How to Visit the National Archives

The National Archives is a collection of the most important documents in the country. The National Archives mission is to preserve these documents for history. The National Archives Building is located on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. and is open to visitors.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Park in one of the surrounding lots or look for street parking. There is not a lot of parking at the National Archives Building. You may want to take public transportation to the museum.

2. Enter the National Archives through the entrance on Constitution Avenue. This entrance leads directly to Exhibit Hall.

3. Start with Exhibit Hall. Here you'll find the Constitution and the Bill of Rights for viewing. Many famous documents can be found in the Public Vaults and the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom.

4. See a show at the William G. McGowan Theatre at the National Archives. There is a continuously playing film about the National Archives during the daytime. At night, other select films are played.

5. Buy some souvenirs from the Archives Shop. Numerous gifts and souvenirs are available for purchase. Select items include stationary, jewelry, photo albums and replicas of important national documents.

Tips & Warnings

• There is only a small snack bar located at the National Archives. You can find restaurants and cafés at other locations near the building.
• There is no charge to visit the exhibits at the National Archives. However, for larger groups, it is recommended that you make an advanced reservation.

Resources

• You can find out more at the National Archives website.