National Archives

Overview

The National Archives Museum houses the founding documents of the United States: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. These Charters of Freedom are displayed under dim light in argon-filled encasements.

Highlights

• Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom: The three founding documents displayed in bronze-framed, bulletproof cases.
• Public Vaults: Interactive exhibition with original records, maps, and films from the Archives' billions of holdings.
• David M. Rubenstein Gallery: Rotating exhibitions drawn from the Archives' vast collections.

History

The neoclassical building on Pennsylvania Avenue, designed by John Russell Pope, opened in 1935. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) maintains over 13 billion pages of textual records, 40 million photographs, and 800,000 film reels.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: No photography is allowed in the Rotunda to protect the fragile documents.
• Tip 2: Timed-entry reservations are recommended, especially during summer and holidays—reserve online.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.