See all
1,353 photos

National Archives and Records Administration

Museum

Federal Triangle, Washington

Save

8.7^/10

1,081

ratings

Ranked #1 for museums in Washington
"original Declaration of Independence!"(28 Tips)
"Cool history, amazing to see our founding documents"(14 Tips)
"Amazing in the Rotunda."(13 Tips)
"Viewed the Charters of Freedom"(3 Tips)

145 Tips and reviews

Filter:

declaration of independence
documents
rotunda
scenic views
architecture
tours
murals
monuments
lines
landmarks
exhibits
films
museums
tourism
takes reservations
states
parades
short
country
military
(15 more)

Sort:

Popular
Recent

Island BruinJune 27, 2015
The 2nd floor has more than just the big 3- declaration, constitution, bill of rights. Check out the other exhibits. And come on a weekday early to avoid the long lines
Upvoted 3 weeks ago
4sqSU USAJuly 2, 2016
Home of the Charters of Freedom: The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and The Bill of Rights.
Upvoted 3 weeks ago
The Transit NavigatorSeptember 25, 2011
The line gets long, so get here early. After you've seen the big 3 (Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights), look at the interactive exhibits that show some of the other records available!
Stacy Bo BacyOctober 1, 2021
Worth at least one visit to celebrate US history. See the Declaration of Independence, constitution, and bill of rights. Room is dark and cold to help with preservation. No photos allowed at all.
Amy CummingsNovember 14, 2017
The line moves quickly! Head straight for the rotunda for the 3 charters of freedom: Declaration of Independence, Constitution, & Bill of Rights.
John HankusJuly 16, 2015
Sometimes there are really long lines to see the declaration of independence. Go early or before closing. Everyone overlooks the Magna Carta on the 2nd floor. Way older and less crowds around it.
Affinia Hotel CollectionJune 12, 2014
Also known as “Archives 1,” the National Archives Building houses textual and microfilm records relating to Congress, maritime manner, genealogy, and the District of Columbia itself!
Maya MukhopadhayaSeptember 5, 2017
Find Terry (a security guard) and strike up a conversation. He's got a lot of interesting info and if he can get away he may even take you on a personal tour of his favorite spots.
Stephanie RichterSeptember 21, 2015
Amazing to be able to view such significant documents. Once you are in the gallery, skip around - you don't have to stay in line
Hayley GreenhouseJuly 15, 2013
Go on a Sunday! Parking regulations aren't enforced so you can park right in front for free. Get early so waiting in line isn't unbearable [but you will have to wait in a line two times]
Dwayne KilbourneApril 15, 2013
If you are nearby, stop in and be amazed by the original Declaration of Independence! Very cool and inspirational!
Sam EppsMay 30, 2015
Everything! Especially the military jacket of Eisenhower and the pens of the presidents during the civil rights era!
Julia PileJuly 27, 2013
Call 202-357-6829 while in line to listen to information about The National Archives. Kept the kids' attention, helped pass the time in line & they learned something.
James CSeptember 7, 2015
Absolutely amazing. It is a must see by all. The Rotunda is a must see with all of the documents.
Taylor NessJuly 25, 2013
Line gets super long on busy days! Highly recommend getting a reservation for a timed visit.
US National ArchivesJune 24, 2013
As the Fourth of July quickly approaches, check out this fun cartoon from 1905 by Clifford Berryman warning readers of the potential dangers of those fireworks! Read more
Hannah LuddyJanuary 11, 2017
Lots of info on the creation of the founding documents that I hadn't heard before! Try it just an hour or so before closing to avoid crowds.
What's Good HereAugust 12, 2014
This is capacity controlled. Get reservations and arrive before 9:30am or you'll be spending a lot of your time waiting in the line.
Michael LaGraveJune 20, 2013
Make sure to get there early to beat the crowds. So glad I got to go though, seeing the early documents of the U.S. is something I won't soon forget!
Steven HughesJune 27, 2014
Entrance and line is on the left if the stairs. If you can reserve tickets for timed visits ahead for $1.50 each.
RachelApril 14, 2015
Be sure to check out the Bill of Rights, Constitution, and Declaration of Independence! Great architecture too!
Brett GarwoodJuly 11, 2015
One of my favorite stops when visiting DC. Original signed drafts of the constitution and declaration of independence.
KarenMay 28, 2022
Amazing in the Rotunda. The guard says no line, but who is he kidding? Everything has to be seen in order. Left to right.
US National ArchivesMarch 14, 2011
Are the records you're looking for at Archives II in College Park? No problem! Catch the free NARA shuttle between DC and College Park weekdays between 8 am and 5 pm.
Melinda JacksonJuly 14, 2015
I love this museum but it was a 45 min wait every time we went by on 4th of July weekend.
Tom JanssenJuly 29, 2016
In the rotunda you can find the original declaration of independence, the bill of rights and the constitution of the United States of America. Very impressive, even for someone from abroad!
Christopher PopovJuly 6, 2016
The only thing good here is the constitution and declaration room. All other exhibits are interactive and meant for small children.
DmtrJuly 2, 2015
Definitely check the temporary exhibit in the ground floor before going to see the big three.
FrankJuly 13, 2013
What can you say. A must stop for every American. To see the founding documents of this nation , truly magical.
Mike DavisJune 23, 2015
The Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights in one room. The line moves fast.
US National ArchivesJuly 5, 2012
Take a look at Seventh Archivist of the United States Don Wilson listening to an historic reenactor perform during the Independence Day celebration at the National Archives in 1988. Read more
Jackie DOctober 18, 2012
The Cuban Missile Crisis exhibit is fantastic. Must see for any 20th century history buff.
Eric RzeszutJune 25, 2013
Get a timed tour reservation (via their website) to avoid long lines. Also, don't show up early for your reservation -- you'll just wait outside.
Aaron SmithMay 13, 2015
Very cool to see the constitution. Nothing worth checking out beyond that unless you have lots of time.
Bernd SailerJuly 14, 2017
Free access to American History, don't miss to visit when in D.C.
ViaggiatriceFebruary 5, 2017
I'd somehow never been here before. Excellent exhibits, and worth the short detour from the Mall.
US National ArchivesFebruary 25, 2011
At the top of the stairs on the Constitution Ave side of the building are 39-foot-tall bronze doors. At the time they were installed, the bronze doors were said to be the largest in the world.
HISTORYMarch 31, 2010
Congress established the National Archives Establishment in 1934 to centralize federal record keeping & holds Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights & a copy of the 1297 Magna Carta
🍺Rich HermesApril 15, 2013
Go online and buy a timed entry ticket (kinda like a fast pass at Disney). It's only $1.50 and you avoid a very long line.
Edward DelfinoAugust 27, 2018
Wanted to enjoy this, but didn't. Guards treat visitors like convicts. I understand because they have to worry about terrorists, but they could be a bit more polite.
NBC PoliticsApril 10, 2012
This venue holds original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Get your wonk on at http://NBCPolitics.com.
Leslie CarboneMay 8, 2013
Every American who can should see the original Declaration of Independence at least once!
loran jonakMay 16, 2015
Don't forget this when you are in DC. The Declaration of Independence is here along with the Magna Carta.
WorldStridesApril 8, 2011
Cool fact: The Archives’ collection includes three billion pages of text, six million still photos, 91 million feet of motion picture film, 70,000 sound recordings, and nine million aerial photos.
US National ArchivesJanuary 28, 2011
There are 13 medallions around the upper portion of the building that represent the nation, House of Representatives, Senate, and the 10 executive departments at the time the building was built.
Ian EverhartAugust 21, 2012
Check out the interior doors of the elevator engraved with the Declaration of Independence!
Andrea CAugust 11, 2014
Make reservations online before to avoid the crazy general admission line.
Kenny ButrymJuly 5, 2013
Active duty don't have to wait in line use the reserved entrance with your ID!
Ashley BumgarnerDecember 29, 2012
Military? Take your ID to the exit you don't have to wait in line to get in :-)
ArtJonakApril 20, 2012
Home of the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Now that's just flat out Kewl!

1 2 3

1,353 Photos

Planning a trip to Washington?

Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.

National Archives and Records Administration

Related Searches

Places inside National Archives and Records Administration

You might also like

Places people like to go after National Archives and Records Administration

Appears on 464 lists

Top places in the area

More from US National Archives

Is this your business? Claim it now.