Outdoor Talks and Tours
The Capitol is set amidst 58.8 acres of winding paths memorial trees, inviting benches, and beautiful plantings that are changed seasonally. The Capitol Grounds today reflect a plan completed in 1892 by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds on their own or to take a 45-minute Guide-led outdoor tour weather permitting. The tours are offered Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. Pick up a pass at one of the Information Desks and meet at the North Gift Shop on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. No advance reservations are needed.
Additionally, on selected afternoons in October, experts on the Capitol and its grounds will provide outdoor talks about the architecture of the Capitol and Olmsted’s plan for Capitol Square. The talks are offered at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17; Wednesday, October 24; and Tuesday, October 30. No reservations or passes are needed for these 45-minute outdoor programs. Meet at the North Gift Shop on the upper level.
Capitol Talks
Tuesdays, November 6 and November 13
at 1 p.m.
Throughout the history of the Capitol, presidents made decisions about where and how the Capitol was built. Join William Allen, Historian Emeritus, as he explains the influential roles presidents have played in Capitol history. Pick up a pass at the North Information Desk on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center and meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall for this 45-minute talk. No reservations are needed.
Tuesday November 20 at 1 p.m.
With the help of William Allen, Historian Emeritus, find out how enslaved workers helped build the United States Capitol. Pick up a pass at the North Information Desk on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center and meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall for this 45-minute talk. No reservations are needed.
Capitol and the Congress During the Civil War Tour
In honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, a special tour, lasting 30 to 45 minutes, entitled "Capitol and the Congress During the Civil War," is offered Monday through Friday at 3:30 p.m. With stops at the Old Supreme Court Chamber and other important areas at the Capitol, this tour will explore how the Capitol was used during the Civil War, critical debates that took place during the Civil War, and key judicial decisions made during this time period. No reservations are needed. Get passes for this tour at one of the Information Desks on the lower level of the Visitor Center.
Brumidi Corridors Tours
A special tour of the Brumidi Corridors on the first floor of the Senate wing of the Capitol enables visitors to view and learn about the ornate paintings on the walls and ceilings designed by Constantino Brumidi between 1857 and 1859. This tour, which lasts approximately 30 minutes, is offered Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. No reservations are needed. Get passes for this tour at one of the Information Desks on the lower level of the Visitor Center.
Exhibition Hall Tours
Exhibition Hall Talk
Friday, October 19 at 1 p.m.
Authorized by Congress in 1836, the Wilkes Expedition was organized to circumnavigate the world, promote commerce, and “extend the bounds of science and . . . Knowledge.” Join Kyle Wallick, Botanist at the United States Botanic Garden, as he highlights stories about the expedition and shows new plant species grown from plants gathered during this expedition 176 years ago. Meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall on the lower level for this 15-minute talk. No reservations or passes are required.
Visitors are welcome to investigate the Capitol Visitor Center’s Exhibition Hall at their leisure; however, you may also want to take advantage of an opportunity that will help guide your exploration of the historic documents and artifacts that are on display. Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m., you may join a 20-minute tour of Exhibition Hall. Through stories and object exploration, learn how Congress and the Capitol have changed as the country has changed. No reservations or passes are required for this program. Simply meet at the designated time at the entrance to Exhibition Hall on the lower level of the Visitor Center.
