Located in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building, the Founding Documents - known as the Charters of Freedom - establish the principles of the United States and have inspired the American people to pursue a more perfect union for almost 250 years.
Hours
The exhibits are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Last admissions are 30 minutes prior to closing. We are open every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
About Your Visit
To enjoy the all-new personalized experience at the National Archives Museum and ensure smooth and timely entrance into the building, we encourage visitors to reserve tickets before their visit. Tickets are not required to visit the National Archives Museum but will enhance the visitor experience.
Visitors can acquire several types of tickets to the National Archives Museum:
- Free general admission tickets: reserve free tickets online here.
- Timed-entry tickets: avoid long lines by reserving $1 timed entry tickets online here.
- Timed-entry tickets for groups of six or more: large groups can avoid long lines by reserving $1 timed-entry tickets online here.
Getting Here
Metro:
Take Metrorail’s Yellow or Green lines to the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Station. The stop is across Pennsylvania Avenue from the National Archives Building. You will need to walk around the building and enter on the Constitution Avenue side of the building.
Bus:
Metrobuses stop at the National Archives on 7th Street near Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Avenue.
Parking:
There is no parking available at the National Archives. Limited street parking is available on 7th Street and Constitution Avenue and throughout the neighborhood. Spaces are metered with a two-hour maximum. Visitors may also take advantage of public parking garages within a few blocks of the building
Location
701 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20408
Important Things to Know
Tips & Guidelines
Our tips and guidelines will help you make the most of your visit to the National Archives.
Accessibility
The National Archives is accessible and ADA compliant.
Group Tours
The National Archives offers both self-guided and guided group tours.
About the National Archives
The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent federal agency that preserves and shares with the public records that trace the story of our nation, government, and the American people. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The National Archives carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential libraries, and online.
Group Visits
Do you bring groups of more than 20 people on a regular basis? If so, you can create a commercial account via Recreation.gov to reserve advanced timed-entry tickets.
Field Trips
Field trips at the National Archives bring K–12 students in contact with the people and decisions that have shaped our nation.