National Archives & Portrait Gallery Tour in Washington D.C.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5.5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be able to walk and stand for extended periods at a gentle pace with regular breaks.
Overview
Discover key moments in American history with an exclusive small-group tour of Washington D.C.’s National Archives and Portrait Gallery. Explore iconic documents and portraits on a personalized 5.5-hour walking experience.
Combo: National Archives Museum + National Portrait Gallery Tour – Semi-Private
5.5 hrs | Daily | Explore America's Historic Foundations | Popular Combo!
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 5.5-hour journey through American history with a small group tour of the National Archives and National Portrait Gallery. Stand before iconic documents like the Declaration of Independence and explore powerful portraits, gaining unique insights into the nation's founding and evolution. A memorable experience awaits!
Book way in advance - we sell out
Rates
- Adult: - $179
- Youth: - $159 (Ages 10 - 17)
- Child: - $139 (9 and under)
Duration
- 5 - 5.5 hours (including a lunch break)
Meeting Point
- Corner of 9th St NW and Constitution Ave NW
About
- Come face to face with history at this combo tour, mixing the best of the National Archives with the faces behind the names & history at the National Portrait Gallery.
- This semi-private, 5 to 5.5-hour walking and museum tour will allow you to explore these two Washington DC icons, maximizing your time in the American capital city.
Includes
Semi-Private Walking Tour & Museum Tour "Semi-Private" Means Group Size Is Never More Than 8 Guests Maximum Professional Tour Guide Duration 5 - 5.5 Hours (Including A Lunch Break) Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
Excludes
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
Full Tour Description
The best way to understand the who and the what of 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. 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”.
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!
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
The tour involves several hours of walking and standing inside museums, so supportive shoes will make your experience more enjoyable.
Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
Keep hydrated during the indoor and outdoor portions of the tour; water fountains are available inside the museums.
Arrive Early to Security Checkpoints
Prepare for TSA-style security screening at the National Archives to avoid delays and start your tour smoothly.
No Large Bags Allowed
Carry only small personal items as large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside the museum buildings.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons commonly found in nearby outdoor plazas.
- Occasional sightings of squirrels around the Smithsonian gardens.
History
The National Archives safeguards America’s foundational documents, preserving the nation's legal and cultural heritage for public viewing.
Conservation
Both museums participate in sustainable practices including energy efficiency measures and encouraging visitors to minimize waste.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Washington D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Provides support for several hours of walking and standing inside museums.
Light Jacket or Layered Clothing
Spring weather can be variable; layering keeps you comfortable indoors and outdoors.
spring specific
Refillable Water Bottle
Helpful to stay hydrated during warmer months while walking between sites.
summer specific
Small Backpack or Crossbody Bag
Keeps personal items handy but must be small since large bags are not allowed inside museums.