National Archives + National Portrait Gallery - Exclusive Tour

Washington, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (17 reviews)

Highlights

  • Explore the United States' turbulent history
  • Skip-the-line access to the National Archives Museum
  • View the original handwritten "Charters of Freedom"
  • See famous Presidential Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery
  • Discover iconic figures in Art and History

Meeting Point

Meet your guide on the corner of 9th Street NW and Constitution Ave.

Meeting point

701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

National Portrait Gallery

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!

Duration 120 minutes
Admission Admission Included
2

The National Archives Museum

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”.

Duration 120 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

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    Wheelchair accessible
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    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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    Public transportation options are available nearby
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    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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    All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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    Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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    It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • Additional information
    Notes: National Archives and other attractions or museums may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Provided by Babylon Tours DC

What our experts say

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    Check out nearby restaurants for lunch.
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    Avoid large bags; only small bags allowed.
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    Take a stroll in Kogod Courtyard.
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    Consider visiting the nearby Smithsonian.
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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

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