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The National Archives Museum, Washington DC

4.5

#10 of 68 in Museums in Washington DC

Specialty Museum Museum

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The Declaration of the Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and 1297 Magna Carta confirmed by Edward I are all housed at The National Archives Museum. These documents, among other important historical documents regarding the U.S. government, are on display in the archives' main chamber, called the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. Here, you will also find the Louisiana Purchase Treaty and Emancipation Proclamation. Due to popularity, you should expect to stand in (often long) lines to view each of the most important documents exhibited here. To visit The National Archives Museum and other attractions in Washington DC, use our Washington DC online trip itinerary builder .

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The National Archives Museum Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

3,434 reviews

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4.7

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225,317 likes

• By TaleofGenji

  The exhibits in the museum were interesting and informative but the founding documents were the main attraction. As others noted, it was sad to see how faded the documents are but it was still excitin...  more »

• By AnnmarieKKeiramnnA

  Get a reservation-so worth it. By far, our favorite D.C. memory. You are seeing the real, original documents that our country was founded on. Gives you the chills. So impactful what our founding fathe...  more »

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• By 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!

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• By 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.

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