U.S. Senator of Tennessee

Lamar Alexander

Home | Print View | Graphics | Text Size: Regular Large ExtraLarge
“Be proud to say that we are all Americans." – Lamar Alexander


Constituent Services

Capitol Tours

Our office offers tours of the Capitol. You can request these tours by filling out our Visiting DC Tour Request Form, or call (202) 224-4944.

Visiting DC Tour Request Form

WELCOME TO THE U.S. CAPITOL
 
Your visit to the historic U.S. Capitol begins as you enter the Capitol Visitor Center.  With its soaring spaces and skylight views of the Capitol dome, the Visitor Center welcomes you on a journey of discovery.  The Capitol is home to the U.S. Congress and its two legislative bodies, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.  Through films, exhibits, and tours, you will learn about how Congress works, how this magnificent building was built, and how citizens can participate in this extraordinary experiment called representative democracy.
 
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
 
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 the offices of their Senators or Representatives.  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.
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ACCESS
 
Visitors have direct access from the Capitol Visitor Center to the historic Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, one of the nation’s great treasures, via the Library of Congress Tunnel.  The entrance to the tunnel is located on the upper level of the Visitor Center near the House Appointment Desk.
 
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.  Note:  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 the, 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

You may also want to consult the Architect of the Capitol website or the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.

The Architect of the Capitol is responsible to the United States Congress for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex, which includes the Capitol, the congressional office buildings, the Library of Congress buildings, the Supreme Court building, the U.S. Botanic Garden, the Capitol Power Plant, and other facilities.

White House Tours

White House Tour Request Form

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
(202) 456-7041 (24-hour Tour Information Line)
Metro Stops: Farragut North, Farragut West, Metro Center or Federal Triangle

Tours of the White House have been expanded to include parties of 10 or more people, regardless of age or type of group, through one's Member of Congress. All tours are self-guided, although tour officers are positioned throughout the White House to help answer questions and provide interesting information.

In order to best accommodate your request, please submit tour requests as soon as possible. Families and groups of 10 people or less should submit requests at least six months in advance of a visit, and large organized groups should submit requests at least six months before a planned visit. Please note that tours fill up very quickly during holiday times and in the spring and summer months.

White House Visitor Center

The White House Visitor Center located at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets, and is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The center features many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, social events, and relations with the press and world leaders, as well as a 30-minute video. The White House Historical Association also sponsors a sales area. Restrooms are available, but food service is not.

www.whitehouse.gov/history/tours/

Office of Senator Alexander
SH-302 / Washington, DC 20510
Voice: (202) 224-4944
Fax: (202) 228-3398
State Offices
Staff Directory