murals), and visit the David M. Rubenstein Gallery to see a copy of the Magna Carta.

In addition to its permanent collection, the National Archives Museum also showcases temporary exhibitions, so it’s worth checking its calendar when planning a visit. Admission tickets are free and can be reserved in advance—a good way to skip the often-long lines during peak times.

Accessibility

The National Archives Museum is wheelchair accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Visitor Services Desk also offers copies of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence in Braille, and travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing may arrange for an ASL interpreter with two weeks’ notice.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Handheld bag, camera

What to wear

Layers (the Rotunda is kept cold to better preserve the documents), good walking shoes

Not allowed

Food and beverages, chewing gum, flash photography, selfie sticks, large bags

Amenities

Café, vending machines, restrooms, gift shop

Address 

The National Archives Museum is located on Constitution Avenue, right on the National Mall. It’s easy to reach using public transportation, taxis, and rideshare services, or you can book a sightseeing tour that includes transportation.

Driving

While you could drive, expect congestion and potentially limited parking; only 2-hour street parking is available in the vicinity. It is a much better bet to use taxis or rideshare services.

Public transportation

By metro, take the Yellow or Green Lines to the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter station, located just a quick walk from the museum’s entrance. Several buses, including the D24 and the D30, also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

The museum is open daily, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas, from midmorning until early evening. Arrive early in the day, especially if visiting during a busy time of year.

Best days to visit

As a general rule, weekdays are likely to be quieter at the National Archives Museum; avoid weekends and holidays if possible.

Best months to visit

The National Archives receives the most visitors from March through May and during the winter holidays; aim for another time of year instead.

Special events

The National Archives Museum hosts temporary exhibitions in addition to its permanent collection—consult the official calendar for specifics.