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National Archives Building + Portrait Gallery

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$174.90 /person
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About the activity

The best way to understand the who and the what of the USA! The documents and the people that have defined this country with the heroes and villains of history, culture, progress, and art of the USA.

  • 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
    • Professional, local expert guide
    • 2-hour highlights tour of the National Archives Building
    • 2-hour highlights tour of Portrait Gallery
    • Private or small group tour of no more than 8 people
    • Hotel pickup or drop-off
    • Food or drink
    • Temporary exhibits
    • Gratuities (optional)
Highlights & Description

Highlights

  • Enjoy a combination of 2 guided highlights tours with a personal touch
  • Admire the Bill of Rights, Magna Carta of 1297 and a citation to Rosa Parks
  • See Presidential Portraits
  • Works by Mary Cassatt, Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, and Norman Rockwell
  • Choose between Semi-Private group or Private tour options

Description

The best way to understand the who and the what of the United States of America! Skip-the- line at the National Archives and 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. Surrounded by documents and paintings giving depth and nuance to the founding period, no trip to the US Capital city is complete without a visit to the National Archives. But at Babylon we take it a step farther. In the Rubenstein Gallery, go even further to the philosophical foundations by viewing a 1297 copy of the Magna Carta. You will be guided around the room as the concept of citizenship, what it means and who is included evolves from the declaration that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”.
After a break to ponder the complexity of history (and grab a bite) your guide will lead you to the dual exhibition space of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Inside the local Washingtonians favorite Smithsonian space you’ll wander hallways that seamlessly flow between the two collections surrounding one of the most relaxing spaces in downtown Washington DC, the Kogard Courtyard. Your guide will take you to see the famous Presidential Portrait Gallery and you’ll hear stories of other famous Americans as you view their portraits in painting, sculpture, and video form. Make your way over to the Luce Center of the American Art portion and get a chance to peek inside the labs of the Lunder Conservation Center! Some of the most iconic figures in Art and History pop up in the most unexpected places in this criminally overlooked Smithsonian!

Good to know before you go
  • You must bring a valid photo ID
  • There is a maximum of 8 people per group for private tours
  • Please advise when booking if you require a wheelchair accessible tour
  • There is a minimum number of 2 people required for the tour to operate and if this is not met and you will be offered an alternative date or full refund
  • National Archives may be subject to closures without prior warning from the museum management and you will be provided with an appropriate alternative
  • Some rooms inside the archives are subject to quiet or restricted right to speak so your guide will provide the information about the rooms before entering
  • Large bags are not permitted through security but you can bring a handbag or small thin backpack
  • It is recommended to bring comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, an umbrella in case of rain, and a hat during summer
Meeting point

National Archives + Portrait - Semi-Private Tour (English)

National Archives + Portrait - 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
July 2025
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