National Archives Visit

4.5/5
(3.6K) · History museum in Washington, United States
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Repository where the most important historical documents of the United States are held, such as the original Declaration of Independence, Bill of …

Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 3,611 reviews
Recent reviews
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May 20, 2025
We got the online speed pass which helped immensely usurping the long lines otherwise. Museum is very small. The coal survey gallery was very informative. We actually liked that better than the thr…Full review by J8896YQlauries
Apr 14, 2025
it was great to see the documents if you are willing to deal with organized chaos and have patience. the only thing that ruined my visit was the snobby crabby rude old man who was there to "assist" …Full review by martinigal25
Mar 17, 2025
We got there early, before the building opened. A line was already forming about 20 minutes in advance, but it's well worth it to get inside immediately upon opening. When we finally got inside (we…Full review by 907blaked

Questions & answers

Q:
What else is there to see
A:
National archives or anywhere in DC?
Q:
There don’t seem to be any tickets available for this attraction. Are there walk up tickets available on the day?
A:
You don’t need tickets, unlike several Smithsonian museums and the Capitol, unless you’re a large group.
A:
Answer by Sean K · Dec 11, 2023
Q:
My questions are Are the staff (security guard /special police) of this place friendly to foreigners? Are foreigners not …
Q:
My questions are Are the staff (security guard /special police) of this place friendly to foreigners? Are foreigners not welcomed at this place? The reason I am asking these questions is because of the reviews here. I am planning a family trip to the National Archives Museum. We are from a foreign country where English is our second language. My family members and I read the reviews here. It seems foreigners were not treated well here. In one of the reviews, a foreigner did not violate any regulation, but one of the security guards threatened to toss this foreigner out of the museum. Another reviewer, we think he is a foreigner, or looks like a foreigner. The moment he entered the gift shop, a security guard yelled at him, "Do not touch anything if you not going to buy. If you not going to buy anything, you shouldn't be in here!" But he just got into the gift shop and did nothing, why all the yelling? In other reviews, similar to the previous two, security guard yelled at foreigners a lot. It seems that foreigners are presumed guilty of something. Should we skip this place? Or, if we decided to visit this place, what should we prepare? What should we do to please security guards here?
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When we visited there were people there from all over the world and we saw no evidence whatsoever of anyone being treated unfairly or badly. The guards have a job today, what they …
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When we visited there were people there from all over the world and we saw no evidence whatsoever of anyone being treated unfairly or badly. The guards have a job today, what they are protecting is priceless and irreplaceable so you need to follow their instructions. It is a great place to visit.
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What makes the Special Police so special here? Why many reviewers experienced rudeness and condescension of …
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What makes the Special Police so special here? Why many reviewers experienced rudeness and condescension of the special police officers at security checkpoint, rotunda, exhibitions, and the gift shop since 2009? Are most of the special police officers trained to treat museum visitors with rudeness and condescension? One of the reviewers mentioned military honor guards. Can you still see them at this facility?
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I travel a great deal and it never ceases to amaze me how difficult tourists/visitors can be. My guess is that their demeanor is really needed to make sure that rules are followed. SO …
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I travel a great deal and it never ceases to amaze me how difficult tourists/visitors can be. My guess is that their demeanor is really needed to make sure that rules are followed. SO many people want to create their own rules. I have found that if you are pleasant, you will be treated fairly.
Q:
I didn’t print out my tickets
A:
No tickets needed. Just show up
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Q:
How are records frozen?
A:
The agency has requested a change in the retention period for the records series or system in accordance with § 1228.32; or
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