National Archives Museum (2024)

FAQs

Can you just walk into the National Archives Museum? ›

Entry to the National Archives museum is free.

Reservations are not required for individuals or groups wishing to visit the National Archives Museum, but they are strongly suggested between March and Labor Day to avoid potentially long lines outside. Tickets are normally available 90 days in advance.

Open every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission is always free. Reservations are not required. The General Admission entrance is near the corner of Constitution Avenue and 9th Street, to the left of the stairs.

The ROTUNDA FOR THE CHARTERS OF FREEDOM is the home of America's most treasured documents—the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights.

Plan your visit to the National Archives Museum, home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

1.5 hours is about right but take into consideration you may have to queue to get in.

Can I take photographs in the National Archives Museum? Yes! Non-flash photography is encouraged in all public areas of the National Archives Museum unless otherwise posted. We encourage you to share your photographs online and tag us @USNatArchives.

Entry to the National Archives is free.

Thanks to a generous loan from philanthropist David M. Rubenstein to the American people, the National Archives is now home to the only original 1297 Magna Carta permanently displayed in the United States.

The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, located on the upper level of the National Archives museum, is the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights.

Why is the National Archives Museum famous? ›

The National Archives Building is known for the history it holds, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. But the history of the National Archives Building itself is just as representative of democracy as the founding documents it holds.

Our café is open between 09:00 and 17:00 on Tuesday and Thursday and between 09:00 and 16:00 on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. On select Sundays when we are open, the café is open from 11:00 and 16:00.

Domesday Book is the oldest government record held in The National Archives. In fact there are two Domesday Books – Little Domesday and Great Domesday, which together contain a great deal of information about England in the 11th century.

Now imagine the task of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)—the nation's record keeper. Many people know the National Archives as the keeper of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.