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.

We recommend that you allow at least 90 minutes to visit the exhibit galleries.

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.

The Public Vaults exhibition

The “Public Vaults” exhibition invites visitors to go behind-the-scenes to explore the Archives' vaults and stacks.

After the war it was returned to the Library of Congress and today can be seen on display in the rotunda of the National Archives. The dimly lit hall at the National Archive where the Charters of Freedom, the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence, are displayed. Washington, D.C.

There are a couple of cool exhibits but of course the main attraction is viewing the Declaration of Independence and making all the appropriate National Treasure jokes along the way. That aside it's the Declaration and a crucial part of America's history so I can highly recommend taking the time to see it.

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

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. Find facsimiles in the Archives Store in the museum or online.

Many people know the National Archives as the keeper of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

Why is a copy of the Magna Carta displayed at the National Archives? ›

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.

How much does it cost to see the Declaration of Independence? The original Declaration of Independence is at the National Archives on display above the original Constitution and bill of rights. It's free to see them but everything has be closed down due to Covid. Eventually everyone will get to visit them again.

Strollers, wheelchairs, mobility devices, luggage, backpacks, and other personal items are permitted in the museum but must remain with the visitors at all times. There are no lockers or coat checks available.

You can visit the National Archives, nationwide, to: View exhibits of historical records and presidential papers: The Public Vaults and the Charters of Freedom (the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and the Bill of Rights), located in Washington, D.C.

The Public Vaults display at any given time about 1,100 records—originals or facsimiles of documents, photographs, maps, drawings, and film or audio clips, allowing you to see the raw materials of our American democracy.