The original Constitution is stored in a specialized case filled with argon gas to prevent oxidation.
The Declaration of Independence was hidden in a secret room in the Library of Congress during World War II for protection.
The Rotunda features murals painted by Barry Faulkner in the 1930s depicting the drafting of the Declaration and the Constitution.
During the night, the Charters of Freedom are mechanically lowered into a secure, bomb-proof vault beneath the Rotunda floor.
The building sits on the site of what was formerly the Center Market, once the largest marketplace in Washington, D.C.
The museum holds the 1297 Magna Carta, one of the few surviving copies of the document that influenced the U.S. Constitution.
Many documents in the collection were recovered from the aftermath of the burning of Washington during the War of 1812.
The National Archives Museum serves as the permanent repository for the original Charters of Freedom, which include the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. Housed in the National Archives Building, the museum preserves thousands of historical documents, maps, and photographs that chronicle American history. The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom remains the primary exhibition space for these foundational documents. Visitors can also explore the Public Vaults, an interactive exhibition displaying lesser-known records from the agency's vast holdings. The museum utilizes specialized preservation technology to maintain the temperature and lighting required to prevent document degradation. The building itself is a National Historic Landmark, designed by architect John Russell Pope. It functions as part of the National Archives and Records Administration, an independent federal agency. The facility maintains a strict environment to ensure the longevity of fragile parchment and ink.
The monumental outdoor staircase on the Constitution Avenue side facing the massive columns.
Reserve a timed-entry ticket online in advance to bypass the main standby line.
Visit the Public Vaults after viewing the Rotunda to see a broader range of archived artifacts.
Security screenings are required for all visitors, so allow time for queueing before your entry window.
Do not join the long standby queue if you have already reserved a ticket; follow the designated line for timed entries.
Open daily except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
No photography is allowed inside the Rotunda. Maintain a quiet, respectful volume throughout the exhibition galleries.
