National Archives Building
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National Archives Building
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The National Archives building Constitution Avenue façade
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| Location | Constitution Avenue between 7th Street and 9th Street, NW |
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| Nearest city | Washington, D.C. |
| Coordinates | 38°53′34″N 77°01′23″W / 38.89278°N 77.02306°WCoordinates: 38°53′34″N 77°01′23″W / 38.89278°N 77.02306°W |
| Built | 1933-1935 |
| Architect | John Russell Pope |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| Part of | Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site (#66000865) |
| NRHP Reference # | 71001004 |
| Added to NRHP | May 27, 1971 |
The National Archives Building, known informally as Archives I, is the original headquarters of the National Archives and Records Administration. It is located north of the National Mall at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest, Washington, D.C.. The Rotunda entrance is on Constitution Avenue, while the research entrance is on Pennsylvania Avenue.
It holds the original copies of the three main formative documents of the United States and its government: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. It also hosts an original version of the 1297 Magna Carta confirmed by Edward I. These are displayed to the public in the main chamber of the National Archives, which is called the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. The National Archives Building also exhibits other important American historical documents such as the Articles of Confederation, the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, the Emancipation Proclamation, and collections of photography and other historically and culturally significant American artifacts.
Once inside the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, there are no lines to see the individual documents and visitors are allowed to walk from document to document as they wish. Photography is not permitted in the National Archives Museum. Photography with natural light is permitted in research rooms.
From its founding, the U.S. federal government has documented its policies and decisions, but for almost 150 years it had virtually no method or place to safeguard historically important records. During those years, officials occasionally decried federal neglect, or too often, fires destroyed important documents, reinforcing the need for an archives. By the end of the 19th century, a few architects had even submitted plans to the government for an archives or a hall of records. By the early 20th century an organized effort aimed at creating the National Archives began, but not until 1926 did Congress finally approve the National Archives Building.
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