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National Archives + American History Museum Tour - Semi-Private

66 Reviews 4.95 out of 5 stars Based on 66 reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of travelers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Washington DC, USA

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This is usually booked 18 (0) days in advance.

5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

This 5.5 hour Semi-Private (8 Guest Max.) guided combo tour welcomes guests to skip-the-line and experience the two “must see” museums in Washington DC. This is the best way to 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. Our guides provide stories, context, and anecdotes for the dynamic results.

Highlights often include (but are not limited to):

-The original Declaration of Independence
-The Constitution
-The Bill of Rights
-1297 Magna Carta
-Lincoln’s Top Hat
-First Ladies exhibit
-Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers
-Star-Spangled Banner

What's Included

  • Semi-Private Walking Tour & Museum Tour
  • Duration 5.5 Hours (Including A Lunch Break)
  • Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
  • Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
  • Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
  • Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

National Archives Museum, 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408, USA

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Meet on the bottom of the front stairs of the National Archives Building on Constitution Ave. NW

End point

Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA

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Start Time

What To Expect

The National Archives Museum

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”.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

National Museum of American History

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.
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2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • A maximum of 8 people per tour allowed
  • Minimum numbers apply. This tour will not run without a minimum of 2 guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

A: The National Archives + American History Museum Tour - Semi-Private has a Free Cancellation policy. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT). Read more Apr 2025

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given to customers' questions.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-40048P17

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Reviews

4.95
66 reviews

Average 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 66 traveler reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
65
4 stars
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This is usually booked 18 (0) days in advance.

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Cancellation Policy

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free cancellation
100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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