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National Archives + American History Museum Semi-Private 8pp

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$174.90 /person
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About the activity

Explore the experiment that is the United States of America!
Start with our founding document and end with an exploration of what has happened since

  • Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Instant confirmation & Mobile tickets
    Receive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
  • Skip the line
    Get priority entry.
  • Private tour
    Avoid crowds with an exclusive experience. (depends on selected option)
  • Live guiding
    English
  • Duration
    5.5 hours
  • Includes
    • Expert guide
    • 2-hour highlights walking tour of the National Archives
    • 2-hour highlights tour of the National Museum of American History
    • Private or semi-private group tour of no more than 8 people
    • Wheelchair tours (by request only)
    • Gratuities (optional)
    • Hotel pick-up and drop off
    • Food and drinks
    • Temporary exhibits
Highlights & Description

Highlights

  • Enjoy guided tours of two of Washington's must see sites
  • See the original Declaration of Independence
  • Discover The Constitution -The Bill of Rights - 1297 Magna Carta
  • See the Original Star Spangled Banner and George Washington's Sword
  • Admire Dorothy’s Ruby red slippers from “The Wizard of Oz”

Description

This is the best way to skip-the-line and save time, to explore the experiment that is the United States of America! Start with the original handwritten “Charters of Freedom” housed in their spectacular Rotunda. Your guide will narrate the extraordinary circumstances that brought this nation into existence. No trip to the US Capital city is complete without a visit to the National Archives. Surround yourself with documents and paintings that offer both depth and nuance to the period that founded the United States of America. And at Babylon we take it a step farther. In the Rubenstein Gallery, go even deeper into the philosophical foundations by viewing a 1297 copy of the Magna Carta. Your guide will encourage you to explore the concept of citizenship, what it means and how the criteria for those included have evolved from a declaration which stated “all men are created equal”.
After a break to ponder the complexity of history (and grab a bite) your guide will lead you to the Smithsonian American History Museum. This museum is a caretaker for an incredible blend of scholarly history and pop culture whose memories create a unique bond among the people who experienced them. Your guide will introduce you to the most famous items in the collection, like the flag that flew over Ft McHenry inspiring the poem that was eventually adapted into the National Anthem.
Featured too is the most visited exhibition in the history of the Smithsonian: the First Ladies exhibit. While you’re there, see why the most requested artifact is Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers — displayed not too far from the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore that fateful night to Ford’s Theatre. Your guide will provide stories and background to expand on the reason these items (out of hundreds of thousands in the collection) serve as living touchstones for the concept we call the United States of America.

Good to know before you go
  • A maximum of 8 people are permitted per tour
  • Semi-private tours require a minimum of 2 guests to run - if this is not reached, a refund or alternative date will be offered
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved
  • The museum and cemetery may be subject to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management - if this occurs, guests will be provided with an appropriate alternative
  • Some specific rooms inside the museum are subject to rules requiring quiet or restricted right to speak inside, guests will be informed of these rules beforehand
  • Food and drinks are not included
  • Temporary exhibits are not included
Meeting point

Archives + History Museum - Semi-Private Tour (English)

Archives + History Museum - PRIVATE Tour (English)

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cancellation policy for this activity?
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
2. When will I receive the confirmation of my booking?
You will receive an email notification right after your successful payment. If you don't see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk mail folder. When the payment is completed you have the option to download your ticket directly.
3. What does the 'skip the line' ticket mean?
'Skip the line' tickets provide the fastest possible entry with no or very little queuing.
4. What is a private tour?
Private tours offer more advantages and benefits than regular tours. You will have your own private guide for the duration of the tour. You can also customize the itinerary to your specific interests and needs.
5. Are mobile tickets enough or do I have to print them?
Tickets don't need to be printed. You can show your ticket from your smartphone as a PDF.
  • Adults
    18-99 years
  • Youth
    10-17 years
  • Children
    0-9 years
February 2026
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