National Archives + National Portrait Gallery - Exclusive Tour - Washington D. C.

From
USD
Per Person
Book this tour with
Created with Fabric.js 5.2.4

Tour Information

Key Details

  • Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • Hotel pickup Available
  • Duration: 5 Hrs 30 Mins
  • Language:
    English
  • Departure Time :
    10:00 AM
  • Return Details :
    • TOUR MEETING POINT: Meet your guide on the corner of 9th Street NW and Constitution Ave. • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code) • Recom.. read more
  • Cancellation Policy :
    This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Overview

This private, 5 to 5.5 hour guided combo tour will allow you to explore these two Washington DC icons, maximizing your time in the American capital city.Discover the United States turbulent history through works preserved in the National archives before exploring the architectural marvels around Capitol hill.

Know More about this tour


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.
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 youll 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 youll 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!

Itinerary:


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”.
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!

Inclusions

  • 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
  • Skip The Line Entry to National Archives

Exclusions

  • Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
  • Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)

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: 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.

Traveler Reviews

See all reviews
  • 04-Jul-2023

    Mary Anne did a great job educating us and showing us all the highlights despite having to navigate some street and building closings. We learned a lot and kids enjoyed it!

  • 28-Jun-2023

    Brenda was a great tour guide that was able to answer all the questions and tell interesting stories.

  • 18-Oct-2022

    Richard did a great job and used his unique ability as a story teller to convey an easy understanding of the subjects in a very informative way.

  • 13-Sep-2022

    Richard was great, I would highly recommend him to friends and family. He was great with communicating with the group.

  • 06-Jun-2022

    Richard was Amazing!!! He guided us on two tours yesterday. We could not have had a better guide ever! He also went above and beyond and helped us get 2 tables combined at a local restaurant last night. Words cannot express how engaging he is. Our family was blown away with his knowledge. We all feel like we have a new beat friend in DC. We plan on keeping in touch, as our daughter lives here and wants to book him for her future tours. We loved every minute and was sad when our day came to a close.

  • 11-Apr-2022

    Babylon has the best guides. Kimberly was a scholar and we enjoyed our time at the archives. Definitely do this tour right at 10am when the gallery opens so you beat the crowd.

  • 06-Mar-2022

    Knowledgeable and professional and know history very well. She leaves room to ask questions. Good sense of humor.

  • 01-Jan-2022

    Brenda was great! Very informative. She answered our questions thoroughly. She had handouts for additional information.

  • 27-Nov-2021

    Brenda was such an amazing tour guide! Extremely interesting and so quick with her fun facts ! Would suggest you ask for her if you are booking this tour anytime soon!

  • 05-Jul-2019

    Richard was an excellent tour guide and we had an absolutely wonderful time on our tours. We can't thank him enough for an incredible time!

See all reviews