can i visit the capitol without a tour

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.

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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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U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

Take a tour of the historic Capitol, where you can see the Crypt of the Capitol, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall.

Phone number

1-202-226-8000

Main address

Have a question.

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

How to Get US Capitol Building Tour Tickets

This post is about how to get tickets to tour the United States Capitol Building.

We also include tips on how to get gallery passes to watch the Senate and the House of Representatives in action as well as tour highlights.

• How to Reserve Tour Tickets
• Plan Your Visit
• Tour Highlights
• Senate + House Gallery Passes

Tips From Locals and Travelers

Our sister company, VISITDCTours offers a tour that has reserved tickets to tour the Library of Congress and the US Capitol for you.

This semi-private small group tour is limited to ~12 people and does have a ticketed cost.

You will see the Supreme Court and enter the Library of Congress and the US Capitol. Your guide will tour the Library of Congress with you and give you tickets to the US Capitol tour after our tour.

Allow an additional 50 minutes after the tour for the Capitol tour.

You can book this tour with our sister company, VisitDC Tours!

Is the US Capitol Building Open to the Public?

Yes and no.

While you can schedule a free tour of the United States Capitol, it is not accessible to the public for any other purpose.

You must pass through security to enter the building; unless you have a tour scheduled, they won't let you through.

You do not need a reservation to enter the Capitol Visitor Center - where you can find the cafeteria, gift shops, museums, and part of the National Statuary Collection.

UNITED STATES CAPITOL TOUR TICKETS 

Taking a tour of the Capitol Building requires a ticket, which is free, but reservations are the only way to guarantee a spot (well, there's our tour as well ).  

We recommend booking up to 3 months in advance if you plan to visit during the peak Spring/Summer touring months.  

Tours run Monday-Saturday every 10 minutes from 8:30 am - 3:20 pm, but this schedule can be changed for any of a number of reasons.

The Capitol (as well as the Library of Congress and Supreme Court) is closed on Sundays.

Tours can last between 50-80 minutes and the tour route can be changed without notice due to activities inside the Capitol.

There are no self-guided tours of the US Capitol Building.

There are 4 options to get tickets:

(Option 1) - Take a tour with a Capitol Visitor Center docent.  

These tours are staffed by professional docents, who have extensive knowledge of the building. 

Guests are organized into groups of 20 and listen to their guide through headsets. 

The docents are very knowledgeable, and the tour includes a short video of the building's significance and history before heading into the publicly accessible areas.

(Our favorite option) - Join us on our Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Tour.

This is our walking tour of the Capitol Building campus with a photo stop at the Supreme Court , visits to the interior Library of Congress, and ends with timed tickets for a tour with a docent of the Capitol Visitor Center we discussed above.

(Option 2) - Book your US Capitol experience through the offices of your representative or senators.  

This option offers tours that are staffed by office personnel, usually interns.

The advantage here is that the groups are usually smaller, sometimes just your family.

Also, your guide is likely to be from your area or state, and it's always interesting to hear about their life on "the Hill".  

This option may give you the chance to meet your representative or senator.  

One potential drawback is that your guide may be pretty fresh and not as knowledgeable as the docents. We think this option is worth a try.  Book here .

(Option 3) - Walk up.

If you want to try to get onto a tour without advanced reservations, there are walk-up options.

We do not recommend doing this during March and April, as well as the peak summer months. All other times are likely to be OK.  

The advantage here is that you have more flexibility when you decide to take the tour.  

Walk-up tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are given out only for the next tour time slot, so you won't be able to grab tickets for later in the day.

Capitol Visitor Center Hours:

One way to visit the U.S. Capitol Building without a tour is to stop in at The Capitol Visitor Center.

This center is open Monday – Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

There are occasions when the building is closed for special events or security reasons! These sometimes happen on short notice.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

In this section, we cover what to expect during your visit with tips on how much time you will need (below), how to get to the visitor center , parking, security , and dining options .

Depending on what you want to see, expect to spend at least 90 minutes to get through security and complete the tour and an additional 30 - 60 minutes to visit one of the voting chambers. 

Add an additional 30 - 60 minutes if you want to spend some time in Emancipation Hall (see highlights ).

The Capitol Building is adjacent to both the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress , and many visitors choose to visit all three at the same time. We recommend this as well.

But plan 3 - 5 hours in total to do so. You can easily spend 60 - 90 minutes at the Library and another 60 minutes at the Supreme Court.  

How to Get to the Capitol Visitor Center

The Capitol Visitor Center entrance is on the east side of the Capitol, which is the side opposite the National Mall. Click here for directions to the visitor center .

There are two Metro stations that are close to the Capitol, Union Station Metro, which is serviced by the red line as well as the Capitol South Metro, which services the orange, blue and silver lines.

If you are new to the DC Metro, then read our how-to guide to DC's subway .

All the major hop-on, hop-off, and shuttle tour bus companies make stops at the U.S. Capitol Building.  

Due to security restrictions, all tour buses must drop passengers off on the West Front (National Mall side) of the building.

Visitors then must walk up Capitol Hill for 8-10 minutes to reach the visitor center.  

There are motorized golf carts to take those who need assistance to get up the hill. Use this map for directions from the West Front drop-off .  

Be sure to read our post on choosing the best bus tour in DC .

There is no parking around the Capitol Building. In fact, unless you're in a taxi or your personal car - you won't be able to drive up there at all.

Coaches and large vans are not allowed near the entrance and must drop off and pick up guests on the west (National Mall) side of the building.  

You can find 2-hour on-street parking in the residential area around East Capitol and 2nd St NE/SE, but you, more likely than not, will spend some time finding parking.

A more reasonable option is to park at Union Station.

However, if you plan to visit Smithsonian Museums as well, then there are some parking garages south of the Capitol, in the Federal Center SW area. 

SpotHero  is a popular service in DC that makes finding parking a whole lot easier.

They allow you to view which parking garages will be accessible and book a guaranteed space near where you’re headed. Pretty simple.

Security Check

Security at the Capitol Building is pretty tight and similar to airport security (though you won't have to take off your shoes).

You will need to go through a metal detector and there are many items that are not allowed into the building:

• Any food or beverage, including water, and anything bottled or unopened. (empty water bottled are allowed)
• Any pointed object, including knitting needles.
• Bag larger than 18 inches wide and 8.5 inches deep.
• Mace or pepper spray, razors, and box cutters.
• Any weapon of any kind, even army knives as well as replicas/toys.
• Any liquids, gels, sprays, aerosols - like lotions, makeup, sunscreen.

You may bring in mobile phones, wallets, and cameras.

While strollers are permitted in the Capitol Visitor Center, they are not in the House or Senate galleries.

These are subject to additional screening at the entrance as well.

While you may not run into any congresspeople in the Visitor Center Restaurant, you may overhear some lobbyists, and it is a surprisingly good place to grab a bite to eat if you arrive early for your tour (or after).

It’s located on the lower level of Emancipation Hall, just to the side of the ticket desks.

They have a broad range of meals and snacks ranging from pizza to roast turkey to sushi.

We’re particularly fans of their breakfast sandwiches if you’re visiting in the morning, and the giant cookies are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Here’s a link to the menu .  They have received 4 of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.

While we do our best to provide all the information you'll need to visit the US Capitol, sometimes you require answers to specific questions related to your personal experience.

Thankfully, our Washington DC Travel Tips group on Facebook is the perfect place to look for any answers you may need.

Here are a few examples of interesting and helpful tips and tricks provided by members of our group:

This is probably the most common question about visiting the US Capitol Building, which is why we answer it at the top of this article.

As Jennifer notes, even if you just wanted to see the gift shop and visitor center, you'd need to pass through security (though as of 2024, you no longer require reservations just to enter the Visitor Center)

One nice thing about the US Capitol Building tour is that it's reasonably paced, so you should have enough time either before or after for other activities.

The only real place to eat lunch in the area is the Capitol Building itself, but they actually have a lot of great menu options, so it's not necessarily a bad option!

Many group members recommend getting a tour through your state representative because they will send down an intern and give you a less rushed experience. Despite some guest's experiences, you only sometimes get a private tour. In peak seasons, March-August, you'll often be with a large group.

That said, public tours are led by official docents, so you can trust that they will also provide an excellent service.

Diana notes that anyone who has booked a tour should show up at least a little bit early to ensure they can get through security without any issues and meet their docent on time.

10-15 minutes is probably sufficient for the entire process of getting from the entrance of the building to the starting point of your tour.

This is another common question we see on our group, and the unofficial answer is at least 2 weeks before the tour and up to 90 days ahead of time.

Even so, some of our members have indicated they scheduled their tour through their representative's office 6 months in advance.

For more helpful advice and suggestions, make sure to check our Washington DC Travel Tips group on Facebook, and consider asking our users any question you may have!

CAPITOL TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Exhibition Hall and Visitor Center Gallery

Once you get through security, you’ll find yourself in the beautiful Capitol Visitor Center.

This is where you’ll pick up your tickets if you’re taking a tour of the Capitol, but there are lots of things to check out before the tour even begins.

The beautiful, light-filled lower level is named Emancipation Hall , in remembrance of the slave labor that went into constructing the Capitol building and the United States as a whole.

Around Emancipation Hall you’ll see many statues ranging from a native Hawaiian king to an astronaut.

These are overflow from National Statuary Hall which you’ll generally see on the Capitol tour, and we discuss a few paragraphs down.

There are two gift shops on the upper level - North and South. There was a congressional order passed that everything sold in these gift shops must be made in America.

In the center of Emancipation Hall is a 19.5-foot (6 m) Statue of Freedom , the original plaster model of the allegorical figure that sits atop the Capitol dome.

She is perfect to scale, and this allows you to get up close and notice the incredible detail put into the work.

Our favorite detail is the eagle’s head that sits atop her helmet and is adorned with a Native American headdress.

Just behind the statue of Freedom is the Exhibition Hall.

In this small museum, called Out of Many One , you can learn both about the history of the U.S. Congress and its work and the construction of the Capitol Building.

Highlights here include an 11-foot (3.5 m) tall model of the Capitol Dome , which you are encouraged to touch, and live feeds of the House and the Senate when they are in session.

It may seem odd to have a crypt in the middle of what is basically a government office building, but there are no actual remains interred here.

In some of the original plans of the Capitol, it was thought that George Washington and his wife Martha might be buried here.

But the first president wished to be put to rest at his home in Virginia, Mount Vernon, where he remains to this day.

The Crypt does still carry great importance, as it marks the center of Washington, D.C. Around the room are 13 statues, of important individuals from the 13 original colonies. 

Old Supreme Court

The judicial branch of the United States government met in this room from 1810 to 1860, when it then moved to the Old Senate Chamber which is also often included on the tour.

Generally, you enter the robing room, where the Supreme Court Justices once all donned their black robes together before entering the court.

At the back of the room are Justice’s desks, some of which are original to the 19th century and were actually used by the Justices when the Supreme Court occupied this chamber.  

One of the most remarkable aspects of the room is the vaulted ceiling designed by Benjamin Latrobe which was inspired by medieval engineering techniques and resembles an umbrella.

The Rotunda

The heart of the building and undoubtedly the most iconic aspect of the Capitol Building is the Rotunda.

It is where honored citizens have laid in state, including Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Rosa Parks, and most recently, Billy Graham. 

In the original design of William Thornton, the rotunda was intended to be a simple dome modeled after the Pantheon in Rome.

However, when the building was expanded in the mid-1800s, it was clear that the dome needed to be enlarged as well, and construction of the massive wedding cake-style dome was begun.

Around the inside of the Rotunda are many pieces of art depicting important figures and events in American history.

At the center, there is the fresco the Apotheosis of Washington by Constantino Brumidi. It shows George Washington sitting in the heavens, flanked by the goddesses Liberty and Victory, and surrounded by 13 maidens representing the original 13 colonies.

Lower down the dome is a ring of friezes depicting American history from the landing of Columbus to the birth of aviation.

There are also many statues around the Rotunda, including one of Abraham Lincoln by Vinnie Ream, the first woman artist who received a commission from the American government.

National Statuary Hall

Like so many rooms in the Capitol, Statuary Hall is heavily influenced by ancient Greek architecture, drawing parallels between the origin of democracy and its rebirth in America.

Originally this room was intended to be a chamber for the House of Representatives.

However, the curved ceiling created strange acoustics, with whisper spots where someone speaking softly could be heard many yards away.

It was distracting during sessions, and many of the members didn’t like the idea of rivals hearing their secrets, so the House was relocated.

For many years, it was debated what to do with the room, until it was decided to dedicate it as space for states to honor their most eminent citizens.

Each state is invited to send two statues of their choosing in either marble or bronze, depicting people who have made a significant contribution to the history of that state.

Originally, all statues were placed in Statuary Hall, however as more and more states began sending their statues, the hall became was severely overcrowded.

Statues had to be placed behind each other, in some places 3 statues deep, and there were worries that the floor could not hold the huge weight.

Today the statues are scattered throughout the Capitol building as well as in the hall.

Old Senate Chamber

Since the country used to be much smaller, the Capitol building was as well. This is actually the third chamber that the Senate has met in.

The first had to be abandoned after just 6 years because it was crumbling and rotting, and the second was burned down by the British during the War of 1812.

Finally, the Senate convened here for 40 years.

In 1859 the Senate moved to its fourth and current chamber, and the Supreme Court moved in until it got its own building in 1935 ( which you could also tour ).

The Old Senate Chamber is richly decorated in crimson and gold and was inspired, like so much of Washington DC, by buildings in Paris.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GALLERY PASSES

To visit the House of Representatives Gallery, which is where members of the House debate and take their votes, contact your representative or senator to obtain passes.

International visitors may inquire at the House of Representatives' appointment desk on the upper level of the Capitol Visitors Center.

These passes are not timed and can be used at any time during that year.

The House Gallery is open to visitors whenever the House of Representatives is in session ( see schedule ) until adjournment for that day.  

It is also "usually" open whenever the House is in recess, from 9:00 am until 4:15 pm, Mondays through Fridays.

You will have to go through additional security and leave all belongings outside of the gallery in storage containers.

You can bring a pen and paper, but that is about it!  Absolutely no photography.

PRO TIP:  You will need an additional 30 - 60 minutes to visit either of the legislative galleries. If time is short, then we recommend visiting the House Gallery.  

It is here that the President of the United States delivers his annual State of the Union Address and you are more likely to see action on the floor.

SENATE GALLERY PASSES

To visit the Senate Gallery, which is where members of the U.S. Senate debate and take their votes, contact your representative or senator to obtain passes.

International visitors may inquire at the Senate appointment desk on the upper level of the Capitol Visitors Center.

Open to visitors whenever the Senate is in session, from 30 minutes before the Senate convenes ( see schedule ) until adjournment for that day, which is usually 4:15 pm.  

It is also regularly open whenever the Senate is in recess for 1 week or more.

When in recess, visitors are permitted to view the gallery from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays.  

There is no access on Saturdays unless the Senate is in session.  

You could also call the Senate to confirm if the gallery is open - 202.224.0057.

You will have to go through additional security for either and leave all belongings outside of the gallery in storage containers.

You can bring a pen and paper and that is about it!   Absolutely no photography.

Related Posts

• How to Tour the Supreme Court 
• How to Tour the Library of Congress
• Other Things to do in Washington, DC

Consider our guided tour of Capitol Hill , which includes tickets to tour the U.S. Capitol Building.

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Guide to Visiting the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C.

A s the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. is an important city where all decisions regarding the future of the country are decided.

For anyone visiting the city who has a passion for politics, visiting the place where it all happens is a must on any Washington itinerary . 

The United States Capitol building is not only an important political center but an iconic monument in DC. Its Renaissance-inspired architecture and recognizable dome can be seen for miles along The National Mall.

But visiting the U.S. Capitol isn’t as simple as just rocking up. 

Because it’s still a working office building, entry for tourism is at a limited capacity each day. Fortunately, it’s still free!

If you’re thinking of visiting the U.S. Capitol building but not sure how to do it, or what there is to see, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.

About the U.S. Capitol Building

Is the u.s. capitol worth visiting, the rotunda, national statuary hall, the halls of senate tour , votes for women tour, indigenous peoples in capitol art tour, heroes of civil rights tour, how to watch congress in session (senate and house galleries), what to see in the exhibition hall and galleries, emancipation hall & statue of freedom, opening hours and entrance fee, tips for visiting the united states capitol building, can you just walk into the capitol in washington, dc, how long does it take to tour the capitol building, can i visit the capitol without reservation, where is the entrance to the u.s. capitol building, before you go, where to stay in washington dc, more travel tips for washington dc.

The U.S. Capitol Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, and it has a long and storied history. 

It’s the place where the Senate and House of Representatives come together to debate, deliberate, and decide on political issues and enact laws. 

The building was first designed by William Thornton, and its construction was completed in 1793. The building has been extended by several architects over the years and even set on fire in 1814 by the British, to which much of the original building was destroyed and rebuilt.

The Capitol has been the site of many important events in American history, such as the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson in 1868. 

Today, the Capitol is home to the U.S. Congress, and it remains an important symbol of American democracy. 

The U.S. Capitol is one of the most iconic and monumental buildings in Washington DC. 

As well as being a historic building filled with architectural beauty and priceless artwork, it also houses an interactive Exhibition Hall where you can learn a lot about the history of American politics and the legislature. 

Most people who visit say they enjoy the experience and learn a lot, so it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re interested in learning about American politics.

Unfortunately, thanks to the January 6 th  storming of the Capitol, our girls were excited to visit Capitol Hill just so they could see where it all happened. (They definitely were NOT in approval of what happened!)

As we’re also planning to become US citizens, and they learn so much about the branches of government in school, I know this would be a great Washington attraction with kids.

I really enjoyed the tour and were glad we fit it into our 3-day DC Holiday trip . I wish I knew in advance about visiting the House and Senate galleries as I would have loved to have seen them – especially in session.

How to Visit the U.S. Capitol Building

The U.S. Capitol is one of the top things to do in Washington DC and should be at the top of any Washington itinerary . 

To visit, you must make a reservation and book a tour , even if you just want to see the Exhibition Hall. This is because the number of people entering the building is limited each day. (If you don’t mind long lines, there are limited same-day tickets available – but I wouldn’t risk it)

The tours and entrance are free to all visitors.

If you want to visit the House and Senate galleries or watch Congress in session, you must book this beforehand by  reaching out to your local Congressman.

What do you see on the U.S. Capitol tour?

A guided tour of the US Capitol starts with an informative  13-minute film called “ Out of Many, One, ”  which shares the history of this building and branch of government.

From there, the 45 tour takes you through the historic areas of the Capitol, such as the Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, and Crypt. You do not visit the Senate and House Galleries on the free tour, this requires a separate pass to visit.

The Crypt is located beneath the Rotunda and was completed in 1827. This vaulted space isn’t actually a crypt, it’s just named this because it resembles crypts seen in churches and tombs.

It was originally built to support the Rotunda (with its 40 neoclassical Doric columns ) and for Washington’s tomb, but he was buried in Mt Vernon.

The columned room features 13 statues from the National Statuary Hall Collection. Each of the statues represents the 13 original colonies. You can also see a compass stone on the floor, which marks the central most point of the building.

Inside the Crypt you also have a Magna Carta replica on display.

The Rotunda is the room that most people want to visit when entering the U.S. State Capitol. 

The Rotunda was built in 1824 and has a neo-classical style, similar to The Pantheon in Rome. The space is used for ceremonial events and features many incredible works of art and statues.

It’s so big, the Statue of Liberty could fit inside of it.

The painted ceiling of the dome is quite beautiful with George Washington rising to the heaves with liberty and victory on his left and right. In the center are the words E Pluribus Unum , which means “ Out of One Many ” the traditional motto of the United States.

It took Italian Greek painter, Constantino Brumidi, 11 months to paint the fresco.

Another beautiful part of the Rotunda is the The Frieze of American History . It’s painted panorama depicting significant events in American history beginning with America’s history from the landing of Columbus and ending with the Wright’s Brother’s First in Flight in the Outer Banks .

The National Statuary Hall, or the Old Hall of the House, is the main exhibition space for the National Statuary Hall Collection. It resembles a Roman Amphitheatre and is lined with statues.

It was once where House of Representatives met until 1857 when they moved to new chambers as it became too small and dirty. So dirty that Charles Dickens said he’d only pick up something off the floor if he had a gloved hand.

The National Statuary Hall Collection holds statues donated by each of the United States, portraying notable persons in the histories of the respective states.

Each state is allowed to send two statues to the Capitol, and they can be swapped out. It was good to see some elements of diversity with the statues with notable women, Native Americans and Black Americans represented, but I still feel this could improve somewhat.

Not all statues donated are in this room but spread throughout the Capitol Building. Several of which we saw in the Crypt and Rotunda.

The space is still used for ceremonial events today. 

Specialty Tours of the U.S. Capitol Building

If you’ve already done the free tour of the U.S. Capitol Building, then you might enjoy some of the specialty tours.

The Halls of Senate Tour takes place every Monday-Friday at 11.00 am and 2.00 pm and takes visitors high above the Rotunda and inside the Capitol Dome. 

Here you can see works from Italian American artist Constantino Brumidi, who painted the “Apotheosis of George Washington” on the inside of the dome. 

He also painted some of the building’s corridors and committee rooms. You can see more of his work in the Senate Wing on this short 30-minute tour. 

If you’re interested in learning about women’s rights in America, then the Votes for Women Tour is a short one-hour tour that takes you on a journey through the work of women who fought for women’s rights. 

You can learn about influential women such as Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony to Ida B. Wells, Alice Paul, and Inez Milholland as you wander through the Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, and Emancipation Hall.

This tour takes place Monday to Friday at 12.00 pm.

Another short one-hour tour is the Indigenous Peoples in Capitol Art tour, which takes you around to see The Capitol’s art collection that specially represents the indigenous people and how they have grown throughout the generations.

This tour takes place every Monday to Friday at 1.00 pm.

If you’re interested in learning more about the civil rights movement that ended slavery, then this is the tour to take. It tells the story of the extraordinary lives of people who shaped the path that ended slavery. 

The tour passes through the Emancipation Hall and the Old Senate Chamber. It lasts for one hour and takes place every Monday to Friday at 3.00 pm.

If you want to visit the Senate and House Galleries, you can do so when either body is in session. 

Visiting this part of the U.S. Capitol Building is a bit of a pain for tourists. 

You first need to get a reservation to enter the Visitor Center, and then queue for entry to the House of Representatives Gallery line located on the South Side of the Capitol.

If you want to enter the Senate Gallery, you must queue for entry on the North side of the Capitol.

If you’re travelling from outside the USA, you must queue at the South Side to get a special international visitor’s pass.

As well as touring the building, you can also visit the Exhibition Hall which is accessed through the Visitors Center. 

This is a museum full of interactive exhibits that tell the history of Congress and the U.S. Capitol.

You can learn about the development of the 12 major pieces of legislation, have a go at passing legislation, view the table from President Lincoln’s second inauguration, and take a virtual tour of the building.

We had a quick look at this before our tour. We ran out of time both before and after for a good look. The exhibitions are well worth allowing time for.

The Emancipation Hall is part of the Capitol Visitor Center and is where everybody gathers while waiting for their tour to start. It was named to recognize the contributions of the enslaved laborers who helped build the U.S. Capitol.

There are more statues in here from the National Statue Collection

A possible highlight of your US Capitol tour will be seeing the plaster model of the Statue of Freedom, which is what is at the very top of the US Capitol dome.

Before doing this tour, I didn’t even know there was as symbolic statue at the top of the dome.

The Capitol Visitor Center is open from 9.00 am until 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday. It is closed on weekends, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Inauguration Day.

The great news is it’s free to enter the Exhibition Hall and all tours of the U.S. State Capitol are free. 

However, you need to book at least six months in advance as they limit the number of visitors to just 50 per day.

Guided tours are conducted in English, but brochures are offered for those who don’t speak English so they can follow along with the brochure. You can book tours in Mandarin and Spanish at 8:40 am. 

NOTE:  You can do a paid guided tour of the Capitol Building and Library of Congress . It also includes a stop at the Supreme Court and the ability to relax as your guide shares the history and insider information. You also then won’t need to worry about reserving tickets in advance or waiting on long lines as your entry is included in the tour.  Book your spot here.

Before you rush off and book your tour, there are just a few things you need to be aware of before you visit the State Capitol Building in Washington D.C. For example…

• Familiarize yourself with the list of prohibited items you cannot bring with you. Such as any food and drink, including a water bottle or any liquid, even if it’s a small bottle of water. There is a storage area where you can keep your belongings, but it will save you time if you know what you can and cannot take.
• Dress politely. The Capitol Building is a working building and it is required to dress respectfully when visiting.
• Be quiet at all times. You are asked to use a quiet voice when talking with others and put your phone on silent mode, especially when taking a tour.
• Don’t touch the artwork. The oils and bacteria on your fingers can destroy the paintings.
• Don’t wander off or go behind the rope. They will likely arrest you for this, and that’s one sure way to ruin a trip!
• Book your tour in advance. It’s usual for tours to fill up since there are only 50 spots per day, so book as early as you possibly can to avoid disappointment.

FAQs About Visiting the U.S. Capitol

Here’s what people usually ask us about visiting the U.S. State Capitol Building…

People can visit the U.S. State Capitol via the Visitor Center, which is the entrance to the Exhibition Hall where you can learn about the U.S. legislature history. From here, you can also take tours. It is closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Inauguration Day.

The tour usually takes around 90 minutes from start to finish.

You must have a reservation to enter the Visitor Center and to do the tour.

The entrance is located underground on the east side of the Capitol Building, located on First Street and East Capitol Street. This is where you’ll find the Visitor Center and Exhibition Hall, and where you start the tour.

So there you have it, this is everything you need to know about visiting the U.S. State Capitol. We hope you found this guide useful and helped you plan your visit.

Before you go, make sure you reserve your ticket in advance or you won’t be allowed to enter. It can really ruin a trip when you turn up somewhere and get denied at the entrance, so be sure to plan ahead.

Don’t forget to wander around the grounds of the Capitol as well. There are beautiful views from all angles, and each side looks completely different.

When choosing accommodation for Washington DC, it’s best to look for a hotel within walking distance to the National Mall. Especially, if your stay is short and it’s most focused on the popular DC attractions in this area. If traveling a little further out, you’ll also want accommodation close to a Metro station. Parking is at a premium in DC, so we don’t recommend driving around.

Here are some hotel recommendations from us:

• We stayed at  The Madison Hotel  on 15 th  street only a couple of blocks away from the White House. We could walk everywhere – Georgetown was even a 3-minute walk from our hotel. The room was comfortable but most important of all, was the convenient location.  Book your stay here.
•   The Duo Nomad Hostel  is a great budget accommodation option for those wanting to stay in the city.
• Previously, we’ve stayed at The  Hilton Garden Inn  in the Georgetown area / west end of downtown when we  visited the White House , which met all our needs as a tourist AND business traveler.
• I also love the look of the  Kimpton Banneker  – it’s our favorite hotel brand and within walking distance to the National Mall. You will have amenity fees at this hotel, however, so will need to factor that into your budget.
• Click here if looking for vacation rentals .
• 19 Fascinating Museums in Washington D.C. to Visit in 2023!
• Complete Guide to The National Mall in Washington D.C.
• 3 Day Washington DC Vacation Itinerary (With Teens & Tweens in the Holidays)
• 26 Cheap and Free Things to Do in Washington D.C. for Budget Travelers in 2023
• Our Extraordinary Visit to The White House
• A guide for visiting the Library of Congress

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Comment: Have you been to the U.S. Capitol? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

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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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You agree to indemnify, defend and hold the AOC and the United States Government and its agents or officers (collectively, the " US Government ") harmless from and against any and all claims, liability, losses, costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by the US Government in connection with any use or alleged use of the service under your user name by any person, whether or not authorized by you. The AOC reserves the right, at your expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you, and in such case, you agree to cooperate with the AOC?s defense of such claim.

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The U.S. Capitol reserves the right to suspend scheduled tours at any time and for any reason.  To cancel your tour of the United States Capitol, please have your confirmation number available.  You may cancel your tour at visitthecapitol.gov or by calling 202-226-8000.

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Exhibition Hall: E Pluribus Unum

Current Exhibition

• Legislative Highlights
• Congress and the War of 1812
• Conflict and Compromise II
• Conflict and Compromise I
• Instruments of Change
• Congress and the Civil War II
• Congress and the Civil War I
• April 2010 - September 2011
• October 2009 - March 2010
• April 2009 - September 2009
• December 2008 - March 2009
• Views of Exhibition Hall
• Capitol Story
• Take an Interactive Tour
• Image Gallery
• Take the Capitol Challenge
• 1945-Present
• Building a More Perfect Union

Book a Tour

Reservations are recommended .

The Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tours begin every 10 minutes until 3:20 p.m. All tours are led by our professional tour guides and visit the  Crypt , the  Rotunda  and  National Statuary Hall . The tour does not include the  Senate and House Galleries . The tour route is subject to change.

Reservations are recommended, but not required. Visit the  schedule a tour  page to select a day/time for a reservation. Same day passes may be available. Visitors without reservations are encouraged to arrive at the Capitol Visitor Center as early in the day as possible, but no later than 2:30 p.m., to obtain passes.

All tours, programs and activities are free of charge.

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.

You can begin your Capitol experience at the Visitor Center by visiting Exhibition Hall , perusing our Gift Shops or getting a bite to eat at the Capitol Cafe.

For information on tours offered in Mandarin and Spanish, please view the Foreign Language Tours page.

How Do I Cancel My Reservation?

You can cancel your reservation through your account in the Capitol Visitor Center’s online reservation system.

• Go to  https://tours.visitthecapitol.gov  (A new page will open.)
• Beneath the blue banner reading “Reserve a Tour of the Capitol,” click on the link to log in. (A sign in/signup dialog box will open.)
• In the sign in section, log in with your email address and password.
• Search for reservations by clicking “More” in the “My Reservations” tab.
• Once you have located your reservation, click the link to “Cancel.”

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