How to Tour the Capitol
The United States Capitol Complex includes the Capitol, the grounds, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court Building, the House and Senate office buildings, the U.S. Botanic Garden and other facilities. Touring the Capitol is an experience that is both moving and educational. Plan a trip to Washington, D.C. and create an itinerary that includes the highlights of the nation's Capitol complex. Read on to learn more.
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Instructions
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Make the first stop at the new United States Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) at the U.S. Capitol below the East Capitol Grounds. Plan the Capitol tour with a visit to the orientation theater. Stop in at the exhibition gallery, cafeteria and gift shops.
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Contact a member of the staff of the Senator or Congressional Representative to arrange a visit to his office in one of three major congressional office buildings or one of three Senate office buildings. Check schedules regarding a visit to the House or Senate chambers.
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Visit the President's Room in the Capitol, one of the most richly decorated and elaborate rooms in the building. View this room with its many fresco paints by Constantino Brumidi as part of the vast extension, completed in 1859, that included the House and Senate wings, as well as the cast-iron dome. Note the 1991 restoration of gilded mirrors and original colors.
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Pick up free tickets on a first-come, first-served basis to tour the Capitol only at kiosk near First Street SW and Independence Avenue. Review the list of prohibited items in effect since the Capitol was re-opened for guided tours in 2001. See Resources.
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Stroll the Capitol Grounds, 274 acres of lawns, walkways, drives and planted areas. See the Summer House, the Peace Monument, the Garfield Monument and the Bartholdi Fountain in the Botanic Garden. Enjoy the Capitol Christmas Tree on the West Lawn during the holidays.
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Take in the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, with millions of books, maps, manuscripts, recordings and photographs. Visit the three-building complex Monday through Saturday with tours offered throughout the day. See Resources.
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Tour the Supreme Court Building, a majestic example of neo-classical architecture, on your own. Visit on "decision day" Mondays, the most popular day of the week and attend the Court's session, which is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
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