tours of the capitol building ixl

School Tours of the Capitol

Field trips to the U.S. Capitol can be powerful learning experiences.

The Capitol is open to school groups for guided tours only. Tours are conducted 8:45 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday through Saturday. The Capitol is not available for tours on Sundays.

You may want to include additional time in your schedule to view the House and Senate Chamber galleries and to visit your representative and / or senators’ offices. The gallery of the Senate Chamber is open to visitors when the Senate is in session. The House of Representatives Chamber gallery is open to visitors when the House is in session and additionally 9 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday when the House is not in session. Gallery passes may be obtained from the office of your senators or representative. Use the Find your Representative feature in the banner by entering your ZIP code or view by state. Find your senator on the Senate website .

For more information and to reserve a tour, visit the Capitol Visitor Center website .

How Do I Tour the U.S. Capitol and See Congress in Session?

Learn all you need to know about visiting and touring america’s center of democracy..

UPDATE: The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All tours are free and are led by professional tour guides and do not include the Senate and House Galleries. The tour route is subject to change. Note that advance reservations are required for a tour. Visitors enter through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. Please leave time to go through security and review the U.S. Capitol’s prohibited items list before your visit.

The U.S. Capitol Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and the center of American democracy. The world-famous domed building is home to the United States House of Representatives and Senate; where America’s congressmen and congresswomen conduct business, debate laws and pass bills on behalf of the American people. The U.S. Capitol and U.S. Capitol Visitor Center  is also one of DC’s most popular monuments and museums and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Tour groups in United States Capitol Building Rotunda - Attractions and landmarks in Washington, DC

How do I arrange a tour of the United States Capitol Building?

Plan your visit in advance! A public tour of the U.S. Capitol is free and open to anyone who makes an advanced reservation, although there are some same-day tickets available by standing in line at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center (note that lines will be long during spring and summer).  We recommend reserving a  reserving a tour date and time .

All tours begin and end at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Inauguration Day).  Tours typically take about 90 minutes and are  fully accessible for people with disabilities.

What will I see on a Capitol tour?

Guided tours begin with a 13-minute intro film, followed stops in the Capitol Rotunda, where guides point out the center point of the District of Columbia, as well as demonstrate the unique acoustical effect where a speaker several yards away can be heard more clearly than a speaker close to the listener. The Capitol Dome is encircled by murals, and the fresco on the eye of the ceiling is called The Apotheosis of Washington showing President Washington rising to the heavens in glory with Liberty and Victory/Fame beside him. Below, on the walls of the Rotunda, are large paintings depicting significant events in American history: The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, The Baptism of Pocohontas, The Embarkation of the Pilgrims, The Landing of Columbus and General George Washington Resigning His Commission. Other stops on the 45-minute walking tour include the Crypt, National Statuary Hall and connecting corridors of the U.S. Capitol, where you’ll see statues representing every state

Can I see Congress in session?

The guided tour doesn't include the Senate and House galleries. However, visitors can obtain free passes through their congressmen to view both chambers when Congress is in session. International visitors can ask about gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. When Congress is not in session, the galleries are open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. However, viewing hours are subject to change and are not always the same for the House and Senate galleries. You can check the schedules with your Congressional office when requesting gallery passes. Read more information about  watching Congress in session  and viewing the House and Senate galleries.

@paddyleahy

What’s in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

You’ll find a cafeteria and gift shop in the Capitol Visitor Center. The gift shop carries merchandise inspired by the art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for continental breakfast and lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you haven’t printed your tour reservation, bring along the number you were assigned. There are free listening devices in multiple languages for international visitors.

How do I get to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

Because there is very little parking, it is best to travel via the  Metro or the DC Circulator. There are three Metro stops within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol: Union Station (Red Line), Capitol South and Federal Center SW (Orange, Silver and Blue lines). The Capitol Visitor Center, which serves as the main public entrance, is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First and East Capitol streets.

Looking for more in the neighborhood? Take advantage of  our guide to Capitol Hill .

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1.1 The Advance Reservation System (" ARS ") of the United States Capitol Visitor Center is a service provided to the public by the United States Congress to book reservations for tours of the United States Capitol. The ARS is owned and managed by the Office of Visitor Services through the Office of the Architect of the Capitol (" AOC "). This Terms of Use Agreement (" Agreement ") sets forth the legally binding terms for your use of the ARS. By using the ARS you agree to be bound by this Agreement, whether you are a "Visitor" (which means you are browsing the ARS website) or you are a "Member" (which means you have registered as a user of ARS). The term "User" refers to both a Visitor and a Member. You are only authorized to browse this website or use the ARS service (whether your use is intended or unintentional) if you agree to abide by all applicable laws and to this Agreement. Please read this Agreement carefully and save it. If you do not agree with this Agreement you should leave this website and discontinue use of ARS services immediately. If you wish to use this website and make use of the ARS service, you must read this Agreement and indicate your acceptance as outlined below, or during the registration process.

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Exhibition Hall: E Pluribus Unum

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Touring the U.S Capitol Building: What to Expect

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I’ve written so much about our family trips to Washington D.C. that you’re probably sick of it.

But I just can’t help myself! Visiting our nation’s capital was such a roller coaster ride. One of our trips went horribly wrong , but after a lot of careful planning, the next one went MUCH better!

Our tour of the United States Capitol Building was during the ‘good trip’, thankfully. I was a little nervous about doing this tour with all 3 kids, but they didn’t mind at all. I won’t lie and tell you that they loved it, but there were parts that they did like.

Here’s what you can expect when taking a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building!

What is the U.S Capitol Building?

The United States Capitol is home to the U.S. Congress and seat of the legislative branch of the federal government. Located at one end of the National Mall, this building has a long history as one of the most important buildings in Washington.

In addition to housing Congress, the Capitol Building is a museum of American art and history. It is open for tours from 8:50 am to 3:20 pm 6 days a week (Monday – Saturday).

The tours are absolutely FREE, but they require a pass. We reserved our passes online before our trip.

What to Expect

We arrived 30 minutes early for our tour. You will have to go through metal detectors and have your bags searched before entering the building.

Absolutely NO food or drinks are allowed inside the building. Even our unopened snacks and water bottles stowed in the backpack were thrown away. (So much for saving money…)

Visitor Center

We picked up our wristbands at the Visitor Center, using the e-mail they sent after we made reservations. Then we had a few minutes to look around the Visitor Center while we waited for our tour to begin.

There are several interesting pieces of art, but the real show stopper is the bust of the tallest statue in Washington D.C., the Statue of Freedom.

At 19.5 feet and 15,000 pounds, the Statue of Freedom graces the top of the Capitol Building. The bust in the Visitor Center gives visitors an up-close view of the statue that would never be possible from the ground.

When our tour was ready to begin, we got in line for the theater. The beginning of the tour starts with a short movie about the history and purpose of the Capitol.

Meeting Your Tour Guide

After the movie, we exited the theater with the crowd, which split into different groups. (Our family was able to stay together, but very large groups may have to separate.) We met our tour guide, who introduced himself and passed out headphones and audio players.

It’s not a pre-recorded tour. The headphones are wirelessly connected to the guide’s microphone. It made it much easier to hear what he was saying as the crowds can be quite large and loud.

After making sure everyone’s equipment was working and telling us the rules, the guide led us to the rotunda.

The U.S. Capitol Rotunda is a huge domed room on the second floor of the building. It is decked out with some of the most iconic pieces of American art ever made.

The Rotunda canopy features the Apotheosis of Washington , which depicts George Washington sitting in heaven after becoming a god, surrounded by figures from classical mythology. The painting is enormous, covering an area of 4,664 square feet. The figures in the painting are up to 15 feet tall, to make them visible from the floor below.

Below the Apotheosis of Washington are 36 windows, below them is the Frieze of American History . This frescoed band was painted to look like carved stone. It depicts 19 scenes from American history, such as the landing of Christopher Columbus and the Battle of Lexington.

Closer to eye level are 8 niches that hold framed historical paintings.

Measuring 12 by 18 feet, these oil on canvas paintings have hung in the Rotunda since the 1800s. These paintings also depict scenes from American history, including The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis and The Baptism of Pocahontas.

In addition to all of the paintings, there are 11 statues in the Rotunda.

The Rotunda is used for ceremonial events, such as the dedication of works of art. However, its most notable use is for the Lying in State of distinguished citizens. This ceremony is a rare honor that occurs after the death of a member of government. Only 32 people (12 of whom were presidents) have had this honor in the United States. The body of the official is placed in the Rotunda to allow the public to pay their respects.

Statuary Hall

After leaving the Rotunda, we were led to the National Statuary Hall. One of the most popular rooms in the Capitol displays sculptures of prominent Americans.

Once called the Hall of the House, for nearly 50 years, this semi-circular room was the meeting place for the U.S. House of Representatives. However, the terrible echoing acoustics, courtesy of the curved ceilings, made conducting business with a group of people nearly impossible. After the House moved to a new meeting place, this room became an art gallery.

Congress invited each state to contribute 2 statues of their most prominent citizens for permanent display in the hall. Since the room can’t hold all of the statues at once, they are placed in other areas of the Capitol Building (such as the Rotunda). Currently, there are 38 statues in the National Statuary Hall.

After looking around the Statuary Hall, our tour guide led us down to the Crypt. On the first floor of the Capitol Building, 40 columns and beautiful arches support the floor of the Rotunda above it. The Crypt is an architectural work of art!

The star in the center of the floor denotes the point from which the streets in Washington D.C. are laid out and numbered. There are also 13 statues from the Statuary Collection, representing the 13 original colonies on display in the Crypt.

The Crypt is the end of the of the Capitol tour. So, after a quick look around, we handed back the headphones to our tour guide as we exited back to the Visitor Center.

I can honestly say that our tour of the U.S. Capitol Building was not what I expected.

It was so much more! I had no idea that the Capitol housed so many works of American art.

The entire tour took maybe an hour and as I mentioned before, it was completely FREE! The kids didn’t love the tour of the Capitol, but they also didn’t hate it. They even liked that they recognized some of the statues and historical scenes.

I definitely recommend a tour of the U.S. Capitol if you ever get the chance. It’s worth it!

You can see more of our family adventures in Washington here:

• Seeing the Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C
• 3 Curious Facts About Our National Zoo
• Somebody Should Have Told Us These 5 Things BEFORE Our Trip to Washington D.C
• 3 Crucial Tips for Visiting Our Nation’s Capital
• Arlington National Cemetery: A Bucket List
• How to Find Kilroy at the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C

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U.S. Capitol Tours

Explore the Capitol's Rich History

Discover our Capitol’s vast history as you explore the magnificent building where some of the most pivotal moments in American history took place. Led by our knowledgeable and passionate volunteers, our captivating Capitol tours offer an insider’s look at this world-famous building. You’ll have the unique opportunity to hear the secrets and stories that have shaped America’s political landscape with fascinating anecdotes and insider knowledge at every turn. 

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The Society offers historian-led Capitol tours exclusively as a benefit of our membership program.  Become a member today and enjoy a Capitol tour led by one of our expertly trained historical guides, providing you with a fascinating glimpse into the U.S. Capitol’s history, its people, and the surrounding grounds.

Experience the Capitol with a trained historical guide.

Capitol walking tours.

From the intricate workings of Congress to the historic architecture and symbolism woven throughout the structure, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the democratic values that underpin our great nation. Book a tour with one of our historically trained tour guides now and experience history with a personalized and immersive tour tailored to your interests and curiosity.

Temple of Democracy: History Made Here

Take a step back in time and join the expert staff and historically trained volunteers of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society for an exclusive walking tour of the Capitol Grounds. Delve into the fascinating history of this iconic building, as you gain unique insights and perspectives about Congress, the origins and construction of the Capitol, and the broader concepts of democratic government.

Discover the secrets behind the nearly 40-year construction of the original Capitol Building and gain a deeper understanding of why and how it has been expanded and changed over the years. Hear about famous – and infamous – incidents that took place within its walls and pivotal turning points in the history of the republic that shaped the course of our nation.  With a focus on the daily activities that take place within this monumental complex, you’ll gain a unique perspective on how our government works and how it continues to shape the course of our nation.

This tour is a different, more historically inclined, experience that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s no wonder it has been named “Best Specialty Tour” by Washingtonian Magazine.

Olmsted's Stunning Capitol Landscape

Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey through the stunning Capitol Grounds, led by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society staff and trained volunteers. This exclusive walking tour is focused on the life and work of the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted – the Father of Landscape Architecture – who Congress commissioned to design the new Capitol grounds after its expansion.

Explore the incredibly elaborate and stunning beauty of Olmsted’s careful design, and gain a deeper understanding of how he achieved this monumental undertaking. As you walk through the grounds, you’ll hear captivating stories about Olmsted’s remarkable life, from his early days as a merchant seaman to his later roles as a gentleman farmer, journalist, and landscape architect. Considered a local favorite, this exclusive tour is a must for anyone with a passion for history, nature, and design. 

Members of the Society gain access to a world of historical knowledge and exciting opportunities.  To book your tour, please email: tours@uschs.org o r complete the Tour Request form.

All tours offered are subject to availability. To ensure an exceptional tour experience, we kindly request that tours be scheduled at least one week in advance. This advance notice allows us to arrange for knowledgeable guides for your tour.

For large group tours (exceeding 15 guests), please email tours@uschs.org , addressed to Vincent Gonzalez, for personalized assistance with your booking.

Please note our tour schedule:

• From March 1 through Memorial Day (excluding Federal Holidays): Tours start at 5:30 PM.
• From Memorial Day through September 30: Tours start at 7:00 PM.
• From October 1 through November 30: Tours begin at 5:30 PM.

Meeting Place: Garfield Circle (at the intersection of First Street and Maryland Avenue Southwest)

Public Transit: Easily accessible via Metrorail. If you’re traveling on the Red Line, exit at Union Station. For those on the Blue, Orange, or Silver Lines, the nearest stops are Capitol South or Federal Center Southwest. 

Parking: Public parking facilities are conveniently available at Union Station.

Note: Please provide at least one email and cell phone number from an individual in the tour group. 

Tour Request Form

In addition to our exterior walking tours, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society is happy to recommend the following visitor experiences (Please note: these experiences may be subject to availability):

• Constituent Tours: Many Congressional Offices provide interior Capitol Tours for constituents. These offices may also reserve public tours through the Capitol Visitor Center. You can find and contact your Senators at senate.gov , or your Representative at house.gov .
• Public Tours: Public interior tours of the U.S. Capitol are available through the Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday through Saturday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Visit their website here for more information and to reserve a tour in advance.
• Seeing Congress in Session: Most sessions of Congress are open to the public. Visitors may see the Senate and House of Representatives when they are in session by obtaining Gallery Passes through the offices of their Senators or Representative. You can find and contact your Senators at senate.gov , or your Representative at house.gov .

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After closing for 2 years, tours begin at the U.S. Capitol

Kelsey Snell

Vincent Acovino

Kathryn Fox

NPR's Kelsey Snell takes a tour of the Capitol Building, which is open again for public tours after being closed for the COVID-19 pandemic.

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New York State Capitol Tours

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Tour the New York State Capitol NYS!

Sitting atop Albany’s State Street hill, the New York State Capitol has served as the seat of government for New York since the 1880s. The building is a marvel of late 19th-century architectural grandeur, built by hand of solid masonry over a period of 32 years. Highlights of the 45-minute tours can include the legislative chambers, Hall of Governors, Governor’s Reception Room, Hall of New York, historic staircases, and carvings.

Security:  Visitors to the Capitol are required to pass through metal detectors and have bags scanned through an x-ray machine. Personal belongings such as backpacks and large bags should be left behind. Sharp objects, such as pocket knives, nail clippers, weapons, and nuisance devices such as whistles and noisemakers are not allowed into the building.

• When:  Monday through Friday
• Times:  10 a.m., noon, & 2 p.m.
• Location:  Information Desk in Capitol’s State Street lobby
• Reservations:  Space is limited, and reservations are recommended but not required for groups of fewer than 10 people. For groups of 10 or more, contact the Plaza Visitor Center at 518-474-2418. Online registration ends one hour before tour time. Walk-ups are permitted.

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