Discover the treasures of American history on a 5.5-hour semi-private guided tour of the National Archives. Skip the line and explore iconic documents, presidential portraits, and renowned artworks.
- 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”.
- 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!
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- Skip-the-line entry to National Archives
- 5.5-hour tour including a lunch break
- Tour operates in all weather conditions
- Exclusive semi-private experience limited to 8 guests
- Expert guidance from a professional tour guide
- 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
Join this Semi-Private (maximum of 8 guests), 5.5-hour guided tour that gives you fast-track access to two must-see museums in Washington DC. It’s an immersive experience that brings to life the people and documents that have shaped the United States. Your guide will take you on a journey through the nation’s past, revealing the heroes, villains, cultural developments, and artistic achievements that define the USA.
The tour frequently includes (but is not strictly limited to) the following highlights:
-The original copy of the Declaration of Independence
-The Constitution
-The Bill of Rights
-The 1297 Magna Carta
-Portraits of past presidents
-Depictions of American life in the 20th Century
-Portraits of Barack Obama
-A portrait of Pocahontas
-A glimpse inside Conservation Labs
-Artworks by renowned artists such as Mary Cassatt, Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, and Norman Rockwell
- 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.
- 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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.