- Advance tickets and reservations are not required for individuals or groups visiting the National Archives through the General Public Entrance, but they are strongly recommended to avoid potentially long wait times.
- It can take up to an hour or more to enter the building without an advance ticket during heavy visitor traffic periods. These typically include the months of March, April, and May; Thanksgiving weekend; and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
- The waiting area to enter the building is outdoors. We encourage you to come prepared for inclement weather.
- We recommend that you allow at least 90 minutes to visit the exhibit galleries.
- Strollers and bags: Strollers, bags (17 by 26 inches or smaller), and other personal items are permitted. All items are subject to security screening and must remain with visitors at all times. Baby backpacks and other types of wearable infant carriers are permitted. There are no lockers or coat checks available.
- Nursing areas: Nursing is permitted; there are no designated nursing or pumping areas.
- All restrooms are equipped with changing tables.
- All visitors will go through security screening upon entry. Only one bag is allowed per person; bags cannot be larger than 17 by 26 inches (43 by 66 centimeters) in size.
- Strollers, wheelchairs, mobility devices, bags (17 by 26 inches or smaller), and other personal items are permitted. All items are subject to security screening and must remain with visitors at all times.
- Food, chewing gum, and beverages are prohibited in the theater and exhibition areas.
- Federal law prohibits the possession of firearms or other dangerous weapons in federal facilities and federal court facilities by all persons not specifically authorized by 18 U.S.C. 930.
Yes! Non-flash photography, filming, and videotaping for personal use is encouraged in all public areas of the National Archives unless otherwise posted. Flash, other supplemental lighting, selfie sticks, monopods, or similar equipment are not permitted. Learn more about our Photography Policy for news and commercial use.
If you have a question while visiting, look for our staff in red vests throughout the exhibits or at the Visitor Orientation Plaza. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to assist you!
If you have questions prior to your visit, please email visitorservices@nara.gov. We will respond to your email as quickly as possible.
Visitor's Guide with Map and Information in other languages:
Suggested Itineraries
Concerned about your time? Consult the itineraries below to plan your visit and experience the most with your time at the National Archives. Don't forget to stop at the National Archives Store located next to the Records of Rights exhibit as you exit!
30 Minutes
Magna Carta and Charters of Freedom
- Start your visit in the David M. Rubenstein Gallery on the ground level where you will see an original of the 1297 Magna Carta, located at the entrance to the Records of Rights exhibit.
- When you've finished viewing the Magna Carta, go up to the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, home of America’s most treasured documents–the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
60 Minutes
Records of Rights, Magna Carta, Charters of Freedom, and Featured Document
- Start your visit in the David M. Rubenstein Gallery on the ground level where the Records of Rights exhibit highlights how generations of Americans have sought to fulfill the promises of the founding documents. Don't miss an original of the 1297 Magna Carta.
- When you've finished viewing Records of Rights, go up to the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, home of America’s most treasured documents–the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
- As you exit the Rotunda, make a quick stop to see the Featured Document exhibit in the East Rotunda Gallery.
90 Minutes
Records of Rights, Magna Carta, Special Exhibit, Charters of Freedom, and Featured Document
- Start your visit in the David M. Rubenstein Gallery on the ground level where the Records of Rights exhibit highlights how generations of Americans have sought to fulfill the promises of the founding documents. Don't miss an original of the 1297 Magna Carta.
- Next visit the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery to see the current special exhibit.
- When you’ve finished viewing the special exhibit, go up to the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, home of America’s most treasured documents–the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
- As you exit the Rotunda, make a quick stop to see the Featured Document exhibit in the East Rotunda Gallery.
For additional questions, please contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@nara.gov.
