Capitol Visitor Center Information

Location and Hours

The Capitol Visitor Center, the new main entrance to the U.S. Capitol, is located below the East Plaza of the Capitol between Constitution and Independence Avenues.

Visitors: The Visitor Center is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day.

Official Business: Visitors with official business appointments may enter the Visitor Center as early as 7:15 a.m.

Guided Tours of the Capitol

Guided tours of the Capitol begin at the Orientation Theaters on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center. "Out of Many, One," a 13-minute film, illustrates how this country established a new form of government, highlights the vital role that Congress plays in the daily lives of Americans and introduces you to the building that houses the U.S. Congress.

Tours are free, but tour passes are required.

Tour hours: 8:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday - Saturday

Advance Passes: Tours may be booked in advance online through the Advance Reservation System , by calling my office at (202) 224-2441 or through the Office of Visitor Services by calling (202) 226-8000.

Same-Day Passes: A limited number of passes are available each day at the tour kiosks on the East and West Fronts of the Capitol or at the Information Desks in Emancipation Hall on the lower level of the Visitor Center.

Watching Congress in Session

Hours: The Senate and House Galleries are open to visitors whenever either body is in session. In addition, the House Gallery is open 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, when the House is not in session.

Passes: Passes are required to enter either gallery at any time. Visitors may obtain gallery passes from my office. Gallery passes are available for international visitors at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level.

Dining and Gift Shops

Restaurant (Lower Level): Freshly made soups, salads, specialty entrees, pizza, sandwiches, desserts and beverages reflect the diverse bounty of America. Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Saturday.

Gift Shops (Upper Level): A unique selection of merchandise inspired by the Capitol's art and architectural treasures, fun and educational gifts, books, jewelry and exciting custom-designed products make excellent souvenirs. Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Saturday.

Exhibition Hall (Lower Level)

Here you can explore the only exhibition in the country dedicated to telling the story of Congress and the construction of the U.S. Capitol. Exhibit highlights include rarely seen historic documents from the National Archives and the Library of Congress, artifacts from around the country and an 11-foot-tall touchable model of the Capitol dome. You may also watch the action on the floors of both chambers of Congress at the House and Senate theaters when Congress is in session. Numerous interactive stations allow you to discover more about Congress, its Members and the Capitol. Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Saturday.

Visitor Tips

All areas of the Visitor Center are smoke free.

Strollers and Baby Changing: Strollers are permitted in the Visitor Center and baby-changing stations are available in each family restroom.

Public Telephones and ATMs: These are located outside each Gift Shop.

Foreign Languages: Visitors may request listening devices for foreign-language versions of the films and the exhibition at the Information Desks.

Visitors with Disabilities: Visitors may request wheelchairs from Capitol Visitor Center staff wearing red vests or at one of the Information Desks in Emancipation Hall. Sign-language interpreting for tours is available when booked in advance. Listening devices with audio description of the films and exhibition are available at the Information Desks. All films have open captioning.

Service Animals: Service animals are allowed in the Visitor Center and the Capitol.

Safety and Security

Before entering the Capitol Visitor Center, all visitors are screened by a magnetometer and all items that are permitted inside the building are screened by an x-ray device. The following items are strictly prohibited:

• Any bag larger than 14" wide x 13" high x 4" deep
• Aerosol containers
• Any pointed object (i.e., knitting needles, letter openers, etc. Pens and pencils are permitted.)
• Cans and bottles
• Electric stun guns, martial arts weapons or devices
• Food or beverages of any kind
• Guns, replica guns, ammunition and fireworks
• Knives of any size
• Mace and pepper spray
• Non-aerosol spray (prescriptions for medical needs are permitted)
• Razors and box cutters

The following are allowed in the Capitol Visitor Center and the Capitol, but not in the Senate and House Galleries:

• Battery-operated electronic devices (Medical devices are permitted.)
• Cameras
• Creams, lotions or perfumes
• Strollers
• Video recorders or any type of recording device

Respecting Capitol Art

During your visit, help preserve the Capitol's statues and other works of art. Enjoy looking at them, but do not touch them - each touch does some damage.

IN THE EVENT OF AN EVACUATION AT THE CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER:

• Proceed to the nearest exit - exit up stairs
• All emergency exits at the Visitor Center are located on the Upper Level
• Follow direction of U.S. Capitol Police
• If assistance is needed, seek U.S. Capitol Police help

These guidelines are subject to change at any time. Please stay in touch with my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-2441 for the latest updates.

• Washington, D.C.
  United States Senate
  513 Hart Building
  Washington, DC 20510
  Phone: (202) 224-2441
  Fax: (202) 228-2190
• Wilmington
  301 North Walnut Street
  Suite 102L-1
  Wilmington, DE
  19801-3974
  Phone: (302) 573-6291
  Fax: (302) 573-6434
• Dover
  500 W. Loockerman St.
  Suite 470
  Dover, DE 19904
  Phone: (302) 674-3308
  Fax: (302) 674-5464
• Georgetown
  12 The Circle
  Georgetown, DE 19947
  Phone: (302) 856-7690
  Fax: (302) 856-3001