The National Archives Museum, at 701 Constitution Avenue NW in the Penn Quarter area near the National Mall in Washington, DC, in the United States, safeguards the nation's founding documents. The neoclassical building, completed in 1935, has a monumental portico with Corinthian columns, and visitors enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. The central attraction is the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, where the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are displayed in dimly lit, climate-controlled cases beneath murals by Barry Faulkner. Nearby galleries include the Public Vaults, which show a changing selection of historic records, photographs and recordings, and the David M. Rubenstein Gallery, which holds an original 1297 Magna Carta. Rotating exhibitions explore topics from the Civil War to treaties and the records of ordinary Americans. Admission is free, and advance timed reservations are recommended through archives.gov/museum, especially in peak seasons. The museum is typically open daily from 10am to 5:30pm, though the schedule should be confirmed. A visit takes one to two hours, shorter if only the Rotunda is seen. Photography is allowed in most galleries, but not in the Rotunda where the Charters are displayed, and flash is prohibited elsewhere. Lines for security form along the Constitution Avenue side and are longest from mid-morning in spring and summer; weekday mornings are calmest. The Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro station is about 0.1 miles away, making it one of the easiest museums to reach.
| Admission | Free; advance timed reservations recommended (archives.gov/museum) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Typically daily 10am-5:30pm; confirm at archives.gov; phone +1-202-357-5000 |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights in the Rotunda |
| Getting there | Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Green/Yellow), about 0.1 miles walk |
| Address | 701 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20408 |
Location
701 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20408
38.8928, -77.0230 View on map
Highlights
- Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights in the Rotunda
- Original 1297 Magna Carta in the Rubenstein Gallery
- Public Vaults with changing historic records
- Barry Faulkner's murals in the Rotunda
- Neoclassical Constitution Avenue portico
Tips for visiting
- Reserve timed entry at archives.gov/museum in spring and summer.
- Arrive at opening to see the Rotunda with fewer people.
- Photography is not allowed in the Rotunda, and flash is banned elsewhere.
- Use the Constitution Avenue entrance for general admission.
- Pair with nearby Penn Quarter restaurants for lunch.
When to visit
Weekday mornings right at opening are best. Mid-day in spring and summer is the busiest.
Accessibility
The museum is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance on Constitution Avenue, elevators and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs are available for loan.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Plan one to two hours. The Rotunda alone can be seen in 20 to 30 minutes if lines are short.
Is the National Archives free?
Yes. Admission is free, though advance timed reservations are recommended.
Is it worth it for kids?
Older children studying American history often enjoy seeing the original documents, while the Public Vaults offer interactive elements.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is allowed in most galleries but not in the Rotunda, and flash is prohibited throughout.