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National Archives Museum, Washington, DC

Photo: Another Believer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

MuseumsIconicOnly-in-DC

National Archives Museum

701 Constitution Ave. NW · Washington, DC

Why you should go…

The Charters of Freedom, the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights, rest in argon-filled cases beneath the soaring Rotunda dome, faded ink and all. Downstairs, the Records of Rights gallery displays a 1297 Magna Carta and rotating documents from the nation's vaults. Admission is free and walk-ins are welcome daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., though lines build midday; reserved timed tickets skip the wait for a small fee.

  • #declaration of independence
  • #constitution
  • #founding documents
  • #free
  • #history

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

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