Declaration of Independence
16 June - 6 September
The National Archives, UK.
This summer, American Museum & Gardens presents America 250 - a season of exhibitions, events and cultural experiences marking 250 years since the founding of the United States.
At the heart of the programme is a rare original 1776 Dunlap printing of the Declaration of Independence, now on display in England for the first time during the 250th anniversary year.
Only 26 Dunlap copies survive worldwide, and this is the only known example to have been intercepted by British forces during the American Revolution and later annotated by British government officials.
Visitors can follow a specially curated trail through the Museum’s historic Manor House, where immersive interpretation and displays explore the people, ideas and objects that shaped the founding of the United States, culminating in the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Displayed alongside the Declaration is a specially commissioned film from the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, offering further insight into the document and its enduring significance.
The loan of the Declaration and the exhibition was made possible with support from Art Fund and their Jonathan Ruffer Curatorial Travel Grant, which enabled partnerships with US based museums including a specially commissioned film on the Declaration of Independence on loan from the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.
As part of our America 250 programme, visitors can enjoy special £2.50 admission on weekdays when the Museum is open throughout July.
Things you need to know
The £2.50 admission tickets are available on the following dates only: 1–3, 7–10, 14–17, 21–24 and 27–31 July 2026.
The £2.50 tickets are available in person only from the Ticket Office on arrival and include access to the Manor House galleries, exhibitions and gardens, including the Declaration of Independence display.
The Museum is open Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm during term time. During BANES school holidays we are open Monday- Sunday. Permanent museum galleries, including the Declaration of Independence display, are open 11am–4pm.
Please note that discounts do not apply to the £2.50 admission tickets.