National Archives
Welcome!
We're open daily from 10:00am-5:30pm, with last admission 30 minutes prior to closing.
About
The National Archives Museum is home to the Charters of Freedom, including the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. The museum is situated in the heart of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., surrounded by dozens of memorials, museums and historic areas. Visit our website for more information about the National Archives Museum .
Current Hours
Daily: 10am-5:30pm
Closed: Thanksgiving Day and December 25.
Want to skip the public line? Timed entry tickets are available for entry times from 10:15am to 4:30pm.
What is Currently on Display
The Rotunda and following galleries of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, are open for viewing of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights; the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery, featuring Power & Light: Russell Lee's Coal Survey; and the David M. Rubenstein Gallery, featuring Records of Rights.
Museum Store
A selection of retail items are available for purchase upon exiting the Museum. Retail items may also be purchased by visiting the National Archives Store .
Museum Cafe
The Charters Cafe is open Monday-Friday, between 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Welcome!
We're open daily from 10:00am-5:30pm, with last admission 30 minutes prior to closing.
About
The National Archives Museum is home to the Charters of Freedom, including the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. The museum is situated in the heart of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., surrounded by dozens of memorials, museums and historic areas. Visit our website for more information about the National Archives Museum .
Current Hours
Daily: 10am-5:30pm
Closed: Thanksgiving Day and December 25.
Want to skip the public line? Timed entry tickets are available for entry times from 10:15am to 4:30pm.
What is Currently on Display
The Rotunda and following galleries of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, are open for viewing of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights; the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery, featuring Power & Light: Russell Lee's Coal Survey; and the David M. Rubenstein Gallery, featuring Records of Rights.
Museum Store
A selection of retail items are available for purchase upon exiting the Museum. Retail items may also be purchased by visiting the National Archives Store .
Museum Cafe
The Charters Cafe is open Monday-Friday, between 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Notifications and Alerts
On Friday December 13, 2024 the National Archives Exhibition Spaces and Rotunda will open from 12:00pm - 5:30pm.
Need to Know
- Restrictions
Visitors agree to abide by the guidelines on the National Archives Museum's website and by all instructions posted in the museum or provided by staff during the visit.
- Bags and backpacks. Only one bag is allowed per person; bags cannot be larger than 17 × 26 inches (43 × 66 centimeters) in size.
- Food, chewing gum, and beverages are prohibited in the theater and exhibition areas.
- Pets and therapy animals are prohibited in the Museum. Service animals are allowed and must be under the control of their handlers at all times.
- Photography
Non-flash photography is encouraged in all public areas of the National Archives Museum unless otherwise posted. Flash, other supplemental lighting, selfie sticks, monopods, or similar equipment are not permitted. We encourage you to share your photographs online and tag us @USNatArchives.
- Wheelchairs
A limited number of wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To use them during your visit, please notify Security staff upon arrival after going through the metal detector.
Booking Windows
Tickets are primarily released 90 days in advance at 10AM EST.
Changes and Cancellations
Purchasing Tickets
Entry to the National Archives is free. If you choose to reserve a self-guided timed ticket, a non-refundable $1.00 advance reservation convenience fee will be charged for each ticket. Changes are allowed on a ticket order at no additional charge. If you cancel, reservation fees are non-refundable.
- Self-Guided timed ticket entry reservations are available for those who wish to avoid the public line.
- Guided Tours are not currently available.
- Education and school groups should visit the Museum Education website for the latest information regarding tours and classroom programs.
Personal and other information collected through recreation.gov will be shared with NARA's support partner, the National Archives Foundation, in order to conduct outreach and enhance the visitor experience. If you do not want your personal and other information shared with the Foundation, please email visitorservices@nara.gov.
Cancellations
There are NO REFUNDS on any ticket orders. When the Archives is unexpectedly closed due to special events, national security concerns, or for other reasons, it will NOT be able to refund any money. In the event of a cancellation, attempts will be made to inform you of the closure and re-book your tickets to another date, or visitors may choose to modify their reservation on their own before the scheduled time, provided tickets are available at the new date and time.
Ticketed Entry Procedures
Please arrive no more than 10 minutes before the scheduled time on your ticket. While we will do our best to honor the scheduled time on your ticket, entry to the National Archives museum will be subject to building capacity. Late arrivals cannot be guaranteed entry into the museum.
- Once inside, National Archives Security will verify your Timed Entry Tickets.
- Please have your ticket(s) or confirmation email available (on your phone or printed) for entry.
All visitors will pass through airport-type security and metal detectors. Visitors, as well as their belongings, are subject to inspection. There are no lockers or coat check stations available.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
700 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW Washington DC 20408
Phone Number
EMAIL: VISITORSERVICES@NARA.GOV
