Can I see the real Declaration of Independence?
Asked by: Frederique Hackett | Last update: January 27, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (49 votes)
Yes, you can see the real Declaration of Independence at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C., where it's displayed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom alongside the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, with free admission daily. While it's a historic treasure, it is quite faded due to age and past handling, but it remains a powerful symbol of American democracy.
Can you see the real Declaration of Independence?
Yes, the public can see the original Declaration of Independence at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C., where it's on permanent display in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom alongside the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, with free admission and daily hours (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), though timed-entry tickets are recommended to skip lines, notes https://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2025/nr25-12, https://visit.archives.gov/, https://www.whitehousehistory.org/photos/photo-8-2, https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration, https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234645, https://archivesfoundation.org/archives-in-dc/, https://washington.org/visit-dc/guide-to-national-archives-museum-washington-dc, https://visit.archives.gov/visit/about-national-archives, https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/document-restoration-national-archive/, https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2016/fall/declaration, https://visit.archives.gov/visit/tickets, https://www.nypl.org/press/new-york-public-library-display-historic-copies-declaration-independence-and-bill-rights, https://www.facebook.com/usnationalarchives/posts/were-opening-the-vault-with-a-new-display-at-the-national-archives-museum-now-th/1245720160936908/.
Does it cost anything to see the original Declaration of Independence?
Entry to the National Archives is free.
Tickets are not required but are recommended to improve visitor experience and leverage new personalization system throughout the museum.
Why can't you take pictures of the Declaration of Independence?
The primary impetus for the new regulation was concern that the Charters of Freedom (the Declaration, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights) and other original documents on display in the National Archives Experience were at risk from exposure to flash photography.
Is the real Constitution on display?
Yes, the original U.S. Constitution is on permanent display at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C., along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. The documents are encased in inert helium to preserve them and can be viewed daily during museum hours.
I Have a Dream speech by Martin Luther King .Jr HD (subtitled)
Where is the original Declaration now?
After the war it was returned to the Library of Congress and today can be seen on display in the rotunda of the National Archives. The dimly lit hall at the National Archive where the Charters of Freedom, the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence, are displayed. Washington, D.C.
Where can you go and see the actual Constitution?
The Constitution's home is the National Archives, where it is held in trust for the American people and preserved for future generations to see in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. Download a high-resolution version of this document from the National Archives' Online Public Access Database.
Why is it illegal to take photos of the Eiffel Tower at night?
This means the Eiffel Tower itself is in the public domain, meaning that during daylight hours, it's totally legal for you to share as many photos as you'd like. But because the light show remains a protected work under European copyright law, it is illegal to profit from photographs of the illuminated Eiffel Tower.
Who owns the original Declaration of Independence?
Located on the upper level of the National Archives, the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom is the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights.
How much jail time for stealing the Declaration of Independence?
18 U.S.C. 668 (THEFT OF MAJOR ARTWORK) – “A person who steals or obtains by fraud from the care, custody, or control of a 'museum' any 'object of cultural heritage'… shall be fined [up to $250,000], imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.” 18 U.S.C.
How much is an original Declaration of Independence worth?
Probably the most common question we get in the Americana department is “I found an original copy of the Declaration of Independence—is it worth anything?” The short answer: it's worth somewhere between zero and ten million dollars.
Why is the original Declaration of Independence so faded?
A decrease in the intensity—and thus the legibility—of the ink can also be attributed to prolonged exposure to light during exhibition, which resulted in some fading. In addition, moisture applied to the document during wet-transfer copying processes would have removed some amount of ink.
Is it worth it to visit the USS Constitution?
Visiting the USS Constitution Museum offers a captivating journey into American maritime history. Located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, the Museum provides an immersive experience that highlights the legacy of “Old Ironsides,” the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat.
How much does it cost to see the original Declaration of Independence?
Entry to the National Archives is free.
Does the Declaration mention God?
Yes, God is mentioned multiple times (around four) in the Declaration of Independence, using terms like "Nature's God," "Creator," "Supreme Judge of the world," and "divine Providence," acknowledging a higher power as the source of natural rights and the ultimate authority for their actions, though not specifying a particular religion.
What happened to the fair copy of the Declaration of Independence?
Ritz speculates that the Fair Copy was immediately sent to the printer so that copies could be made for each member of Congress to consult during the debate, and that all of these copies were then destroyed to preserve secrecy.
Did the founding fathers put God in the Constitution?
No, the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly mention God or a supreme being in its main text, a deliberate choice by the Founding Fathers to establish a secular government and protect religious freedom, though it does contain a date reference ("Year of our Lord") and the First Amendment prevents religious tests for office, reflecting a consensus on separation of church and state despite their personal faith.
Where is the actual original Declaration of Independence?
The original engrossed Declaration of Independence is on permanent display in the National Archives Museum's Rotunda in Washington, D.C., along with the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, collectively known as the Charters of Freedom. This document, signed by 56 delegates, declares the American colonies' separation from Great Britain and is housed in a special, helium-filled case to preserve it.
Was John Jay a founding father?
Yes, John Jay was a crucial Founding Father, known for his extensive service in diplomacy (negotiating the Treaty of Paris), law (first Chief Justice), and government (President of the Continental Congress, Governor of NY, co-author of Federalist Papers). He served in every branch of government and played key roles in establishing the nation's legal and foreign policy foundations.
Is it illegal to take pictures of the Mona Lisa?
Yes, you can take a picture of the Mona Lisa. From How to Use the Louvre: Filming and photography are permitted in the permanent collection exhibition rooms. The use of flash and other lighting equipment, however, is not permitted.
Why can't you take a picture of the Sistine Chapel?
You can't take pictures in the Sistine Chapel primarily due to a legacy agreement with Nippon TV (NTV) for funding its 1980s restoration, granting them exclusive rights, which has now expired, but the ban persists due to concerns about overwhelming crowds, potential flash damage, and maintaining a sacred atmosphere. While flash photography was a concern, the sheer volume of people, humidity, dust, and the need for order are now major factors, with guards enforcing a strict no-photo rule for all visitors to preserve the art and visitor experience.
Can you sell a picture of the Eiffel Tower at night?
However, the lights on the Eiffel Tower were installed in 1985, by Pierre Bideau, meaning that any photo or video that shows the monument at a time when the lights are visible (ie, at night) is a violation of copyright law.
What are the first 7 words of the US Constitution?
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of ...
How many original copies of the Constitution still exist?
Washington, D.C. There are 12 remaining complete final printings (and one incomplete) of the Constitution known to exist (Evans 20818).
What is the full 5th Amendment?
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be ...