National Archives Museum Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit the National Archives Museum in 2024?

Entry to the National Archives museum is free. Reservations are not required, but they’re strongly suggested between March and Labor Day to avoid potentially long lines. Some guided tours of Washington DC include a stop at the museum. You can also book a private guided tour of the museum for about US$100.

Q: What are the must-see exhibits at the National Archives Museum?

The must-see exhibits at the National Archives Museum in Washington DC are significant pieces of American history—within the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom are the original founding documents for the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. The Record of Rights gallery has an original 1297 Magna Carta and a 1790 broadside copy of the Bill of Rights on display.

Q: How can I get tickets to the National Archives Museum?

Entry to the National Archives Museum is free. Timed-entry tickets are available online via the attraction’s website, allowing you easy access on arrival. You can also book a guided tour from a provider, which will usually include skip-the-line entry.

Q: What are the hours of operation for the National Archives Museum?

The National Archives Museum’s opening hours are from 10am until 5:30pm daily, with last admission 30 minutes ahead of closing. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Q: Where is the best place to park near the National Archives Museum?

There are many options for parking near the National Archives Museum, including at Market Square East Garage and the Market Square West Garage, both on D Street SW. There are also garages on Indiana Avenue NW, Pennsylvania Avenue, and E Street.

Q: Is photography allowed inside the National Archives Museum?

Yes, non-flash photography is allowed inside the National Archives Museum. Taking photos in some areas is prohibited, but this is clearly signposted.

Q: How long does it typically take to tour the National Archives Museum?

It typically takes around 1-2 hours to visit the National Archives Museum, depending on how much time you spend reading the information that accompanies the exhibits. Times can vary if you join a tour.

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National Archives Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

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250th: National Archives & American History Museum Guided Tour

Experience 250 years of American history on this 3-hour guided walking tour led by a local historian & professional tour guide. Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where you’ll explore pivotal moments from the American Revolution to the 20th century and beyond. Rather than wandering aimlessly, you’ll follow a carefully curated narrative that makes history engaging, accessible, and relevant. Head to the National Archives Museum, where you’ll enjoy skip-the-line entry. Inside, view the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, some of the most important original documents in world history. Throughout the tour, the small group size allows for meaningful interaction, questions, and discussion, creating a more personal and enriching experience than large group tours.

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National Archives VIP Skip-The-Line Small Group Guided Tour

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Skip-the-line DC National Archives VIP ALL ACCESS Guided Tour

Explore the foundation of American democracy on an exclusive tour of the National Archives Museum with skip-the-line access. View the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights up close. Learn how these documents shaped a global superpower, and discover personal letters, speeches, and rare artifacts, including the Emancipation Proclamation and the Magna Carta, on a moving journey through U.S. history.

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Skip-the-line DC National Archives VIP ALL ACCESS Guided Tour

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VIP Best of DC with US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry

Experience some of the most popular attractions in Washington, DC like an insider on this full-day sightseeing tour. Begin with a tour of the United States Capitol Building; admission tickets are prebooked for a seamless visit. Then, see the city’s most famous landmarks and monuments aboard a comfortable coach, including the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and more. Then, end your tour with a visit to the National Archives Museum.

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Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford's Theatre & Petersen House

Step back into one of the most dramatic nights in American history on this 2-hour walking tour following the final day of President Abraham Lincoln. Learn about John Wilkes Booth’s movements on April 14, 1865, while standing outside the very hotel where he stayed in Room 253 and met with co-conspirators. From there, the tour follows Booth’s path along Pennsylvania Avenue toward 10th Street, retracing the route he took just hours before the assassination. The experience continues with entry into Ford's Theatre, where President Lincoln was shot while attending a play that evening. Explore the historic site, view artifacts related to the assassination. The tour concludes across the street at Petersen House, the boarding house where Lincoln was carried after the shooting and where he died early the next morning. The site offers a moving look at the room where the president spent his final hours, bringing a powerful close to this unforgettable journey through history.

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DC Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, Cherry Blossoms, Tickets

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DC Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, Cherry Blossoms, Tickets

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This condensed tour is designed for those who are short on time and would like to have an overview of the essential DC. It is a one hour and half live guided sightseeing tour that that is fun and informative. It will give you the opportunity to explore two of the leading landmarks in the capital city: US capitol and White House. At each of those two stops you will get a chance to step off, walk around and take pictures. After that, you will be treated to a bus ride that will drive by the other top tourist sites and main attractions of the capital city such as Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, Korean War Memorial and many more. You will enjoy a once in a lifetime experience that you will remember for a long time.

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2 hours Mini Tour of Washington DC

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Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience

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Open-Top or Glass-Top Bus & US Capitol + National Archives Entry

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Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

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Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour

Experience the history and scale of Washington DC—and quickly travel between destinations—on a fun and time-saving Segway tour. Headsets ensure you can hear your guide’s insightful commentary as you zip past prominent buildings, historic sights, and top DC monuments. This tour is ideal for visitors who want to get a good overview of the city, in order to know where to explore in more depth later.

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New York and Washington Self Guided Narrated Tours with AI

With this AI app you're no longer restricted to crowded group tours or rigid scripts. Explore iconic sites like Times Square and the National Mall—or dive deep into lesser-known landmarks and hidden urban parks. Ask about literally anything that catches your eye—from a historic district to a secret street corner or a towering skyscraper. The city's secrets are yours to uncover. Point & Discover: Snap a photo of any monument or museum masterpiece to instantly receive a captivating and accurate story. It’s like having a historian in your pocket! Ultimate Freedom: Navigate seamlessly with interactive map-based audio tours. Your schedule, your pace, your rules. Choose Your Vibe: Select a narrator persona that matches your style—from a deep-diving scholar to a fun companion for the kids. Get Started: 7 Days of Premium Access available instantly for iPhone and Android.

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Washington DC Night-Time City Bus Tour with Optional Mount Vernon

There's a certain magic to Washington DC that can only be experienced at night, when highlights like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and White House are all illuminated after dark. On this evening bus tour, you'll see the city after the sun has gone down and travel without the crowds. As you go, learn more from your guide's narration—and even upgrade to add on a visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon.

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Washington DC Night-Time City Bus Tour with Optional Mount Vernon

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Excursion to Washington from New York in 1 day

Visit Washington, D.C. with a Spanish-speaking guide during this day trip from New York. Visit the memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr., and the monument to Thomas Jefferson. Then take a tour of the monuments to the Korean War, President Lincoln, the Vietnam War, and President Washington. See the prestigious Georgetown University and stop at the White House, then have free time for lunch (own expense) and visit the Air and Space Museum. All entrance fees are included.

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Private & Custom Guided City Tour of Washington DC

Have only a short amount of time to explore the nation’s capital? This private tour lets you customize the itinerary to fit your schedule—and to cater to your interests. Pick between half- and full-day durations, enjoy hotel pickup, and travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. You can see sights like Arlington National Cemetery, the US Capitol, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and much more.

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Experience Washington, D.C. at Night! Explore iconic landmarks like the Lincoln, Jefferson, MLK Jr., Iwo Jima, Vietnam & Korean War Memorials, and more — all beautifully lit under the night sky. This is more than a tour. It’s a meaningful journey, made personal with passionate guides who walk with you at every stop, sharing powerful stories that bring each site to life. With over 20 years as a trusted family-run company, we know how to navigate the city with ease and make every moment smooth, safe, and unforgettable — no matter the season or what’s happening in town. Perfect for families and travelers of all ages, we’re here to turn your evening into a memory you’ll always treasure. Book today and discover D.C. with the team that brings the capital to life!

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Small Group Washington DC Night Tour

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Small Group Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard

Washington, DC’s rich and storied history runs the gamut of political intrigue, scandals, murders, and some of the greatest moments in U.S. history. This fully narrated tour combines walking and driving to major sites like the White House, the Pentagon FBI building, and the National Archives. Guides narrate the stops as you travel, and the tour is available in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.

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Small Group Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard

Free Cancellation
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from $150

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Get a panoramic look at Washington DC—and enjoy a hassle-free way to check off its top sights—on this half-day sightseeing tour by bus. Listen to live narration as you see dozens of top attractions, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the monuments of the National Mall, and more. Additionally, stop for a closer look at eight top attractions, including the White House, Capitol, and Vietnam Memorial. Upgrade to visit George Washington's Mount Vernon, too.

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Grand Tour of Washington, D.C.

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National Archives + American History Museum Exclusive Guided Tour

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National Archives + American History Museum Exclusive Guided Tour

Free Cancellation
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from $175

Price varies by group size

See Washington DC's highlights, whilst beating the crowds, on this customised, private sightseeing tour. Pick a departure time that works best for you, meet your guide at your preferred location, and hop aboard a luxury SUV or Sprinter van. Options of where to visit include the White House, US Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and much more—and will learn the stories behind the sights from your guide.

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Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions

Enjoy Washington DC’s monuments and landmarks lit up after dark, and see side of the capital city many visitors miss, on this evening highlights tour. Have the opportunity to stop outside 10 top DC landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, White House, and US Capitol. As you travel between attractions, learn details about the landmarks and memorials from your driver-guide. Then, at each stop, have time to take photos and explore on your own.

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What are people saying about National Archives Museum

National Archives VIP Skip-The-Line Small Group Guided Tour

Jason_B, Apr 2026

Great Tour with a great price.

Our guide was Meg and she was outstanding. The place was jammed packed busy but Meg handled it well and got us right up to see the documents all of us Americans want to see. She had a tablet she used for additional info that made the tour that much better. Great tour, great price.

VIP Best of DC with US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry

Janelle_T, Mar 2026

Beautiful Day for a Beautiful Tour

This was a wonderful tour and our tour guide, Roche, was great. We saw the main highlights of D.C. and learned a lot of history. The weather was perfect the day of our tour so it was nice being on the bus with the open top. We had enough time at all the stops and for lunch.

National Archives + American History Museum Exclusive Guided Tour

denise_s, Mar 2026

Tour guide knew her...

Tour guide knew her mateti was sensitive to her customers asked questions of the group for clarification and needs etc. Made everyone feel comfortable.

National Archives VIP Skip-The-Line Small Group Guided Tour

Nicole_O, Mar 2026

Wonderful day in DC

Wonderful tour. We got to see everything on our list and our guide took special care to engage with our young son and answer all of his questions. She was so knowledgeable.