Reviews of National Archives Museum. (Museum) in Washington (District of Columbia).

National Archives Museum

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379 Comments

Museum

National museum

701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408, United States

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Information of National Archives Museum, Museum in Washington (District of Columbia)

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Reviews of National Archives Museum

Ondřej Huvar

Strong experience seeing the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and more. Definitely recommend visiting. Also the building itself is beautiful. Know that photography is prohibited inside. I recommend booking tickets in advance or visiting in the morning.

Aziz A Khetani

As an American, this is a must visit. What an amazing experience to see the Declaration of Independence, US Constitution, and Bill of Rights. To hear and learn more about these founding documents was such a fantastic experience. Try to make reservations, but if you can't then you can still make it in by waiting in line. There's other exhibitions, but none compare to the founding documents.

Abigail Morales

This is a must see place to visit while in Washington DC. It is not considered one of the Smithsonians but you'll be feel as though it is part of the thread of museums and historical landmarks, with beautiful exhibit rooms, a gift shop, and plenty of art around. You will need to walk through metal detectors to enter. There are optional online reservations but you wont really need them unless it is peak hours- I recommend making one just in case. There are areas featuring women's suffrage history, civil rights letters, and finally the famous Rotunda featuring the The declaration, constitution and other dated documents and memorabilia. No photos are allowed inside this building.

H Hosier

The National Archives was a wonderful experience. Tickets are not currently required but you do have to stand in line and wait for admittance. Be prepared to go through security. The Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, Constitution and many other items of historical significance are housed here. We were here midweek at a weird hour and it was still fairly crowded and hard to get close to the Declaration. The security doesn't want you to stand in line but to roam about freely, but if you do roam about freely then you never get close enough to actually see the Declaration. 🤷‍♀️ Be better prepared than us and have more time then you think you need so you don't have to rush. It would have been so much nicer if we had more time. Very worth it. Photography isn't allowed inside the building. ☹️ Its free. Public entry is at the corner of 9th and Constitution Ave.

Ewa Cissik

So much more to see here than just the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. However, for those documents just get up there and look at them. People try to do this line business and then the security personnel have to break it up to move everyone along. It’s silly. Not everyone wants to read all the other information around those documents, so the ridiculously long line through the whole rotunda makes no sense. And others really want to read it all slowing down said silly line. Hope you will have a friendly, reasonable security guard when you visit too. The other galleries are worth a look as well. My teenage son and I enjoyed about 1.5 hours in the Archives building. To comment on entering the building, we only waited about 15-20 minutes on a Wednesday in June shortly after it opened for the day. When we were leaving noonish, there was no line. Paying for timed passes would not have been worth it on our day.

Dan Wells

I had a very pleasant visit to the Archives, I found I was oddly emotional that there were books on display that Thomas Jefferson held and read. The building is beautiful too.

nuric

A great museum for key historical documents. From the declaration of independence to the constitution, they are presented in a beautiful setting. It's really nice to see originals. Unfortunately, there is no photography allowed inside.

Glen Bramlitt

Unfortunately there is NO photography allowed, but that shouldn't discourage you from seeing one of the most treasured relics of the good ol USA. When you stand there and take in the amazement of how a group of men created such a profound document over 200 years ago to protect your rights - it's spiritual. And when you gaze at how large that building is compared to the relatively small area you're allowed to visit, it makes you daydream at the number of secrets that must be recorded. I did ask the one guard what the chances were of me examining the back for an invisible treasure map. He made me lean in as he whispered, "we're sworn not to talk about it and you'd be better not asking about it." He then pointed up to the cameras in the rotunda. Well played, sir. Well played.

Maarij

What a great experience looking at historic documents in National Archive. Entry is free. No photography allowed in the building.

Leeland Leu

The rotunda stores the original Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. The rest of the archives and exhibits are great. A few sections was closed when we visited so I feel like we had an incomplete visit.

Sherry R. Goff

I loved the place! The only thing is there is no line controll. I think there should be seeing how somepeople stay hovering over artifacts for over 20 minutes. Some people just walk right past the line and cut in to look over your shoulder, which to me is a little to close for comfort. All in all a beautiful place. Very clean and the staff was nice. I'd definitely go back on a weekday. You can NOT take pictures once you get inside. It is free to get in down a side entrance.

Ashley Howerton

This is must. Make sure to get tickets online in advance so you get in. Sadly no photos are allowed to be taken inside. But you get to see the orginal documents of the bill of rights, the constitution, and the declaration of independence. There is a lot of armed guards near these so don't try to take a photo. All the workers were nice and some had knowledge of stuff in the building. The documents are upstairs and other documents are downstairs when you first get through security

Diego G

Opportunity to see up close the Declaration of independence, the constitution and the bill of rights. No photos allowed inside which makes it a great place to watch and learn instead of groups of selfie-and-forget visitors.

Irina Coombes

Photography is not allowed to preserve the documents. It was actually really cool to see the declaration of independence in the Bill of Rights. Right reminder why our forefathers fought for.

Bob Kramer

We visited the National Archives in September, and the main tourist season was over. I mention this, as a suggestion, as you will enjoy Washington D.C. and it's glory so much more if you don't have to fight the crowds of Summer! This is one of the very few reviews I have EVER posted in which I have not included photos. The National Archives Museum is home to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. These sensitive documents are protected, not only by armed security, but buy light sensitive glass and therefore, photos are not allowed. Just looking at these amazing documents took our breath away, and we heard the same comment from other tourists as they were leaving. DON'T miss this museum!

Tonie Bedell

This was one of the quicker museums we visited. The line to get in moved fairly quickly for a mid-afternoon on a Friday. Please note there is NO photography allowed inside. If your wanting a picture standing next to the Declaration of Independence, it's not gonna happen. I still highly recommend going as I feel all Americans should see these documents in person. It's a fairly quick museum to go through, I'd say less than 2 hours.

Petunia

A very historical and informative place to visit. You can see the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and many other historical documents. I enjoyed this place highly.

Josue de la Torre

We booked our time tickets in advance and skipped the long line at the entrance. There is no information desk inside. Many of the items on display are visually oriented with no accommodations for the visually impaired. We had to frequently ask for assistance from the security guards.

Trinity Curry

Honestly this place holds amazing pieces of American history! It is a must see place for any history fan. The staff are friendly and helpful as well. The security guard that was helping with maintaining our group to begin seeing the exhibits was wonderful and was very knowledgeable about this place. Just a heads up... there is no photography inside to keep the artifacts safe.

Kyle Tipton

It was awe inspiring to get a chance to read the actual Declaration of Independence and Constitution. To my disappointment they wouldn’t allow any photographs anywhere near anything of significance. I understand flash could degrade the paper, it’s just a shame we the people can’t be trusted to take photos without flash. Apparently in the summer the lines are incredibly long but in December I was able to get in with no line and walk right up to our nation’s founding documents.

Robert Aylor

The staff here are incredibly courteous and professional. We were lucky to strike up a conversation with a staff member, who took the time to chat and to answer questions; really made our visit more memorable to connect with someone on a human level. Thanks to the folks of the National Archives for preserving the documents that shape who we are as a nation--amazing and awe-inspiring to see them firsthand.

Mark Hudak

Visited at the request of my daughter. Wow we were not disappointed. Got to see so may original docs, including sports items. Feature items: Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, Bill of Rights. Seeing the docs, hand written, and original signatures of our founders was amazing. Worth the trip.

Nathaniel Buechler

Of course, seeing the original founding documents of the US might be the main attraction for visiting. Be sure to view the murals and the ceiling in The Rotunda, too! But, this time, checking out the Public Vault may enlighten the more historical audience. Viewing the process of declassification, understanding the processes of record keeping and management, and exploring even more US history is within reach. The interactivity of each exhibit engages and delights visitors!

Shimpa Sontakke

Worth visiting, esp the kids learning the history about Virginia. The constitution, The declaration of Independence, etc. the documents are nicely preserved for the generations to come. No photography is allowed inside the museum,to prevent the deterioration of the old documents. About 15-20 mins walk from the metro rail,the Federal Triangle stop.

Kelly Crandall

Really fascinating to see the documents in person as well as walking through the other areas that focused on aspects of American history. Be prepared to go through airport-level security with a metal detector. I'd recommend not brining anything except a small bag and keep the phone in the bag the entire time. There are officers around the three documents constantly since there are no photos and to keep the documents safe.

G S

Every American should visit at least once. Seeing the founding documents of our country is an exhilarating experience. I recommend the asshats in Congress take a walk down Constitution Avenue and spend some time getting to know and understand what these documents mean.

Mary Wright

Great history to see! The security personnel upon arrival were incredibly rude and disrespectful. There’s a lot of unnecessary yelling. Many were immediately put in a bad mood due to the disrespectful welcome, so the whole experience wasn’t as great as we hoped . We traveled with a family member that doesn’t speak English well, and she was yelled at and talked to like she was stupid. It was degrading and embarrassing. No wonder foreigners don’t like Americans. Suggesting interpersonal communication seminars for the security staff.

Alexander Ferrara

I mean they obviously have some interesting documents to check out of major historical significance, but all things consider the interior beyond the rotunda is pretty blasé and feels like a run of the mill government building like a county courthouse or older dmv. They could definitely afford to invest in making the atmosphere a bit more inviting and interesting. The documents themselves were quite crowded and the writing itself so faded that you can't really read then anyways. It was neat and I would recommend it still just temper any expectations.

Kristin

Beautiful, clean museum to showcase transformational documentation in America’s history. Separate rooms with various displays, reading material, and video clips to watch. Timed passes have a separate line to walk-ins. However, no one checked the passes. Initial security check point staff were loud. Felt bad for a person in front of me who was hard of hearing with a hip replacement getting yelled at yet he couldn’t hear what they wanted him to do after he set off the detector. His friend kept telling them he can’t hear you; they didn’t listen or show any compassion. No photography in building. Many visitors so recommend trying to follow the movement patterns so you don’t feel rushed reviewing materials yet allowing all others to see as well.

Casey Eubank

So amazing to see all the founding documents. No pictures allowed though

Jason Zahn

Great place where you can see originals of the Declaration, Constitution, and Bill or Rights....and Magna Carta.....all for FREE. Sadly the Declaration is in terrible shape and highly faded. First three in the Rotunda and up front in the middle of the room in big gold cases (the side displays are all informational with reproduction documents). Security was straight forward and staff were all friendly and very cool they have made these free for everyone.

A. M.

Get your tickets in advance for timed entry. Really nice building with the most important documents of our country. Guards were funny but you know not to play. Loved it!

Michael Copley

Original documents on display were neat. The museum had lots to look at. If your in a hurry you could spend as little at 15 minutes here to see the main documents: constitution, bill of rights, Declaration of Independence etc. was also pleasantly surprised that they had an original copy of the Magna Carta on display.

Mike Johnson

Some of the most important documents in the world, not just to U.S. citizens, are on display here. No photos allowed and some of the founding documents are either not lit or poorly lit due to their fragile condition. Was surprised that an original copy of the Magna Carta is in better shape than the Declaration of Independence.

Paige Peaslee

Spectacular, especially enjoyed voices of soldiers who won medal of honor. The declaration of independence is on display, as is the constitution and bill of rights. Lots of security to keep everything safe.

Alana Crosswait

Very interesting place to visit. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States are housed here. Good for older kids and history buffs alike. Exhibits are well planned and immersive.

Tom Land

I've lived in the DC region nearly forty years and today was my first visit to the archives. If you're inclined to history or simply want to be closer to the documents and artifacts that shaped this nation, this is a must-see. Plan on at least a half day or more to visit. It's right across the street from the Archives metrorail station on the Green line.

Chris

Awesome experience getting to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. No pictures allowed obviously but something you’ll never forget. Went on a weekday and didn’t have a line or wait to see any of them.

Adam J. King

As a naturalized citizen, world historian and American patriot born in India, I felt it an honor to go visit the National archives museum to see the foundation on which our government has been built upon. It is a shame that too many have forgotten the basic principles on which our founding fathers set out to build this great nation. We are the leaders of all of the free world, as long as we stuck to these principles. At the time it was written, it only applied to rich, white landowners, and rather than simply extending the same equality of freedoms to all of the oppressed, so many acts, laws, bills clogged up our government system causing it to run slow. When there's too much junk in the system, it needs to cleaned and updated regularly but that only happens if people participate in the process, stay informed and do their due diligence rather than just being pawns in someone else's chess game. Here's some tips: Take your family. Make a reservation. Bring paper, and take notes when you go visit. Pick up some gifts at the shop. Other places to see: Museum of the Bible (yes the Bible playeda role in shaping of the country) George Mason memorial James Madison museum (Charlottesville museum) National art gallery Museum of African American History & culture Museum of native American history Other local museums, galleries and exhibits in D.c. and your local city, state attractions. Cut the cord to your television and go out and learn. The world perceives Americans as bunch of ignorant, illiterate, insensitive brutes. Go out and PROVE THEM WRONG. We are the melting pot of the world. Everyone has something wonderful to bring. This was taken on the day of MillionMAGAMarch.

Yami Galloza

It was a great experience! There will be a line to get in cause it is FREE but please for the love of all that is good in this world - be ready to have your bags checked! It's almost like airport security- so get ready!!! Dont be the person that slows the line down! And... you cannot take pictures at all!

Alyssa McKay

Absolutely no photography is this building - interesting experience seeing the U.S. Founding Documents among with other things

Klau Pao

A very beautiful building holding the most important documents of this country, the melting pot of the world. The security is very strict, but it should as this building holds 13.28 billion pages of textual records and more. The lines were long as there was many field trips going in, there was a lot of young people that didn't take the place seriously, but we were able to enjoy reading and admiring the most important documents that made this country better, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. It's a MUST if you love History and freedom!

Tyshawn Jenkins

This was dope. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the AC was a perfect temp. The bill of rights, Declaration of Independence, and constitution are all located in one location.

Venehisa Ayala

In this building they house the constitution, the bill of rights and the declaration of independence. You aren't aloud to take pictures, due to the fact the documents and other items are photosensitive. But I recommend everyone to make their first stop here to see history. It was beautiful, not enough words can describe what's in this building. Check it out, you will be glad you did.

Ilyse Wagner

Excellent experience! The exhibit on rights was amazing. I felt the need to read everything. As expected, the rotunda with the Declaration of Independence does get crowded, so be prepared for that. Despite the crowds, guests were considerate and moved through the exhibit so other people could view the documents. I did like the policy against taking photos. You really get to enjoy the experience without having to navigate around other people. I highly recommend.

Andrew Novack

Worth the visit to see many original documents including the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, the Constitution and the Magna Carta.

Yiwen Khu

It’s great! You can come here to see some historical documents here! But the drawback is the flow is too confusing. Many people wait in line to see the Declaration of Independence, but the security keep asking new visitors to move, so many people cut the line! 😭🙀🫠🫠 …

Brandi Bernow

The people with tickets shouldn’t have jump ahead for it was unfair for us without tickets to wait in the hot weather. The security was good and informative about no photography. And they mean NO photography or filming at all (because they are strict about it). However, it was relaxing to see Declaration of Independence and other documents in person. They also have interactive games to play if anyone who is easily bored.

Michelle Dang

If you're a little legal nerd like me the hall holding the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence and original Constitution. The architecture is amazing inside the hall and the elevators are gold with detailed engravings of the Declaration of Independence. The security Guards were so cool and easy going but thorough with checks. The Vietnam war exhibition was a highlight although won't be around forever so check out one of the most "misunderstood wars that America has ever participated in" Heaps of information available after the security check station when you enter the foyer and there's wifi too.

Patrick Prentice

A must if you are a history buff! Chalk full of interesting exhibits and information! You could spend hours here exploring everything. After you’re done, you should relax in the sculpture garden across the street 😊👍

Jennifer Soto

Well laid out with directions to navigate. No photography allowed anywhere inside the building. In the Rotunda they wont allow you to even have your cell phone out. This is where the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights are located, along with other documents. Lots of interactive displays and other historical documents from our nation's history. Surprisingly good museum to take kids that are maybe 7+. There is a replica of the Resolute desk (desk of the President from the oval office). The gift shop is one of the best in the different Smithsonians. Wide variety of stuff including NASA, cherry blossom stuff, presidential items, and many more. Tons of books and kid gifts.

Kathryn Bradley

Great exhibits to explore in addition to the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Really informative and interesting. Definitely worth a visit!

Karen Radley

Such a great place to understand the real history behind the organization and foundation of our country's government! It is still amazing that it was able to be accomplished amongst division and speaks to the on going process of governance. The documents are a treat to see in the stunning rotunda. A refreshingly cool building in the DC heat and humidity. The history of the archives, what is preserved how and why is also very interesting!

Michael Bahr

Oh this place was special. Not allowed to eat drink or take photos. But it was great to see the real document for our country. It makes it more personal. Think about 90 minutes to 2 hours to see everything and read everything.

Cristea Raluca

A beautiful place! Too bad that the rotunda where all the important documents are presented could only be visited in groups and well...the groups allowed are very big, so you end up waiting surrounded by a lot of people breathing down your neck and not really getting to appreciate what you are looking at. I would rather wait a bit more in line beforehand, and then go in and actually get to see the documents

Chloe Costello

The Declaration of Independence was so cool! It is nice to see. I also liked the sports gallery. That was cool to! This is a really fun thing to do!

Eddie H

Lots of historic archives throughout American history. Highly recommended educational experience.

Mona Taylor

Absolutely amazing! Seeing to original documents of our country brought tears to my eyes. Makes me proud to be an American. No photos can be taken anywhere in the building. The light causes damage to the documents. Yes. Even flashes from phones and cameras cause damage. The security guards were great. Very friendly and helpful. Two of the guards talked and joked with us as we were leaving. Couldn't have asked for a better visit.

James M

No pictures anywhere inside this place. It was a decent museum, sure not one of the bests out here. They do have the bill of rights, constitution and Declaration of Independence there but it is very hard to see the words due to fading and due to the style of writing, but it is cool to see the real documents.

Martin Roberts

So much bigger and more interesting than I expected. Inspirational and depressing in equal measures. Definitely worth a visit. Book your slot online in advance and go as early in the day as possible. We spent nearly two hours in there and could easily have spent longer.

ChadB540

Sounds kinda boring if you don't know what's inside. Just stop in. It doesn't take long and you won't regret it! Even if you only have 20 minutes, swing by and go straight to the highlights. I also found the gift shop to be very accommodating to a variety of budgets, which was nice.

Marsha Goldwasser

The guard at the entrance to the Rotunda was just hilarious. He made the wait pass by very quickly. However, it felt very crowded once we were allowed in to see our Nation's founding documents, making it difficult to look at everything in the room. We found the Records of Rights exhibit difficult to navigate. There didn't seem to be a logical flow between the different parts of the exhibit.

Craig Coen

Declaration of Independence, constitution and bill of rights were wonderfully presented. The exhibit about the archives was very well done as well. The power of sports exhibit was very underwhelming. Missed opportunity to focus on it as a unifying event.

Zoe Ryan

Excellent place to visit, I pre booked tickets which cost $1, which was worth it as you get to go straight to the queue, I arrived at 10am, and went straight upstairs to the rotunda to see the bill of rights. However there is so much more to see, loved the exhibition downstairs. Over all was probably there for about 2 hours.

Clark Hall

Absolutely amazing! In the rotunda look up Mr. Walton. He is a valuable resource. He spent about 15 or 20 minutes time is all about things that you don’t normally hear about. Look for Abraham Lincoln in the Mural of the signers.

Nick Strait

Very few areas available to photograph due to age of documents and need to preserve. Somber and impactful experience. See the Bill of Rights, Constitution and Declaration of Independence all in one space.

Gregory Hones

We couldn't go to DC with seeing the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Once we made it to the Rotunda it wasn't as crowded as I thought it might be and we were able to get right up to the glass. This place is set up like a museum with plenty of other stuff to see and learn about. The strict no photography shouldn't surprise anyone, these old documents are unbelievably fragile.

RICK Kaufmann

If veteran or military, go to side (exit) entrance on right show ID no wait!! Beautiful experience living American history and sacred documents. Everyone quiet, respectful, reverent. Huge difference from Smithsonian. NO screaming packs of barbarian children! Do not miss this fabulous museum. COL. Rick.

Apryl Hutt

Second time I have visited and this time was much better than last as it wasn’t overly busy and you could actually get up close and read the Declaration of Independence etc. A very important piece of American history and worth a visit for sure!

Jake Ladson

Really awesome place to learn about how documents are archived. The Bill of Rights, The Constitution and The Declaration of Independence are all on display.

Nicole Guerrero

Pack patience and time. Also listen to the officers. They repeatedly say that there are no lines or specific order that you need to follow in the rotunda. So it makes things quicker if you just skip around instead of following the crowd.

Patryk Gliwiński

You can really feel the gravity of the documents on display. The chamber is quite dark to keep the documents' condition; alas, can't take any photos, but there are copies of some of these documents in the Smithsonian Museum of American History which you can photograph.

Lisa Chapman

Very informative exhibits and important historical documents on display. The guard at the Constitution area was very friendly and shared many interesting facts about the document and room.

Ally Bright

The national archives museum is a must visit location if you are in Washington DC. this is where are you can see the bill of rights and the constitution. It was not busy when we went so we were able to not feel rushed looking at the documents. We also enjoyed seeing the other documents they have such as the Magna Carta.

Spongeflower

Must-see for all Americans. Besides the foundational documents, they also have a few other exhibits with interesting information. The line was moderately long but it's a free museum, so it's worth it.

Allan Herrod

Awesome to see the National Treasures on person. The marble floors and low humidity can do a number on your feet and mouth, but it's well worth it so see these important documents.

Christina Hancock

totally worth a visit, the exhibits were surprisingly fun and interactive, we spent quite a bit more time here than expected! national treasure fans should most definitely go! no photos, but it made it a better experience in the rotunda. came in after noon and there wasnt any wait on a wednesday in august. the security guards are all incredibly nice, especially the ones in the rotunda.

Dan Dellapenta

Love this historic place. All the country's founding documents and a revolving series of exhibits. Always something new.

Michelle Durham

Wow!! This place grabs you. The side exhibits were spectacular. Due to the restriction of photos - unable to provide any. I am a law abidder. :)

Brittany Ledger

Took my family here on fourth of July weekend! No pictures are allowed in the building, we still had a lot of fun you can spend a lot of time in the additional exhibits but the highlight of course is the constitution and the declaration! It was crowded to see the documents but definitely something you need to do as an American!

Steve Norris

Very cool place that maybe some Congress people need to visit. The line or lack of was not well organized to see the Declaration of independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights...pretty much a free for all. Need to form a single line and keep it moving :)

Aviv Tuval

Really great and interesting museum! Came at opening and had to wait like 15 minutes, keep in mind you can’t take any photos inside the museum (understandable but still worth mentioning)

Eric Trismen

What's not to love? The Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and some other neat exhibits. Did someone say Magna Carts? No photos allowed inside.

Ross Lewis

In terms of the displays and information shared this is one of the best done of all the museum options in DC. The display of the 3 founding documents elicits goosebumps (no picture taking allowed anywhere inside) and several other really great displays demonstrating the width and breadth of information the National Archives maintains, preserves, and restores. If you're into history at all, this is a must visit. Check the website about peak times and reserved visits. We visited on President's Day weekend and were there at open on Sunday and walked right in.

Jim Miller

Very interesting and well laid out...FYI they have timed entry passes available so if you don't want to wait in the walk-up line plan ahead.

Kevin Thomas

Security lady was yelling and throwing trays at guests. Otherwise the museum is nice but doesn't flow very well like some of the other museums.

Edwin

Great experience to watch so closely the Declaration Of Independence, Constitution and Bill Of Rights. However it could be not so difficult to make it more orderly.

EVENT HORIZON

Fantastic Museum with all the founding documents!

BluJay

No pictures allowed. It's way bigger than I thought. It is a museum, not just the Declaration of Independence. Of which it is very faded and almost unreadable. 😔

Clyde Frog

Amazing building, the rotunda is fascinatingly beautiful. But unless you're a real history dork who nerds out about seeing the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, you might wanna skip this one. If you do want to see them pick non peak hours, you have to muscle your way into seeing the documents while being barked at the security guards to not form any lines. So push your way to the front or you'll be waiting forever and likely to draw the ire of the security.

Rob Macdonald

This is a great place! There are tons of historical items in the archives. Something for everyone in the family. One of the coolest exhibits to me was the original Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. This is a must see in my opinion. They are displayed in The Rotunda, under low light and security. Usually there will be a wait, but it is worth it. Soak up the history! It might even osmosis into the kids. Parking around this area is tough, as is everywhere in Washington.

Yilin K

Little bit small but it’s free ! 😄

Norma B

It took a little while to get in since we hadn't gotten tickets ahead of time, but at least there was a low wall to sit on while my elderly parents waited. :) It's definitely amazing to see the original Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Admission is free, and there are other cool exhibits as well. It's super worth waiting in line for 30 minutes.

David Brown

Well run and well organised museum. Seeing the original declaration of independence and other documents displayed in the rotunda gives a real insight into the American view of the special nature of the USA. Other galleries are also interesting and explain how the archive works.

Victoria O'Tool

Unfortunately, I was unable to take any photos (It is a VERY STRICT rule) of the National Archives, but this is a sort of “bucket list” item in D.C.. It honestly isn’t spectacular. Once you see the documents, it’s a kind of “Oh, that was cool. Now I’ll leave” feeling. The museum on the first floor was neat, the officers were kind, and the building itself was beautiful. Tickets are $1.00 to reserve online. I probably won’t come back, but I would suggest seeing the National Archives just to say you’ve seen them. Nothing too special about this place though - there are honestly better places to visit in Washington D.C..

Bassam Abboud

Super interesting visit, should not be missed. The magna carta, Bill of Rights, Constitution, declaration of Independence, emancipation declaration... All these historical documents that shaped the history of the United States and the world, under one roof. Visiting this superb venue is a reminder of the road the people had to cross to ensure freedom in sap its forms. Bear in mind that photography is prohibited, and be sure that you will be given a remark by the security guards if they have any suspicion.

Scot Sample

I wish I could have taken photos inside, but obviously that’s a big no no and you will hear it a lot while inside. Going was really cool, it was awesome to see all the old original documents. It wasn’t to crazy busy, and the staff were super funny and nice. It took me a few trips to DC to realize this was a place to see, but I’d say it’s a must see with how close it is to the national mall.

Sonal Patel

When you get to see the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights on the 4th of July weekend you feel Patriotic to say the least. The calligraphy was so impressive considering there was no "spell check" back then. This was an absolutely AMAZING experience!! No photos allowed:)

Eean Levin

Very cool to see the founding documents of our nation.

T Dunn.

Loved it. Saw the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Dimly lit because of the age of the documents so bring your "readers". Two beautiful murals on the walls of the Rotunda. A must see if you come to DC.

Rudy

Very interesting place if you enjoy history, I also was impressed with the architecture inside and out.

Roy W Schoolfield

We had a great time

Pooja Varma

Such a beautiful and interactive museum. It is more formal than the Smithsonian museums, but I believe it is a must if you have time to look around. They have reserved tickets, but I did not get them and had no problems getting in.

J David Eisenberg

Good extra exhibits in addition to the Declaration, Constitution, etc. No photography or videos allowed.

Jessica McNutt

Wonderful spot worth a visit. My husband and I went to see the Emancipation Proclamation and General order #3 as we reflected on the significance of Juneteenth. The staff were quite friendly and the lines were organized and easy to follow. I did not, however, care for the experience attempting to view the "charters of freedom." There weren't even that many people and yet the experience was quite frustrating and terrible. The documents and corresponding informative displays are located along the perimeter of a rotunda. As such people have a tendency to instinctively form a queue and make their way clockwise. This would be perfect, except the employees (and corresponding signage) encourages people to NOT form lines, but instead simply walk up to whatever they wish to view. The resulting experience is a combination of orderly lines of steadily disgruntled people combined with a mishmash of people reluctantly attempting to effectively "cut" lines that aren't formally sanctioned. It felt like I had to choose between being annoyed and annoying others. Very silly and unnecessary. Because the EP is not regularly on display, they had it setup in the corrector with ropes put in place for people to line up and wait their turn. That worked SO MUCH BETTER. Thank you for coming to my ted talk.

Jessica Prahl

I really did enjoy checking out everything they had to offer. There were so many, many, many, lolbvs. Make sure you do not miss out on this stop. Some of it can be hard to read, but for the age of the stuff, it is impressive it still exists! You are not allowed to to take pictures anymore and you will be confronted if they see your phone out. They have gotten tired of telling people not to use their flash around the documents so it is easier and protects the documents if they do not allow pictures.

August M

Beautiful building and cool museum!

Mark Maker

Great place to visit. You'll learn what it takes to a real American. Photos are not allowed inside only outside.

Erick Lanier

Never been to this museum in past trips. Overall a great experience. Security was a bit rude and forceful. Other than that the layout was great and plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the exhibits.

J D

Worth the stop. The rotunda guards were a pleasure to speak with and gave us a lot of information above what that’s behind the glass. The other exhibits were good as well.

michaela fuller

Beautiful building and the exhibits are amazing! The staff is beyond incredible especially officer McKay! He went above and beyond when I asked if there was a private place for me to feed my son (I breastfeed). After hearing that they do not have a breastfeeding area I expected to have to go to the restroom to feed him but officer McKay went to his supervisor and found a solution. I am beyond grateful for him and his caring actions.

Suzanne Hodgson

Excellent museum looking back at the history of America. The building is stunning and to see the important documents from American history interesting. We were lucky we didn't need to wait in a queue.

Hannah Degn

So powerful and sacred to view the documents on display here! It’s typically worth it to reserve a time online to be able to skip the line getting in to the museum. It’s also open a little bit later than other ones so you could try going later to also not have to wait as long since it can be crowded. It’s really worth the extra effort though!

Josue Patricio

Great place to visit and experience American history. The security staff ruined my experience though. Super rude and unprofessional.

Michael John

Traveled to DC with kids (5 and 9). At the archives on a day that wasn't busy in February and one of the guards in the rotunda spent extra time with our children. He was so full of information and historical facts which he was eager to pass on to another generation. Proud to be an American

david galat

There was an awesome worker in the main area who was awesome and gave us some very good info. I loved the experience but for the record these docs are 200 years old so do not expect to be able to read them.

SK

Entry is free. Well maintained.photography not allowed to protect the artifacts. The proclamation of independence welcomes you there.

Sarah MacLaughlin

I understand why you can't take pictures, but I wish I could have taken them because it was incredible. The Declaration is very, very faded, but I still was able to see it.

Sara García

No wait to enter; only to go through security, but that was less than two minutes overall. Make sure you keep your phone away as much as possible - no photography is allowed and the guards enforce it. The Rotunda with the Big 3 Docs had some nice background facts curated around them - be sure to check them out! If crowded, try to make your way from one end to the other via the line that's bound to form - even if you're told to move freely through the area.

David Carrillo

Seeing the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence up close is something you'll never forget. A must stop in Washington DC. A great place to experience American history.

John Walkup

Seeing the Declaration of Independence was something I will never forget! So much other history in this building also.

Tom Fenton

A thoroughly humbling experience and one that everyone, whether American or someone aspiring to the fundamentals ideas of freedom and liberty should experience. Went on a Sunday morning in January, in the 20s outside. Museum was quiet and more enjoyable because so. I'd booked a few weeks in advance, make sure you book a timed slot! You won't receive tickets via email but instead give your name to a guard at the entrance. Expect mini airport style security but both my bag and bottle of water made it thru unmolested! Security guards were great throughout in giving direction. No photos are allowed inside.

Darian Drake

This is a great stop - see the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and many other historical documents. All photography is now prohibited within the museum due to bad apples who ignores the previous "no flash photography" rule, but it's a much better experience without folk obstructing the flow trying to get the perfect social media shot. Go for the experience and history.

Michelle Burns

Great to see the original USA documents. Security is very tight (as it should be).

Brian K

Very cool place to visit, though be aware that it might take a while to get in through security if you are walking in. Free admission, but ZERO photos allowed!

Alabama OUTSIDErs

A wonderful museum that has so much more than just our founding documents. You could easily spend 2 or 3 hours in here looking at all of the exhibits. Be sure to get a timed ticket for each, individual person in your group. They are extremely strict about that, and we saw people being turned away for not having enough tickets.

Swk K

Come experience the American paper of our country! No photos allowed of the Constitution or any federal papers. Shops had NO CHANGE for a $100 bill when attempting to purchase what they had for sale.

John Spillman

The archives didn't take walk ups, but reserving a time on line was easy. How can you not like a place that houses the Declaration, the Constitution and the Bill Of Rights? The guards were very friendly and helpful guiding us around the facility. A women's right to vote exhibit was in place and pretty good. Plan on a minimum of 90 minutes to go thru the entire exhibit. I enjoyed this place more than I thought. I've been to DC dozens of times and this is my first visit to the archives. First, but definitely not my last.

Joel Robles

Great palce to learn more about the history of the country, the bad part is that they don't let you take pictures of the declaration of Independence but still an amazing palce and is free.

Nicollette Ambroziak

The architecture of the building is absolutely incredible and it was an amazing experience getting to see our nation's documents in person. I was, however, quite put off by the abrasiveness of the security guards as well as the complete lack of organization in the rotunda where the documents are displayed. People naturally formed a line to take turns viewing everything but we were all soon yelled at by security and told, "We don't do lines here!" It resulted in a lot of frustrated people pushing in and out of spaces in order to view the documents. I'm thankful I had the chance to view part of our nation's history, but that is the first and last time I will attend the archives.

Jason Haap

We just went to grab a peek at the big three. It was okay. One thing that's weird is the workers all keep talking about how there are no lines, and you can walk up to whatever you like, but the visitors all want to act like you have to wait to go past each exhibit one at a time. You don't. LOL

Sophie Seba

I loved being able to view the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights in person. There isn't much to see there besides these things and there is no photography in the entire building

Christopher B

Awesome. Can’t believe how much the Declaration has faded. Staff was great

Jonathan Bates

They seriously need to organize the exhibits here. Everyone pushing and shoving to see and it was just a mess. They should just have a single line and move people through. As it is, you're either pushing your way in or you'll never see our founding documents. The rest of the museum was also very maze-like. Very difficult to understand if there was any organization to how materials were laid out or if you saw everything. Great stuff! But just not organized well. Ironic for the archives.

Jay Ward

Great place to go see the most important documents in our history. No photography or video allowed. It is pretty crowded. Staff is very friendly.

Melissa Story

We took an excellent private tour of the building. Definitely recommend scheduling one before your visit. Got a great history lesson and got to see some of our nation's founding documents.

Jay Vizcarra

Definitely in awe when reaching the Rotunda to see the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. However considering the large collection of great historic artifacts the Archives house, I felt like it fell short without displaying them. Grant it DC has been slowly opening more exhibits. By the way, didn't see the treasure map on the back of the DoI! Terry the security guard is the Rotunda was super knowledgeable!

John White

Free entry. Google maps showed “busier than usual” but I went anyway. Got in the museum pretty quick,five to ten mins. The wait to see the declaration and constitution was even shorter. There is no line for these documents. You just got in where you can but everyone was pretty civil.

Scott Jordan

It was a great experience to see some of the key documents from the founding of our country. There were huge lines due to all the school trips. We were able to bypass the wait with an Archive Membership. It’s a win win for $60 a year. You support the Achieves and get priority entrance where they treat you like a VIP.

Jeff O

Short but it's humbling to be near the source of our freedom. The written word is so very powerful.

Dale Howard

Very worthwhile. To see the original documents was exciting. Splendid building too.

Josh Pence

A very fun and humbling visit. Seeing the documents was incredible, but I also enjoyed the archives as well. Definitely a must see! No pictures allowed at all while visiting inside. Note: You do need tickets and will need to book tickets and a time in advance. Tickets are only$1. When you enter, be prepared to go through security much like the airport. Bags through an x-ray, pockets completely empty and no metal, etc... Masks are required of course. For more of my reviews on restaurants and other places of interest, follow me on Google reviews

Tyler Free (Ty)

It’s cool to see the founding documents of the US however, there being NO PHOTOGRAPHY anywhere in the building was a downer

Valerie Paxton

We didn't stay long but saw the Magna Carta (one of 4 originals), the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. The guards tried hard to get everyone to understand that you don't have to wait in line to see the documents. Just walk up. Everyone kept lining up to file along the outside walls but you'll be there forever if you wait. I asked for clarification and they said no matter how many times they tell people to just walk up, people line up instead. It's not a buffet line. It's more like food stations. :) We watched the Memorial Day parade from the Archive building steps. Okay view except for the big flags lining the street in front of you. Sit up near the top for the best views. People tend to stand up the nearer to the sidewalk.

sally mcallister

For $1 you can reserve a timed entry ticket and walk past everyone waiting in line. Wish I had known this instead of waiting in-line for more than hour.

Cathy Brown

More than just the Constitution....stories of Americans.... beautiful building too

B English

Beautiful, historic displays. Highlights included the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence!

Cameron Sweener

This was an amazing museum. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly and I was expecting only the DoI, Constitution, and BoR but there was SO MUCH MORE!! I was really very surprised and excited.

Tiffany Brandell

This is a must-see if you're in DC. The constitution is fading, but it's still a sight to see! The Bill Of Rights is incredible, as well. There is lots of good information here, and the gift shop has a lot of fun items, and the prices aren't too outrageous.

Ms. Daniels

Was looking forward to the theater room but it was closed. Some of the other exhibits were closed. Some rooms are too dark to read the information. Huge building with not enough history. Nice children's room for activities.

Kenneth Stuart

I thought we were just going to see the various document in the archives and we would be done in 15 minutes. However, there are various exhibits in the building which I enjoyed immensely. (We have been to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia so I was going to skip the exhibits but I am glad I didn't! I thought the exhibits here were much better and interesting.) In total, we ended staying about two hours reading, walking around and enjoying the architecture, and of course seeing the national documents. If the theater and the other exhibits were open, you could easily spend half a day here alone. Highly recommend!

Don Bean

Of all the places I saw while in DC this was one of the best. I had a pre paid tix (1$) so I was able to bypass the line.. I was blown away by the room and the murals on the walls. Just seeing the constitution, declaration of independence n bill of rights is something I won't forget. Must see if you visit DC.....

Josh Chambers

Great free museum i even enjoyed being patted down before entering.

Fabian Raygosa

Where our most important documents are stored. The declaration and Constitution. You must go just to see that paper. There is more to do in there as well. A museum and lots of other documents to see. The mural is amazing that sits over the documents.

Angel Bravo

Going to see bill of rights and declaration makes you prouder to be an american with everything thats happening people need to go see that to remind us how free and lucky we are

Julie Lechner

I didn't originally plan on coming here but I'm glad I did. Seeing our Constitution in front of my eyes and seeing the pen marks from the men who formed our country was nothing short of awe inspiring. They don't allow you to take many photos simply due to the fragility of the documents.

As If

Rude security at the front. It was obvious my mother could not speak English, but the security had no patience.

Jason Craft

Ooooooooh my. The Declaration. The Constitution. The Bill of Rights. Every American should have the opportunity to visit and see these. Every American should read and understand what they say. There's lots of good modern language translations and explanations free online. It's our responsibility as citizens to know what these documents do and don't say.

Cameron Campbell

The fact you could see the Declaration of Independence , the Constitution, the Bill of Rights make the trip worth it. Our visit was packed out with school field trippers, so a bit crowded to enjoy the exhibits.

Troy Jeanfreau

It's "free" to get tickets but if you get them online they charge $1 each but well worth it for the convenience

Jeff Hackman

Such an amazing place to visit... the documents that birthed this country!

Suresh Mokana

Infact this place is a National Treasure. They got nice archives and best of all is the letter of Independence. Please keep in mind that photography is not allowed inside the museum.

ST

Remarkable to see the original founding documents of the country! We were not able to book a tour online two days before so we went there on Sat afternoon - the line and the waiting time was not long. Worth going!

Joe Pika

Lovely museum full of American history. Depending on timing there can be a small line to get through security. Several bathrooms inside as well as elevators and steps, in addition to awesome exhibits!

Angela Thompson

Didn't have timed ticket slot, so we showed up an hour before opening hoping to get in without waiting too long behind those with timed tickets. We immediately went in when doors were opened to both lines of ticketers and non ticketers. We were the first in! We went straight up to Rotunda before all the kids and tours even got through security! We had the place to ourselves for about 10 minutes! The early bird definitely got the worm today! So many fine articles to see! So much history! Must see for yourself!

Christopher

I got to sign the declaration of independence! Also met George and Ben :O

David Benavides

It was awesome to see the declaration of independence and the constitution. No photography allowed. Do not test the guards on duty.

Rekha Gupta

Such a wealth of knowledge. Allow a minimum of 2-3 hours to even simply browse the place.

Dave

A bit depressing you can hardly make out the those faded documents anymore. The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Emancipation Proclamation. Three documents so important, yet so fragile, as our democracy is under threat from the GOP just as before. I served my country to protect those documents. I hope democracy prevails.

Aubri Wentz

As of Dec 2021, advanced timed tickets are required, can be reserved on their website, we got ours the day of our visit. Seeing the Declaration of Independence and other old documents was cool, no pictures allowed. I wish we had more time there, because the other exhibits were very interesting. Worth visiting!

Rachaelbeatsworld

Excellent displays of the declaration of independence, the constitution, and the bill of rights. We were very disappointed that photography wasn't allowed.

Jason & Mandey Tschetter

Long line but it moved quickly. Worth the wait to see our nation's most historic documents.

B B

Make sure to get your tickets in advance. Got to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. With covid regulations in place the amount of people wandering around exhibits was fairly low, so we were able to see everything we wanted with little no zero lines. Would highly recommend doing it like this.

G Oulee

Did not know we needed tickets, but we quickly got them online! Tons of people though, much less chaotic upstairs in the museum and lovely store

Gary L. Sergent

Really like what they have done with the new exhibits, but disappointed to see the downstairs Men's room only had 2 of 5 toilets working and the rest taped up in bags which indicates they've been broken for awhile.

Ed Broas

Layout, placement and articulation of display items made for an educational and inspiring experience. Was never a fan of history as a subject in school but this place made me appreciate the past both for how and why they are significant and what it matters to me in the present. Highly recommended!

Si Na

Make sure you visit the shop downstairs. I particularly liked the selection of books they have.

Yvonne Duffield

Very cool getting to see all the old documents and learning about them. Wish you were allowed to take pictures.

Benedek

Fantastic to see the foundations of the USA! The Rotunda was kind of a bummer as there was no line and most people took their time reading one document, instead of moving on.

Renbo Huang

Great place for Americans to spend more time with American history.

Kaitlyn L

It was so cool that we got to see the real Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution! The architecture of this place was beautiful!

Pierre Nadeau

Kids and I loved it. We all learned a lots, thanks for the good work.

Kimberly Holgate

So awesome! You should go!!!! Don't miss this! Being able to see these documents up close and personal is amazing.

John Beck (BeekrJR)

A great cultural exhibit that is a must see - bill of rights, constitution and declaration of independence. No pictures allowed but still a must see

Shelby Dirkschneider

Nice museum. Make sure to log onto recreation.gov and reserve a time slot to enter as they functioning at limited capacity.

Parker Plenty

Awesome place! It was nice seeing the actual documents that are the backbone of our country!

Anthony Raynor

It was quite interesting to be in the presence of the bill of Rights and the United States Constitution.. My family had a minor medical emergency, and the Staff were prompt and they cleared the area, and made sure that we were taken care of immediately. I can't began to say enough good things about their response.

Alheli Juarez

Lost to see here but the most important of all the declaration of independence. Must get tickets before. They are free there a $1 cost each to reserve online and that is all. Stop by the gift shop so many cool items to choose from to take with you as souvenirs. I got a bookmark. Loved it! Parking is a hit or miss with luck. So come ready to park far or in a parking garage if you have a full day of activities in the area.

Darshan Kalola

Amazing museum! You have to reserve tickets in advance online, but you can usually find tickets for the same day so I made my reservation waiting outside the museum door. The rotunda where the Constitution, DoI, and BoR is kept is beautiful and elegant. A treasure trove of American history!

E M

This is where the documents are! The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, even the Magna Carte, and so many others....... The National Archives Museum is the end-all, be-all for history making and changing documents. Go visit!!!

John Prescott

Without question one of the best visits you have to make in DC. Get there early for the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution lines can be long! Don’t even try to take photos!

Aditya

Beautiful building, inside and outside. It has various original documents on parchment, and a lot of historical information conveyed through various means, including reproductions of documents, video, audio, images.

Bill Eveland

The rotunda can not be described in words or by pictures on the internet. As a proud American, it overwhelmed me.

DJ/Don Heinz

Seeing the original documents that established our Nation inspiring. I think everyone on Capitol Hill, including Senators, Representatives AND Supreme Court Justices need a mandatory field trip to gain a better understanding of what their jobs are!!!

BradJill

We visited the U.S. National Archives during our visit to D.C. a few years ago. Our visit was in the late afternoon and we very much enjoyed seeing the essential Founding Documents (Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and U.S. Constitution) of the United States of America, which are on open display in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. After clearing security at the National Archives you enter the floor where you see the original documents and sort of wait in a holding area as they only allow certain number of visitors into the viewing area at the same time. Note that the originals are in frail condition at this time. They are placed under glass and you can have a nice look at them up close but it is quite difficult to read their writings. There are copies with better ink on display at the Archives as well. These provides a nice perspective of what these important documents would have looked like in the past. There are additional exhibitions available for viewing that might be worth a look-see for some visitors. You might want to allow 30+ extra minutes if you want to visit these. Otherwise, you can see the highlight attractions (Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and U.S. Constitution) in 10-15 minutes once you are able enter the viewing area.

Mark Brumleve

A must visit if it's your first time in DC. There's nothing more sobering than seeing the exact documents that our founding fathers signed so many years ago. Seeing the Magna Carta as well was a happy surprise. You will have to go through airport-style security so be prepared for that.

Craig C

Not a bad experience. Security guards are a bit of a hassle and unfriendly. Overall a nice experience to see your US documents

Julie Conner

Very interesting tour of the archives. The data collected is diverse and interesting. The actual displays show a broad spectrum of what makes America a unique nation.

RL Private Account

Showed up mid-day on a weekday, walked right in, no waiting. The museum was more expansive than I expected it to be.

Mark Andersen

Surprisingly interesting exhibit on main level on civil rights, voting rights, womens rights etc. nicely put together drawing on original archives While not a top museum here it’s worth the stop if you can get a ticket and spend 45’. My one complaint is they have a no photo policy for the entire museum which is a bit over the top. No reason people should not take photos of voting rights exhibit.

Dan Driving the White Van

The founding documents are fading. Flanked by armed hawk-eye guards.

Chris Greenman

An amazing experience as always. As of October 2022 there is a timed entry policy.

Sandra Vadhin

It was really awesome to see the founding documents. They also have a cool exhibit about how different groups have fought to have their rights recognized.

Benjamin Fagersten

What an important place for our national history. I really went just to see the Constitution, but saw the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights as well. I totally recommend visiting.

Chasity Grace

This was a free experience that was so awesome. You must take time to see these documents first hand!

Mike B

Had a good time, enjoyed seeing the Constitution and Declaration of Independent. Had lot of other stuff there to see. Plan lots of time to see it all.

Joel Hathaway

More than just the founding documents, this museum rewards a longer visit.

Bill P

Great place to visit if you're going to look for the constitution or the declaration of independence. No photography is allowed, so you will need to budget enough time to see the documents well enough in person. During this trip they had an exhibit about women's sufferage as well as one with a copy of the magna carta, and a detailed look into American immigration.

Riley Forlaw

This was awesome! I loved reading about "We the People", Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and the Pre Amble. They have a little shop, where you can buy all these merch about the most important people and presidents of the US, such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Ben Hankok, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr. So many cool stuff, so I reccomend you check this place out on your next trip to Washington DC!

James Parham

This is a must visit collection of America's important documents, the crown jewels being the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Be advised, photography is NOT allowed.

Nakiska Papenfuss

A must see for anyone who is interested in American History. The museum has a lot of documents and fun facts many probably don’t know. The showcase is the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Stephens Basement

It was very inspiring to see the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

A Frisbee

An absolutely amazing experience to see our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Everyone should make a reservation to view these documents and the other exhibits. I thoroughly enjoyed the Women's Suffrage and immigration history exhibits.

Jack Chambless

Standing in front of the original Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution is a knee-bending experience. You will feel you are right there as the Founders put pen to parchment. Every American - and every lover of liberty should see this at least once. You should hope the people near you have proper respect but you may have to block out the noise of blathering idiots...

Mario Teran

Gorgeous building with many captivating exhibits.

Kate Sutliff

Great museum.to take the family. Be sure that you'll go through a TSA like check in. Also, as of December 2021 you need to get a ticket for your timed entry. Still free but an appointment is needed

Sze Wai Ho

Great to see a collection of our nation's most important archives under one roof.

lrmy vlstl

The staff helped us without us asking. They kept us from waiting in lined needlessly. We saw what we went there to see without waiting very much.

Curt Wilkins

So much to see in here besides the three documents. Have an original Magna Carta also. No picture taking

James

Love the exhibits.....don't love that we were herded like cattle thru the Founding Fathers documents. Barked at by security for having our phones out. We kind of felt like trespassers.

Yair Refaeli

Interesting files of american history, but its forbidden to take pictures.

JJ Johnson

Incredible History! Schedule your visit ahead of time to eliminate the wait time!

Hyat Katramiz

Absolutely incredible experience, if you get a reservation to see the Bill of Rights, Constitution, and Declaration of Independence at the Rotunda you MUST seek out Officer T. Walton to ask him about some of the history. He is so well informed and well spoken, and talking to him was the best part of our entire experience! Thank you Officer Walton for your service and for making my vacation so memorable.

Jim Girouard

Bringing my kids to see our country's founding documents was a can't miss while we were in DC. That said, we almost did miss it because we were unaware that advanced ticketing was required. So if you want to go, get tix ahead of time.

James Hellriegel Jr.

Google Maps struggled to get us there and once we got there the walk up ticket situation was whacked (we had to go online on our phones on the sidewalk to 'buy' them). Also, the Declaration of Independence was too faded to make out very much - still - you got to go just to be in the presence of three of the greatest documents ever written (aforementioned Declaration, Constitution & Bill of Rights).

Hassan Ajami

Amazing to see the historical relics of the USA's founding. The amount of historical artifacts here is immense. Although entry is free, it's tough to get the limited passes they require due to Covid. Everything was taken for 2 weeks. We got lucky getting 2 tickets late the night before, but had to split up since there were 4 of us.

Samson Brunner

The documents were pretty cool and there was a lot of history in it. But there was a huge crowd around the big 3 so I didn't get that good of a look. Also the shop was super overpriced.

Scott Berger (Scott Berger)

Twas surreal to be in independence hall a few days before where it was debated and signed and then to see it. Time hasnt been good to the documents tho. So faded

Bradley Hewitt

Awesome historical place everyone should see once.

Cayden Buckman

Getting to see the most famous documents here was a very memorable part of my trip! I definitely recommend getting to see our freedoms and rights!

Jeff Mro

It's got the Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution amongst so many other artifacts. It's really quite amazing!

Myléna Roquet

A very interesting museum, very impressive to see the founding document of the United States !

Debbie Younts

Absolutely wonderful to see the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. So moving. I was in awe and I believe everyone who passes through that room is also!

Cso

It was humbling to be able to stand in front of these documents. I feel so lucky to have seen them firsthand. The staff was absolutely amazing and pointed out extra information. They really seemed to love working there and interacted with our entire group. They had great energy.

J D

Interesting exhibits. Be sure to get the self guided timed entry tickets in advance. Find them online and save a several hour wait in a long line in the sun - or rain.

David Hood

Would've given it five stars but I was a little bummed about not being able to take pics even without flash. Totally understand but still bummed. A piece of advice when you go to look at the main documents everyone seems to be there for (Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights), dont follow the sheeple! Security will give you the rules before allowing you to go into the large room called the Rotunda. Listen to the rules when they say there are no lines. You dont have to stand in a line and wait for a dozen people to figure out what they're doing. Just go check out the documents. Its amazing!

G Harris

Great museum! It's a lot to see including Bill Of Rights, Constitution and more.

Matt D.

You can just show up and get in free, after waiting in a line that can get long. Or just go online and get a ticket for $1 that let's you walk past everyone waiting. Only downside of this place is they don't allow pictures, but understandable.

Maggie Hall

Great exhibits, also a fantastic gift shop.

tony mancuso

Great information. Dont bring the kiddies. Dont try and read the entire constitution when 200 others want to glance at it.

Chad Taylor

The Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights captive audiences in the Rotunda, alongside accompanying displays that elaborate on context - who, when and where.

Trip Taker

Extremely well done. The employees including the security guards are great. The Archives has the best gift shop out of all the gift shops in DC. Worth the trip if only for the gift shop alone.

Aleksandr Semenkov

Amazing museum,great exhibition of maps

Jorge Figueroa-Cecco

Really great exhibit, but I wish they would make the main rotunda have a single flow of traffic so it's more controlled.

TYRKHAN3K

Free entry, good lesson on modern era foreign policy.

Nathan Scott

Due to the pandemic, they are having timed appointments in order to ensure social distancing, which makes this the best time to go. You don't have to cram in and try to see over other people, you can take your time and look at the documents one by one. They have the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. The room they are housed in has beautiful murals on the upper walls. They also had on display correspondence between the artist of those murals and one of the commissioners. On the lower level they also had a copy of the Magna Carta, and an exhibit on the Civil Rights movement, though sadly parts of that were marked "temporarily removed" while I was there.

Todd Nielsen

Such an amazing place to see the documents that made the United States what it is. From the Magna Carta, to the Constitution, the Emancipation Proclamation and Bill of Rights. This museum truly is inspiring!

Join Fur

Amazing to see & read about the original founding documents of the US of A.

Ben Fowler

Great museum. Great displays Thank you

Matthew Jenkins

Lots of documents. And a fun gift shop.

Nathan Viehland

Great place to see all the old documents. It is quite busy especially where the Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence is kept.

Jeff Sorensen

The authors of our country's founding documents were so inspired.

Jeffrey Zirbel

With Covid restrictions, access to all exhibits and floors somewhat restricted. Cafe closed. The major documents (Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Constitution) are on display. Still worth the effort. Check website for link, as timed entry is strictly monitored

Ariel

This place is entrusted with the safeguard of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. With that being said, they are also in public display for everyone to see, which is a testament to how committed the National Archives is to be fully transparent with its visitors. On top of that, it is also a place where you can go and do extensive research if you enter the opposite side of the building from where the museum is located. Needless to say, this is truly a fascinating place to come visit and I highly recommend coming here. It is very clean, the bathrooms are well kept, the marble in the interior is quite beautiful, and even the exterior of the building tells an interesting story if you look at the frieze and the statues outside and learn what they all represent.

Nicholas van Orton

Very solemn, beautiful place. Seeing the Declaration of Independence is very moving.

Mike Mann

One of my favorite places. Everyone should visit at least once in your lifetime. Seeing those documents is something not to be missed.

Adrian Nagle

The National Archives display of the national founding documents are interesting and informative. The two exhibit halls have been interesting and educational as well. The archives is one of my favorite stops on the mall.

Jamie Stimpson

History is always cool. Get tickets in advance , you almost have the place to yourself now. We also rented the city bikes to get around which was great.

Rebecca Woods

A must see and do activity when you are in Washington DC! I suggest spending the $1 fee to have a guaranteed time to see the archives. If not you will end up waiting in line for long periods of time. Everyone was pleasant to interact with, The security guards made it fun to have bags checked and offered witty jokes for the kids. We enjoyed our slow walk and adventure about the archives learning about important time periods and historic moments which are outlined for your viewing. At no point were my 10 yr old and 13 yr old bored from this experience. You are engaged with activities and learning every corridor. Seeing our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution was important to my daughters. There was a small line, however it went quickly, and allowed each individual to spend the time they wanted to review and see it.

Mark Barnes

The amount of security around the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution should remind us of how serious we should revere and continue to safeguard it as a nation. Overall, there is so much to take in here and I feel like I could spend the whole day at any one of these museums educating my children about American history and the freedom that allows for so much creativity.

Jamie VanCobb

Such a great visit. Not only do you get to see history the exhibits are so informative. Little bits of history throughout.

Curt Brackenrich

If you visit Washington, you really should take the time to swing in for a visit. We were there in August, so it was a welcome retreat from the heat, also not at all crowded. I saw the Declaration, the Constitution, and many others, literally in front of me, very cool. The gift shop is well stocked and has some unique items for history buffs, bathrooms were spacious and clean. We were part of a bus group so I can't comment on parking.

Brandon Perkins

This is one of the coolest museums ever. It is so cool to see some of the most important and prominent documents of our country in history. The building has amazing architecture and exhibits. You learn so much by visiting. You cannot miss this museum!

Benjamin Youngmin Choo

My son recently saw National Treasure and insisted on visiting the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence. I never thought a Nicolas Cage movie would be relevant and educational after 15 years of its release. Finding parking was the toughest part of the trip. There are parking spaces scattered around the National Mall but finding an empty spot is not easy. I had to circle around for 10-15 minutes. There seems to be paid parking garages near by as well. The museum itself is nice. When I visited decades ago for my middle school field trip I only recall seeing the documents on display. Now they have a museum section on the lower floor. Still, it only took about 30 minutes to see the entire museum at a very slow pace. So I would not recommend planning your visit solely around seeing this museum. The documents on display are not like what one would see on TV or the internet. They are behind thick glass and difficult to read. Explaining the significance of the documents to your children beforehand will make the trip more meaningful. At least show them National Treasure before visiting. I would have given four stars to the museum but the staff were so friendly I give it a five. The security people at the entrance and throughout the exhibit were super friendly. This is contrary to some security personnel I ran into at other nearby museums.

Marissa Wharton

Fascinating museum. Absolutely loved it (but bear in mind I'm a bit of an American history nerd 🤓). Very efficient security, very clean inside, and the Rotunda (where the Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights are displayed) is fantastic. We went on a Sunday in winter and it wasn't busy, but I've seen lines wrap around the building before, so just keep that in mind!

Mike MC

Certainly a must do for anyone visiting Washington. There are lots to see but the key is the main room where you can see the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. there are more historical documents but these are the key ones. The rotunda itself is quite a spectacular room but unfortunately you are not allowed to take pictures. This is free to visit and great for all the family

Justin Shaver

Visit here before these documents fade away. It's free and toy will be amazed and over joyed to have been in their presence.

Destiny Peters

It's great to be able to see the Nations Documents but you are unable to take any pictures once inside the building.

Michael Lawrence

Signs state "no photography in exhibits" in english that means exactly that, not exhibits. So taking pictures of building features outside a exhibit is also agaisnt the rules and staff are jerks about it. Just make it a no pictures in the building policy, so it means just that.

Jake Stewart

Again, gotta see the Declaration 📜, magna Carta and Bill of rights

Mikey D

A lot of fun and good content for the size of the museum.

Jasmine Gunning

Such as cool place with great exhibits. Would definitely recommend booking the morning tour online; it was very informative & we got to beat the crowds by going into the rotunda before the building even opened. Francis was our tour guide, he did excellent & really seemed to know what he was talking about. Loved that he brought out copies of different things he was talking about for the group to look at.

Helen Hou

I highly recommend the exhibit on American women and the vote that is at the Archives until January 2021. Seeing the Constitution and Declaration are also great but depending on how crowded the museum is, you may not get time to look at them for more than a few seconds. Your visit can be strongly affected by your interactions with museum security. This past visit, I was only at the museum for 90 minutes and in that time, I got yelled at by two security guards. One at the entrance and the other 10 minutes later. The museum would benefit with more signage explaining museum rules (so that visitors might not be yelled at for breaking rules they're not aware of in the first place) and some more training for security guards on how not to treat visitors like criminals.

Evan S.

I went and just wanted to see the Big 3 (Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration). I was in and out within 30 minutes. The Museum has many exhibits but I was short on time to see them all. The best tip is THERE IS NO LINE SYSTEM as the security guard states before you go in. Be courteous but walk up to the documents as you please. Great experience!

C. Pine

Must see, fellow Americans and history buffs so visit at least once in their lifetime to appreciate how records and archives are kept of some monumental moments in the history of America. Free.

Nick Brown

Absolutely wonderful experience. The staff are so friendly and caring. And of course you can see the three most historical documents in United States History all under one rotunda. Went on a cold Sunday, and had the Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights all to my self for careful examination. Literally a national treasure. 😏

Filip N

Incredible fantastic place! You can to there with whole your family and everyone will find something interesting for himself. You can spend there long hours, walking through all this amazing exhibitions. And the best one... its totally free of charge! On the place you will find also very nice restaurant with quite tasty food. There is also playground for small children. Go there with your family for fantastic day!

Jeff Curless

Awesome to see the constitution and other documents! Remember not photos allowed.

Andy Galles

What an amazing collection of history. The magna carta and declaration of independence were the obvious high points. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We stopped in the basement cafeteria for a late lunch and found it to be quite good and fairly priced. You will need hours to fully appreciate all this museum has to offer.

Tim Grebeck

Out of all the museums I visited, this one had the most personable and kind security guards. They were all smiling, fun, and not afraid to crack a joke. The one in the document room pointing out Easter eggs in the murals was amazing!!

Bailey Tran

It was so cool looking at the documents that set up our country.

Nikki SKD

A must-see stop in DC to view the founding documents! Word of advice - respect the signs posted about no photography. Saw someone chance it and get escorted out - although it is disrespectful to not heed the instructions to do your part in preserving such national treasures.

Swaroop Rao

The museum is only partially open but it’s possible to view the original documents of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and others. The amount of care they’ve taken to preserve these documents is truly admirable.

One hungry Man

All American should try their best to go here. Although no photography is allowed and the wait is usually long the experience of standing in a room with OUR most treasured Documents , the very foundation of our freedoms we enjoy today , is indescribable. Awe perhaps is all I can offer. They bind us together with our great diversity and different political associations and our common existence as Americans. 10 stars.

William Reinhardt

Really impressed by the exhibits. Seeing the original declaration of independence, the constitution and bill of rights was inspiring

Ted Batycki

Must see in DC. Quick tip: go closer to closing time to avoid crowds. They close the doors 30 min before the museum closes, so the crowds are better then. The main attractions are obviously amazing, but the hidden gems everywhere else are just as cool. I found the Emancipation Proclamation while randomly walking around. So special to see that history in person.

Sundari S

Wow! The Rotunda is something that would stay in our memory for very long. Amazing efforts to preserve the memories of the hard earned independence. Loved the displays. The store had very good souvenirs given that we can't take any photos inside the building. Souvenirs are the only way we live back those memories. A Must Visit Place.

Andrew Harper

Glad I finally got to visit the archives and see the constitution, bill of rights, and Declaration of Independence in person. The setup of the rotunda isn’t very conducive to COVID precautions, though. Nobody is enforcing social distancing, and many of the visitors skipped back and forth between the documents vs following the line which lead to overcrowding for the majority of the time. As a result, I limited the time I spent inside the archives, which is unfortunate.

GroundSiamang3

My wife and I visited D.C and this was one of the museum's we visited. It was one of my favorites! I loved seeing the Constitution, Declaration of independence, and Bill of Rights. The museum had so many other cool things like the Magna Carta, and many other cool things. I highly recommend this amazingly historic museum!

Katie Carranza

We were able to get tickets online the day before for a Monday. The gift shop was great, they had things from each of the Smithsonian museums & D.C. in general.

Derrick Migneault

Pretty awesome to see such a profound document. No pictures allowed. Through metal detectors.

John “johneaglestar” T

Very interesting museum, the founding documents to the United States are located here. There's very few areas that you can take pictures of inside. There was very little wait to see the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence and Constitution. The guards will tell you if there's a gap to view them to take it, don't wait in line. I also enjoyed the other exhibitions the temporary one regarding the Vietnam War was very good. I like how they broke it up in to key points in time and showed first hand documents that illustrated the key points. I'm not sure how kid friendly this particular museum is because a lot of the exhibits are supported by documents you have to read so I'm not sure it would hold their attention.

Becca Richardson

Great place I got to see the Declaration of Independence and the constitution for real the one signed by Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson

Alex Merryman

Very cool museum. They have exhibits showing how they store documents, and they also have an exhibit which you get to learn about our nations past and the struggles of inequality the US has faced. Most importantly you can see the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and the Constitution.

Eric Van Pyrz

Once security checkpoint with one person running it. Very inefficient.

Lindley Drake

Unbelievable historic content

Allison Siegel

Really interesting place to go. Seeing the actual Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution are amazing. Remember there are no actual lines to Gerry up to them. If you try to "wait in line" you will get no where because there is no lines. They tell you this when going into the room, yet out of habit a line forms but never moves because of everyone else that doesn't get sucked into the habit!!

G Aquino

This museum houses three important founding documents - the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Not copies, but the original documents, preserved from wear and tear using some really neat archiving technology. This alone makes it worth a visit. The museum also has exhibitions showcasing a sampling of the records that the National Archives (NARA) safekeeps. It's fascinating to learn about the volume and breadth of the records - from census data to maps to early photos and videos - and the process of acquiring, cataloging, and preserving them. They also talk about what makes a record worth preserving. Don't miss out on the fascinating video by the exhibition entrance that shows the journey the three founding documents took on their way to the Archives, and the technology employed to preserve them. Our visit lasted a little more than an hour. Prepare for lines and a security check to get in. Photos are strictly prohibited. The museum store is pretty standard and the cafeteria was closed during our visit. Admission is free.

Michael Korenchuk

Always a great place to see the original founding documents. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Went on Easter morning and there was no wait.

Pedro Camejo

Great place to see history preserved. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Usually long lines but goes quickly.

Jackman Tse

No photos or videos allowed but amazing to be in the presence of this great American history.

Danny Anderson

There is something special about seeing the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The archives have done a great job not only presenting them, but telling their story in a concise way. Every person who enjoys freedom, not just Americans, should visit this exhibit.

Robert Mazza

Great museum with lots to see. Ran out of time to see it all.

william braun

Great rotating interpretative exhibits.

Oiva

It is a good place but i do suggest buying a ticket so that you don't have to wait in line. It is very historical and informative.

Justin Cheung

Love this place. Besides all the historical primary source documents covering all aspects of American history, both good and bad, the Rotunda hosts the amazing foundational documents that make the United States of America so exceptional. Read the Declaration and the Constitution and the Amendments protecting our Rights. The misguided Governor of California needs to visit the Rotunda, walk right up to the document containing the Bill of Rights, and right in the middle of the large sheet, written in clear and precise words: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” #2A

Joseph Mueller

Security was a bit over the top, but it's as thrilling to see the Declaration of Independence and Constitution now as it was when I was a child.

Kelsey McGlashan

Pretty neat. Went there to try and steal the declaration of Independence. It's not as easy as they make it look in the movies, so that was a minor disappointment. On the plus side I also got to enjoy reading the Constitution and the Bill of Rights among other documents that are well preserved in a controlled environment. They have a couple other exhibits and galleries, but those were not as interesting as seeing the real stuff to really feel the importance of why controlled archiving is important.

Patrick DuChêne

The new timed entry pass system meant far fewer people in the Archives than pre-pandemic, which was nice. Masks not required for the fully vaccinated. Hopefully they will return to general entry soon but it was nice to get back inside to see the founding documents.

Will W

Really cool place! Loved to see all the old documents and records from the Magna Carta to recent.

Nick VanWingerden

The only thing open is the rotunda where you can see many important documents along with Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. None of the other exhibits are open at this point. Tour only took about 30 minutes.

Toni Ramirez

Amazing! Before entering you'll be required to go through metal detectors so have your things ready for a quick and easy process. There's a small gift shop with lots of things ranging from keychains to toys to small statues. THERE IS A STRICT NO PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY. The documents that America was founded on are on display, most aren't crowded. Be prepared to get in line if you want to view the constitution. Overall this is a place that you should visit. My original plans didn't include National Archives but I'm glad I deviated.

Ada Rebecca Smith

Spent some time getting in, but it was worth the wait.

Joanne Kowalski

There is plenty to see at the National Archives, but the most popular exhibits are the original Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, located in the Rotunda. Be advised that you will be asked to put away all cameras and cell phones. Pictures are prohibited, but two yahoos tried to take photos while we were there. The guards do not look kindly on those who bend the rules. The Declaration is quite faded, but when you read about where and why it was hidden for many years, it's understandable. The lights are dim, voices are hushed in the Rotunda, and the Framers look down from murals above. I felt honored to be there.

Doug Hill

A lot more to see there than just our founding documents. The "Public Vault" is a series of great exhibits showing not only the variety of things stored but what you can do with them. My favorite was a family trying to prove if their grandfather was a citizen... Attached picture was in the "voting booth" set up in the exhibit honoring the 100th anniversary of women's right to vote. The collected people's vote for the top 3 issues they thought were important.

Joseph Santos

It was nice to see the documents that make this great country great. No photos, videos or anything live allowed in interior of the Archives.

Barbara Solick

So historic! And the gift shop was so great!

Robert Biggs

I live in DC and like visiting the museums, but this place was a let down. The security, already overblown on the mall spots in general, is very heavy handed and brusque here. The lighting in the transition spaces, hallways and stairwells is harsh, too bright, and jarring. Seeing the Constitution and Declaration of Independence is a must for sure, the experience is just not as great as it could be. The gift shop here is a repository for all kinds of junk and toys that have nothing to do with the Archives. I also like the other exhibits here I just would have like it to feel more welcoming, these are OUR founding documents after all.

Robert Mitcham

Had an amazing time visiting the National Archives Museum. The queue moved pretty swiftly to see the Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. That experience alone is worth 5 stars. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the newer exhibit for the Magna Carta, surrounded by exhibits concerning women, immigrants, and people of color in America was perhaps some of the most thought provoking. Will certainly be visiting this gem again next time I am in D.C.

Melissa Wilson

A must see. Full of history with lots to see. The security is everywhere to prevent photography but they were also great at answering questions. We spoke to one employee, Ricardo Williams. He has an amazing personality and was such a pleasure to speak with.

Dan Engholm

Surprisingly good. We are glad we went.

Jenna Wright

This is by far the most wheelchair friendly museum (or building, for that matter) that I have ever been to. From push button controlled doors in the bathroom (!!!) to bright signs welcoming service animals, the National Archives gets a 1000% accessibility mark, which I have never previously applied. I cannot say enough much much I enjoyed my day there!

J Thell

Much more than I expected. The museum has done a wonderful job of bringing history to life through interactive exhibits that tell a story. The archives takes great care in presenting multiple views of a topic that are often at odds with one another, capturing our country's achievements and injustices with equal weight. Best presentation I've seen of American history across a broad set of themes. Don't miss it! PS - you may want to make lunch plans elsewhere however. Cafe food is not good and kitchen poorly managed.

thanh pham

It's a must see especially if you have teenagers. You can spend about 2 hours or less there but your trip to the Capital is not completed without visiting the Archives. It gives us a sense of where we as a nation comes from. And we'll be appreciating more of what we have right now in this great country.

James Temple

Always cool to see the original bill of rights and Constitution. A lot of other items were not on display. You need to get tickets online a head of time to enter.

Sierra Lake

This was interesting. The lighting was very low to protect the documents. You couldn't take pictures and they only allow a certain number of people in at a time. We didnt have to wait too long though and it was free to get in. It was cool to see our national documents in person.

malevolent_avocado

Very few people, with lots of interesting information about the documents and founders. There is more to the Archives than the founding documents, so make sure you take time to go through their other exhibits. A must-see if you are visiting DC!

Kat Sykes

Loved going in and seeing all the old original documents. It is sad, however, how much some of the documents have deteriorated because they used to allow photography, etc. I agree with the ban on photography of the old documents but would have loved to be able to take pictures of the architecture of the building itself. Very ornate and interesting!

Glenn Robertson

This is the foundation of our nation. These documents are some of the most important pieces of paper ever written, and the supporting exhibits show how far we’ve come. It’s a must see for anyone.

Lina Riggs

I wish I have pictures from inside. The place is fantastic and you have the opportunity to see important papers in American history like the original Bill of rights or Declaration of Independence

Erica Angle

Need your time to walk through the whole thing 3 hours is not enough.

Zorina Moorman

Very well run facility. NO PICTURES AT ALL IN THE BUILDING. Don't try. It's ugly. Beautifully kept archives and information

Camille Tan

I enjoyed this place although it was crowded. Finally, I got to see those original documents, imaging our founding fathers discussing, drafting, and finalizing them. What an amazing experience! Too bad, no photographs. I couldn't record the magnificent architecture inside the building.

Kisha Bridges-Ward

The line was long but it was worth the wait 😂😅🤣 …

Andrew Harmon (Werd69)

You get to see history in the making, with some of the most important documents of all time. The original Constitution and Bill of Rights. You cannot take pictures in this museum. It's important that you remember because they could kick you out if you do.

Justin Michaud

Must do for any trip to DC. I recommend getting there early and going right to the rotunda to see the Declaration and Constitution. Lines begin to form early but seeing those documents will make any trip better. It's a beautiful building with plenty to see that elaborate on American history and even some additional artifacts like the Magna Carta.

Jennifer El Mekkaoui

You can see the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. There is also a wall through exhibit of American History. No video or photography is allowed of the documents and they do have security watching. Just FYI.

Lindsey Peterson

Such a fun trip back in time. Highly recommend.

Michael Mullahy

Thoroughly enjoyed the National Archive Museum. Everything is easy to get to. The exhibits are all well explained and there is plenty of room. We could have spent all day there and still not seen or listened to everything.

Kevin P

The National Archives was probably my favorite thing that I visited while in Washington D.C last week. Seeing the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights in person gave me goosebumps. I don't understand how someone can see these in person, understand the historical significance, and still want to fundamentally change the United States of America.

Chris Bolyard

This is a must see in DC. To see the living document that our constitution is, in person is humbling! All of the information in the museum is presented in a straightforward and engaging way. To see immigration documents in today's environment amid all of the discussion is a real eye opener for a lot of people. This museum holds all of the documents, where the rubber meets the road for our political beliefs no matter what they are. If you routinely engage in any political debate you have to see these documents first hand to get a real feel for what these documents are and what they mean to us as a people. The Vietnam war exhibit currently on display is fantastic. This brings to life a period of history that a lot of younger people just don't know about which is a disservice to our members of the armed force who served during this period. All of the displays at the National Archives bring history to life!

Krystal Whitehouse

History of how we started and where we are now can be found here. We were treated to additional information from a few of the guards there. I never expected them to be as knowlegable about history as they are about their jobs. Blew my mind in a good way. Get there early and don't think you have alot of time, these guys are serious when your time is up.

Scott

Great to see the documents that our country is founded on!

Nikita Sharma

This museum stores the Declaration of Independence & the Constitution. That is enough reason to visit it. It might get busy during the day and there can be a wait of 30-40 minutes before you can enter it. So just take that into account. Especially on hot days.

A N

We went mostly to see the declaration of independence and Bill of rights. The guards were very rude and condescending, and they ask that you not read or examine the documents, just glance and walk away. The information in patents and personal records was interesting but overall I left with a bad taste in my mouth.

Chrissy

Unexpectedly an amazing place to visit! Officer Walton went above and beyond his call of duty to engage the audience and share a wealth of knowledge to tourists. He turned a tired afternoon into an exciting one for my sisters and I. We will be repeat visitors, and did I mention it's free?!

Michael Woodall

What can you say about the foundation of America. It is amazing and the staff is funny and enjoyable. It can get real busy sometimes and hard to see the documents, but take some time and you'll have no problem. The security was very kind and helped us out when we had a problem. Nothing but impressed as usual. If you don't come here and experience the birth of our nation, you'll regret it.

Timothy Meeker

The artifacts at the Archive were very interesting, but the crowd control was all over the place. There was a total lack of any queueing going by the national documents, leading to obstinate tourists hogging the view of the Constitution. The yelling guards did little to make the system work. A simple cordoned path from document to document would make it all more enjoyable and easier to manage for staff.

Derek

Always awesome to see the history. Must see atleast once.

James Simmons

This is a govt building with a boat load of people not waiting their turn to see our Country's important document. The one Officer by the Constitution was hilarious.

Dustin Cornell

The best history were the pieces not showcased

Eddie Castro

Was able to see the original copy of the Declaration of Independence - very cool.

Veronica Boller

Wow! A free experience to see the original constitution, declaration, bill of rights, magna Carta and many more!! There is a lot to see and learn about here. Everyone on the staff was friendly and helpful. It's sad you can't take pics inside of most things, but I understand the need to preserve these precious documents. They have a lot of information about past presidents. An entire room on women's rights as well which was very interesting to see.

Matthew Clark

If you haven't been here for over 10 years like us, worth the visit again. Of course the originals are still there, but newer exhibits too.

Mark Romano

This is a must visit museum for all Americans. This houses all the documents drafted by our nations founding fathers. Displayed behind glass allows visitors to observe them from just inches away, truly an amazing experience.

Mary Carter

It was pretty cool seeing the original documents that insure the freedom and rights of our country.

Wannabe Stonie

Interesting but a security guard going in, she was pretty rude to me. The room they have the founding documents in doesn't allow for a lot of people. Going around the room was not organized so you have to push your way through people to get close enough to see the documents.

Will James

I was so surprised at how cool the building is! I did get lost going to the rotunda (where the three documents are located) but I eventually got there. I was able to walk right in and right up to them without any problems. Perks of going during the off season.

finessa bedoun

Absolutely incredible. I highly recommend a visit and am already planning to visit again!

Ethan Harlacher

If you want to personally fix your eyes on the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence then this is the place. Be warned, the area in which the documents are kept is extremely dim as probably not to further damage the documents. The Declaration is quite faded and you may have a difficult time reading the parchment. Nonetheless, it is every bit worth the visit to gaze upon these historical documents.

Irvine “Superstar” Sunday

One hec of a way to have a really breathtaking experience without paying a dime! The historical documents on display here will make you feel so honoured to be in the presence of greatness. Lighting in the Rotunda (where the declaration, constitution and bill of rights are being kept) is very low, so you might have to squint a little to make out anything on those documents. Plus, don't follow any queue at the gallery, just walk up to a displayed item and gently without shoving people aside, find your view spot.

Trina Marie Kaur Singh

My 6th great grandfather Robert Morris signed the declaration of independence, articles of confederation and the constitution as well as being 2nd continental Congress for Pennsylvania and the financier of the revolution, cant really sew much anymore since the documents are so faded but it's nice to be able to see my ancestors signature on such an important piece of American history kind of makes me feel connected with him.

Lyndsey Herrand

Wait to enter without tickets was about 2+ hours. Spent about the same inside exploring. Worth the wait in my opinion!

Cory Wilburn

I gave this one five stars just for the opportunity to see the Constitution the Declaration of Independence and the Magna Carta all in one day. This was an amazing experience especially for my family who all love the history of our great country. I went with my wife my 14 year old daughter and 13 year old son. This is a museum experience we will remember.

Stephen Gerard

The history of equal rights, for African Americans and women is very powerful and should be required for everyone, especially in these times. The actual documents are incredible when you see the paper and writing. True history. It took 49 tries to pass the equal right amendment for women and then it failed to be ratified by the states so it is still not law! So wrong, but true.

Lupe Araiza

If you like History 👍 this is the best place to go. …

Austin Beltrand

After walking from the mall through the sculpture garden, we popped into the Arches to see the Bill of Rights, Constitution, and Deceleration of Independence on the 2nd floor rotunda. We only had to wait in line for about 10 minutes and had plenty of time to peer over the documents, which were lined on either side of the rotunda with historical details about their creation and maintenance.

Joseph Raczynski

Beyond the rotunda and the Declaration of Independence, there are many smaller exhibits to see. When entering the building (looking from the street - Constitution Ave) go to the left of the huge steps outside. If you go up the steps, you'll have to go back down to get into the building. Always feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @joerazz

James Chapman

One of the best museums in DC. A fantastic collection for your viewing. Of course there is the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence with the Bill of Rights in the Rotonda. But there is an extensive presentation of genealogical papers, presidential speeches, and general information about American history. Do not miss hearing telephone conversations recorded from Nixon, Kennedy, Johnson, and others. Also my favorite was the recorded speech of Teddy Roosevelt.

KB

This place is a must-see if you are near the National Mall. You could spend an entire day in the Archives, but at a minimum, you've got to see the big ones. They are all in the Rotunda. You can see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, etc.. Do not try to drive to it though. You can Uber. There is also a metro stop next door... If you are military, they have a social entrance that allows you and a small group to skip the main line on busy days. Just circle around the building and ask the guards. They will help you find it. Also, there is a special entrance for non-tourist people who actually have research or work to do in the Archives. It's fairly easy to get a researcher badge. You just gave to fill a lot of paperwork and get the tour of the work areas.

John Kusmierz

What can you say besides it has the documents of the greatest form of government the world has ever known. Declaration of independence, constitution, and the bill of rights.

Shaibal Chakrabarty

The Constitution, bill of rights and other critical documents are housed here. A must visit since you won't find these documents anywhere else in the world :) No photographs are allowed. If you are standing in line to look at the Constitution and other critical documents, you will have to step out of the line to the center of the rotunda to check your phone. Turn off your phone.

Henry Lu

Great museum! Saw the declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. Recommend going during the week to avoid the long lines. Rotunda has nine eagles...try to locate it all!

Tim Perry

We visited in September and had zero lines. Very interesting. All the big US documents on display plus the Magna Carta. I gather there are long lines at some times but it was so quiet when we went it was almost like a private viewing.

Simon Green

extremely worth visiting- the experience of seeing the original document of the declaration of independence is quite memorable.

mark allen

I get it...... It's closed........ Change the signs out front to indicate that you're doing, by appointment, tours only on on Saturdays with the website address to sign up. To the security guards outside on the 7th street entrance...... Thanks! Penn Quarter Spprts Tavern was great.

Ciera Daniels

A little packed in the summer but the building is beautiful and so full of history.

Gavin Tuttle

There's a lot of history in this museum, i guess that's why it's called a museum...

aitchjaybee

Suprised by how easy was to visit and no queues at all, even in August. Free entry. Great to see so many important pieces of history together, Constitution, Bill of rights, Declaration of independence, etc. No photos allowed.

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