Reserved Visits

Self-Guided Visits

Reservations are recommended for individuals or groups wishing to make a self guided visit to the National Archives Experience. Individuals as well as student, youth, adult or senior citizen groups are welcomed throughout the year.

Hours Available for Self-Guided Visit Reservations

Spring and Summer
(March 15-Labor Day)
Monday through Friday
10:15 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Fall and Winter
(Day after Labor Day-March 14)
Monday through Friday
10:15 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

(Closed Thanksgiving Day and December 25)

Reservations must be submitted at least 6 weeks prior to the date of the visit. We will accept reservations for 2009 beginning October 2008.

We highly encourage groups to avoid the months of March, April, and May, Thanksgiving weekend and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day since these times are the busiest in the Museum. We suggest scheduling your visit between June and February if possible.

To make a reservation for a self-guided tour, please contact the Visitor Services Manager at visitorservices@nara.gov. A date and time for your visit will be scheduled and a confirmation letter will be sent that must be presented upon entry. All reserved groups enter on Constitution Avenue through the Special Event entrance.

Individuals and groups without a reservation must wait in the general public line for entry.

Please note as a special tribute to our Armed Forces, service personnel in uniform and their guests may enter through the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue.

Guided Tours

Reservations are required for individuals or groups up to 20 wishing to take a one-hour guided tour of the National Archives Experience. Space is limited to 20 persons.

Guided Tour Times
Monday through Friday: 9:45 a.m.

To Make Guided Tour Reservations

Reservations must be made in advance. Contacting the Archives at least 6 weeks prior to the date of the visit is recommended. We will accept reservations for 2009 beginning October 2008. Please call the Volunteer and Tour Office at 202-357-5450 to schedule a date and time for your visit.

Confirmation materials will be sent and must be presented upon entry. All reserved guided tour participants enter on Constitution Avenue through the Special Event entrance. If you are unable to arrive at the scheduled time, please telephone the Volunteer and Tour Office at 202-357-5450.

Please note that without reservations, visitors must wait in the general public line for entry.

Visiting Guidelines

• Plan on spending at least 90 minutes viewing a 11-minute introductory film in the McGowan Theater and visiting three exhibit galleries - the Lawrence F. O’Brien changing exhibit gallery, The Public Vaults permanent exhibit gallery, and the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom - home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
• In addition, you’ll want to save time to visit the Archives Shop – open daily – 10 am to closing.
• The Charters Café is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm.
• Please note that it can take up to 1 hour or more to enter the building during the months of March, April and May, Thanksgiving weekend, the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day and other times when there is heavy visitor traffic. We encourage you to come prepared for inclement weather while waiting outdoors.
• All visitors are encouraged to begin their visit by viewing the introductory film in the McGowan Theater.
• Leave backpacks, large bags, and metal jewelry behind in order to expedite the security check.
• Videography with additional lighting or for commercial purposes, food chewing gum and beverages are prohibited in the theater and exhibit areas.
• All group members must enter the Museum at the group’s scheduled arrival time. The Museum is not responsible for reuniting late arrivals with their groups.
• Students and Youth groups are required to break into groups of 10, with one chaperone assigned per group.
• Student and Youth chaperones must stay with their assigned group of 10 throughout the Museum complex.
• Unchaperoned or misbehaved Students or Youth who cause or risk damage to the Museum or disturb other visitors will be escorted out of the Museum and the group may not be allowed admission in the future.
• The National Archives Experience is compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and is therefore accessible to all persons.
• A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available for visitors on a first-come, first-serve basis. A valid driver's license or non-driver's ID is required as deposit for use.