Exhibition Hall at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

Exhibition Hall's touchable models Exhibition Hall is home to E Pluribus Unum - Out of Many One, the only exhibition in the world dedicated to telling the story of the United States Congress and the U.S. Capitol. Exhibition Hall features original documents and artifacts, videos, touchable models, computer interactives and two small theaters, providing visitors with an in-depth look at how Congress works, the history of the Capitol and Congress, as well as information on Representatives and Senators.

Instruments of Change

On Monday, September 17, the Capitol Visitor Center welcomes a new display in Exhibition Hall entitled “Instruments of Change.” Click here to see the exhibit.

The documents and artifacts, on loan from the National Archives and the Library of Congress, focus on petitions, investigations, and Acts of Congress that are all considered “instruments of change” which can affect the lives of citizens and the direction of the nation.

On display in the new exhibit is the front page of New Hampshire’s Concord Monitor newspaper from January 28, 1986, most of which is devoted to the story of the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger. High school teacher Christa McAuliffe of Concord was killed along with the other members of the Challenger crew. Congress investigated the disaster and brought about changes in the space program.

In June 1812, Congress declared war against Great Britain after being provoked by Britain’s refusal to respect the neutrality of U.S. merchant vessels during its war with France. On display is the House declaration of war against Great Britain along with a list of U.S. Navy vessels in service and lost in 1812.

You’ll be able to see a petition for universal suffrage presented to Congress on January 29, 1866 which was one of many petitions that woman suffragists sent to Congress as they sought the right to vote. Other tactics included parades, public speeches, civil disobedience, imprisonment and even hunger strikes. With the ratification of the 19th amendment to the Constitution, women finally achieved suffrage in 1920.

Exhibition Hall is located on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center. Staff and visitors are welcome Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Twenty-minute Exhibition Hall Tours are available Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.