Washington, DC Area

News

Federal holiday icon All National Archives research rooms will be closed on Monday, February 18, in observance of Washington's Birthday. Museums in Washington, DC, and at the Presidential Libraries will be open.
View all Federal Holidays.

1940 Census

Notices for Researchers

  • Researchers are now required to use locking bags for removing reproductions, personal notes, and other papers from the Research Center in Washington, DC and in College Park, MD.
    Learn more

In the event of inclement weather:

Call the NARA opening-status line at 301-837-0700 or call the Federal Government's Office of Personnel Management at 202-606-1900 or visit http://www.opm.gov for an announcement indicating if we are closed, opening late, or closing early.

The National Archives in
Washington, DC

The Rotunda of the National Archives Building in downtown Washington, DC, displays the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. For more information, see the National Archives Experience.


Address

National Archives and Records Administration
700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20408-0001

The National Archives Building is located between Seventh and Ninth Streets, NW, with entrances on Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues.

Please Note:

  • The Rotunda entrance, which includes the Exhibit Hall, is on Constitution Avenue.
  • The research entrance to the building is on Pennsylvania Avenue.

For details, see the Building Entrance Map or visit the National Archives Experience


Transportation

The National Archives Building in Washington, DC.
More Archives locations

Subway
In Washington, DC, take Metrorail's Yellow or Green lines to the Archives/Navy Memorial station. The Archives/Navy Memorial stop is across Pennsylvania Avenue from the Archives building.

Bus
In Washington, DC, Metrobuses 30, 32, 34, 36, 53, A42, A46, A48, P1, P2, P4, P17, P19, and W13 stop at the National Archives on Pennsylvania Avenue.

For more specific information on routes, fares, and timetables for Metrobus and Metrorail, please see the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority or telephone Metro at 202-637-7000.

Parking

No parking at the building is available for researchers. Several commercial parking lots are located nearby and metered curb parking may be available on nearby streets.

Free Staff shuttle bus between the Washington, DC and College Park, MD National Archives buildings:

  • Monday through Friday only
  • Depart Washington, DC:   8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on the hour
  • Depart College Park:   8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on the hour
  • Researchers may use it on a space available basis.

Distance from Local Airports

  • From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA):   4 miles
  • From Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD):   28 miles
  • From Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI):   32 miles

Hours

Research Center Hours

Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Pull Times for Records:
Monday-Friday:  10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday there is an additional pull at 3:30 p.m.

Note:  No records are retrieved from the stacks on Saturday or in the evening.
More details about Pull Times


Closed Sundays and Federal Holidays

National Archives and Records Administration
700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20408

Rotunda and Exhibit Hall Hours

Spring and Summer
March 15 - Labor Day
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Fall and Winter
Day after Labor Day - March 14
10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.
(Closed Thanksgiving Day and December 25)

Admission Free

National Archives and Records Administration
Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW
Washington, DC.


Food Service

The cafeteria (The Charters Café) in the National Archives Building at Washington, DC is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There are also vending machines in the basement, and a small area with seating. Other options include eating outdoors on the Mall or at the U.S. Navy Memorial. Food may also be purchased at nearby attractions:

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Washington, DC Area >

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272

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