The United States Capitol sits atop Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, in the United States, and visitors enter through the underground Capitol Visitor Center on the east side. The Capitol houses the Senate and House of Representatives, and its cast-iron dome, topped by the Statue of Freedom, is one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the country. The Visitor Center, opened in 2008, includes Emancipation Hall, an orientation film, a large exhibition hall with documents and a plaster model of the dome, and a restaurant and gift shop. Free guided tours, reserved ahead at visitthecapitol.gov, last about an hour and cover the Crypt, the Rotunda with its Constantino Brumidi fresco and historic paintings, and the National Statuary Hall with statues from every state. Visitors cannot wander the building unescorted, and security screening is required at the entrance. The Visitor Center is generally open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and closed on Sundays and federal holidays. A complete visit, including the film and exhibits, takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The best exterior photo angles are from the west lawn toward the Mall and from the east plaza at golden hour. The Capitol Reflecting Pool on the west side gives a mirror view of the dome in calm weather. Crowds peak in spring, during cherry blossom season, and in summer; weekday mornings are the quietest, and Congressional sessions can alter available tours. Constituents can also request gallery passes to watch the House or Senate in session through their own Member of Congress.
| Admission | Free (guided tour reservation required) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Capitol Visitor Center generally Mon-Sat 8:30am-4:30pm; closed Sundays and federal holidays; phone +1-202-226-8000 |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; reserve at visitthecapitol.gov |
| Getting there | Metro: Capitol South (Blue/Orange/Silver) or Union Station (Red), each about 0.4-0.6 miles walk |
| Address | First St SE, Washington, DC 20004 (Visitor Center entrance on the east side) |
Location
First St SE, Washington, DC 20004 (Visitor Center entrance on the east side)
38.8899, -77.0091 View on map
Highlights
- Emancipation Hall and the exhibition hall with a model of the dome
- Guided tour through the Crypt, Rotunda and National Statuary Hall
- Brumidi's fresco in the canopy of the Rotunda dome
- Orientation film on the history of the legislative branch
- West lawn views of the dome along the Mall
Tips for visiting
- Reserve a free guided tour at visitthecapitol.gov before arriving; walk-in tours are limited.
- Security screening applies, so leave large bags and prohibited items at the hotel.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour time.
- Constituents can request Senate or House gallery passes through a Member of Congress.
- Weekday mornings have the shortest lines.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are best for the shortest lines and the easiest tour availability. Spring and early autumn combine pleasant weather with manageable crowds.
Accessibility
The Visitor Center is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators and accessible tours available on request. Wheelchairs can be borrowed at the information desk.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a Capitol visit take?
Plan 1.5 to 2 hours, which covers the one-hour guided tour, the orientation film and the exhibition hall.
Is a Capitol tour free?
Yes. Tours are free but should be reserved in advance through visitthecapitol.gov or the office of a Member of Congress.
Is it worth it for kids?
Older children interested in history and government tend to enjoy it, while the exhibition hall suits younger ones better than a long tour.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally allowed in the Visitor Center and on tours, but not in the House or Senate galleries.