National Archives - Washington, DC

The National Archives and Records Administration stores and provides public access to the original documents that set up the American government as a democracy in 1774. Visit the National Archives in Washington, DC and you will have the opportunity to view the United States Government's Charters of Freedom, the U. S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. The records of the nation's civil, military and diplomatic activities are also held by the National Archives for present and future generations.

National Archives Experience

The National Archives Building in Washington, DC was renovated in 2003 to create a dramatic and educational presentation, called the National Archives Experience, which takes you on a journey through time and highlights American struggles and triumphs. The National Archives Experience includes six integrated components:

• Charters of Freedom - the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the National Archives Rotunda are the centerpiece of the National Archives Experience.
  
  
• Public Vaults - the permanent exhibition creates the feeling of going into the stacks and vaults of the National Archives. The interactive experiences of the vaults draw their themes from the Preamble to the Constitution.
  
  
• William G. McGowan Theater - the 290-seat theater uses state-of-the-art technology to present a dramatic film illustrating the relationship of records and democracy through the lives of real people. The McGowan Theater also serves as a venue for documentary film.
  
  
• Special Exhibition Gallery - devoted to document-based exhibits on newsworthy and timely topics and traveling exhibits from Presidential Libraries and other sources. Exhibits that open in the Gallery travel to other venues in the U.S. and abroad.
  
  
• Learning Center - engages America's youth, parents and teaching professionals.

Location

The National Archives and Records Administration is located at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Washington, DC, between 7th and 9th Streets. The Research Center entrance is on Pennsylvania Avenue and the Exhibit entrance is on Constitution Avenue. The closest metro station is Archives/Navy Memorial. See a map of the National Mall

Admission

Admission is free. The number of people admitted at one time is limited. The National Archives has just launched a new online reservation system to make it easier for individuals, families, and large groups to visit. By visiting www.recreation.gov, visitors can reserve their choice of dates and times in a matter of minutes. While reservations are not required to visit the National Archives, this new system will eliminate the long lines and often lengthy wait. Reservations can also be made through the NRRS Call Center: 1-877-444-6777, Group Sales Reservations: 1-877-559-6777, or TDD: 1-877-833-6777.

Advance reservations will allow visitors to avoid the exterior portion of the line to see the Charters of Freedom during the height of the tourist season (mid-March through Labor Day) and during holiday seasons such as the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. The convenience fee for online reservations is $1.50 per person and admission to all of the National Archives Experience exhibits is free.

Hours

March 15 - Labor Day: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
After Labor Day - March 14: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.

More About the National Archives Record Administration

The National Archives is a national resource, consisting of the main building in downtown Washington, DC, National Archives at College Park, Maryland, 12 Presidential libraries, 22 regional records facilities located around the country as well as the Office of the Federal Register, the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), and the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO).

Official Web Site

www.archives.gov