National Archives

The National Archives Museum depicts our astounding national mosaic and tells the stories of the American journey to young and old, scholars and students, cynics and dreamers. Home to the original Charters of Freedom — including the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights — as well as the Public Vaults and O'Brien galleries, Boeing Learning Center, David M. Rubenstein Gallery, and William G. McGowan Theater, the museum is a must-see for anyone visiting the nation's capital. The museum is situated in the heart of the National Mall in downtown Washington, D.C., surrounded by dozens of memorials, museums and historic areas. The Washington Monument, White House and Capitol Building are just a few of the breathtaking structures that surround it. Reservations are not required for entrance, and visitors may wait in the general public line any time the museum is open. However, advance reservations are highly recommended and will allow visitors to avoid the exterior portion of the line, especially during heavy tourist season, March through Labor Day. Reserved guided tours are available once daily, Monday through Friday, starting at 9:45 a.m. Timed entries are also available seven days a week starting at 10:30 a.m. The last entry is 90 minutes before the museum closes.