Have an hour?

Take the 45-minute U.S. Capitol tour offered from 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Before your tour, you’ll see a brief orientation film entitled “Out of Many, One,” which describes how we come together as a nation to govern ourselves. The tour itself includes stops at the Rotunda of the Capitol and National Statuary Hall.

Or, visit Exhibition Hall, the only exhibition in the world dedicated to telling the story of the U.S. Congress and the building of the Capitol. Located on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center, Exhibition Hall features original and rarely-seen documents and artifacts, videos, touchable models, and computer interactives.

Have an afternoon?

In addition to your tour of the Capitol or exploration of Exhibition Hall, stop by the Visitor Galleries of the chambers of the House of Representatives and Senate. If Congress is in session, you might see legislative history being made! Passes are required and may be obtained from your Representative or Senators. International visitors may inquire about passes at the House or Senate Appointment desks in the Capitol Visitor Center.

Make a day of it!

Start with the Capitol tour, visit Exhibition Hall, watch Congress in session, and then take some time to explore the offerings of our Capitol Hill neighbors, the Library of Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the U.S. Botanic Garden.