National Archives + American History Museum Exclusive Guided Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This 5.5 hour exclusive 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
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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)
Notes: The National Archives & American History Museum and other attractions or museums in DC 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.
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”.
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.
Options
10am Private Guided Tour
PrivateWalking Tour & Museum Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Duration 5 - 5.5 Hours (Including Lunch Break);Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
SEMI-PRIVATE 8ppl Max. English
Save money by booking a small group tour of 8 guests max. per guide This option NOT FOR WHEELCHAIRS.
What‘s Included
Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
Guided Walking Tour & Museum Tour
Private Transportation Included Between Tour Locations If Necessary
Duration 5.5 Hours (Including 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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tour guide knew her...
denise s,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide knew her mateti was sensitive to her customers asked questions of the group for clarification and needs etc. Made everyone feel comfortable.
Archive & American history tour
petervE8867HU,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Guide was very knowledgeable & informative lots of inside information about the various exhibits.
Amazing Day with Annemarie
michaelpP9215QB,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Annemarie did an amazing job with our family which included 4 kids aged 8-14. Even after 6 hrs and two museums, the kids were fully engaged with her great stories and background on everything they saw. I would highly recommend Babylon Tours and Annemarie.
Perfect day tour to hit up some of the “must sees” and more!
Y3451TKjoshb,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome tour! Great balance in showing the group some requested exhibits, as well, showing us hidden gems that would have never thought to look for!
Our tour guide,...
Andrew A,Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide, Annemarie, was kind and detailed. We visited the two museums where I admired the history of the U.S.. I would recommend this to anyone visiting the National Archives Museum and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Great Day
X1192QCstephaniec,Aug 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Annmarie is a great guide! It was an informative and enjoyable day. Annemarie was friendly, engaging and she taught me a lot.
Great American History Tour
cristinacP1554WU,Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maribeth was an outstanding tour guide! She showed us some amazing things and her explanations were memorable. We appreciate her getting to know us so that she could show us what we wanted to see.
National Archives with Annemarie
Inspire19739599725,Jul 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a private tour with Annemarie. She really made an effort to make it a personal experience with a lot of facts and ‘Easter Eggs’ you normally don’t get to know. I absolutely recommend Annemarie dor this tour!
Archives and American History Museums
Scenic03477984395,Apr 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Annemarie was a phenomenal tour guide. She was knowledgeable , friendly, and efficient. Annemarie knows her stuff. Both museums are packed with eye popping exhibits.
Tour Host Annemarie
U9175FKjohnm,Jan 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Annemarie was an excellent tour host. She was very knowledgeable and interesting speaker. I would definitely hire her again.
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Operated by Babylon Tours DC