Immersive New Museum Opens at National Archives in Washington, DC
WASHINGTON, November 21, 2025 -- The National Archives Museum opened the doors to a new flagship exhibit today, marking the completion of a technologically-advanced and immersive experience on the National Mall.
The Introductory Gallery of The American Story
The American Story is an all-new permanent exhibition at the National Archives Museum. (Photo courtesy of the National Archives Foundation)
The exhibition, entitled The American Story, captures the full range of the American experience throughout 250 years of history. Just steps away from the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, this exhibit features innovative technology utilizing artificial intelligence to create personalized experiences for every visitor, presenting a collection of more than two million records for each visitor to examine and interpret for themselves, based on their interests.
At today’s dedication ceremony in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building, Senior Advisor to the Acting Archivist Jim Byron said: "This museum brings documents and artifacts to life through nine galleries rooted in the records…. We're telling the unique and exceptional American story at the National Archives, and thus the exhibition's title is fitting."
Ambassador Monica Crowley, Chief of Protocol of the United States, delivered the ceremony’s keynote remarks; in them, she noted that the opening of this museum provides a strong connection to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
"This exhibit will bring Americans and people from around the world through a journey of our nation’s past in a very personalized way with cutting edge technology," said Ambassador Crowley. “When we talk about the quintessential [museum] experience, this will take that to the next level.”
Ribbon Cutting
Senior Advisor to the Acting Archivist Jim Byron, 35th Chief of Protocol of the United States Monica Crowley, Chair and President of the National Archives Foundation Rodney Slater, and Executive Director of the National Archives Foundation Patrick Madden cut the ribbon to open the National Archives Museum's all new signature space, The American Story. (Photo courtesy of the National Archives Foundation)
Artificial Intelligence Portals
A visitor interacting with one of the new AI portals featured in The American Story at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC.
Visitors will see many original artifacts and documents, including the Louisiana Purchase, George Washington’s annotated copy of the Constitution, a rare Stone Engraving of the Declaration of Independence, original photographs taken by Ansel Adams, and many presidential gifts.
This $40 million project was the first major renovation of the National Archives Museum in more than 20 years, and was made possible by the United States Congress and the American people, the National Archives Foundation Board of Directors, and generous donors to the National Archives Foundation.
The National Archives Museum also unveiled the new Discovery Center, featuring interactive and participatory games designed to teach civics to younger visitors.
The Discovery Center is intended for children and families to experience the National Archives in action through fun, interactive educational games in the “Archives Arcade” and Family Room. Based on records held in the National Archives, hands-on games invite families to have fun while learning civics in an engaging way.
Reserve your tickets
Visitors are encouraged to reserve a free general admission ticket or a $1 timed-entry ticket to visit the museum. Tickets are not required but are recommended to improve visitor experience and leverage this new personalization system.
For more information on reserving tickets, visit the National Archives Museum website.