Washington DC Private Archives & Portrait Gallery Tour
Explore America’s founding documents and influential portraits with a private guide
Duration
5–5.5 hrs
Ideal For
Up to 8 people
Includes
Private tour, guide, entry tickets
Highlights
Trace the ideas and people that shaped the United States on a private English-language tour of the National Archives Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Explore landmark documents, presidential portraits, and American art with time for a lunch break between visits.
- View the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights
- Examine a rare 1297 copy of the Magna Carta
- Discover presidential portraits and stories of notable Americans
- Explore the Smithsonian American Art Museum collections and Luce Center
- Take a lunch break between museum visits; lunch is not included
What's Included
- Private museum tour
- Professional tour guide
- Reserved entry tickets for permanent collections
- Skip-the-line access to the National Archives
Important details
- Arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time
- Bring identification showing age
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Requires a moderate physical fitness level
- Bring only a handbag or small, slim backpack; large bags and suitcases are not permitted
- Dress appropriately for the weather; the tour runs rain or shine
- Explore permanent collections only; temporary exhibitions are not included
- Maintain proper behavior and decorum in active government facilities
Cancellation Policy
Full refund up to 24 hours before start. No refund within 24 hours. No-shows and late arrivals are charged in full.
Product ID: P7885V
FAQs
Private groups are limited to 8 people.
Yes. Heightened security measures can occasionally create lines, including for the National Archives skip-the-line access.
Yes. You may stay in the museum until it closes.
Meeting details
Bottom of the front stairs of the National Archives Building on Constitution Ave NW
Related locations
National Archives Museum
Admission includedStanding inside the National Archives Museum, you come face to face with the original Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The dimly lit Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom holds these fragile parchments in a hushed, almost reverent atmosphere. The National Archives Museum reminds every visitor that the principles shaping American life are not abstractions but physical objects you can see with your own eyes.
