National Archives

Tickets · District of Columbia ·

Managed by the National Archives and Records Administration

17 ft
Elevation
Rotunda: Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights
Photo: NARA · Recreation.gov

Overview:

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 National Archives 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 the museum.

Reservations are not required for entrance to the National Archives Museum, 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.

Click here for more information about the National Archives Museum.


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Getting there

The National Archives Museum is located on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Access is available via Metrorail's Yellow or Green lines to the Archives/Navy Memorial station. No parking is available on-site. Limited metered parking is available on Constitution Avenue and in surrounding public parking garages. Docent tour reservation holders enter through the Special Events door at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street; Timed Entry reservation holders enter at 9th Street and Constitution Avenue.

38.89250, -77.02278 · 38°53'33.0"N 77°1'22.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 90°F in Jul, down to 45°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F454857687785908881695849
Low °F303239485868727164524235
Precip in2.92.63.53.23.94.24.33.33.93.72.93.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

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Common questions about National Archives

Can you reserve a site at National Archives?
Yes, National Archives is reservable through Recreation.gov.

Camping near National Archives

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Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.