National Archives - Washington DC

National Archives

The National Archives holds the original copies of the documents that formed the United States, incluiding the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and Bill of Rights which are housed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom; the Public Vaults permanent exhibit gallery; the Lawrence F. O'Brien temporary exhibit gallery; the Boeing Learning Center; and the William G. McGowan Theater.

Parking

No parking at the National Archives is available for researchers. Several commercial parking lots are located nearby and metered curb parking may be available on nearby streets.

Hours of Operation

The National Archives is closed on Thanksgiving Day and December 25. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing. The hours of operation are:

Spring and Summer
March 15 - Labor Day

Monday - Sunday
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Fall and Winter
Day after Labor Day - March 14

Monday - Sunday
10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

It can take up to 1 hour or more to enter the National Archives 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. Come prepared for inclement weather while waiting outdoors.