Congressman Bill Shuster
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania

VISITING D.C.

CLICK HERE to download our latest "Visitor's Guide to Washington, D. C. [PDF]

Tours

Arlington National Cemetery
Location: Arlington, VA 22211
Main Phone: 703-607-8000 Media, etc.: 202-685-4645
Nearest Metro: Arlington National Cemetery (see Metro Map)

Washington Monument
Location: 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
Park Info. Phone: 202-426-6841
Nearest Metro: Smithsonian (see Metro Map)

All monuments and memorials

United States Botanical Garden
Location: 245 First Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024
General Phone: 202-225-8333 Tours: 202-226-4082
Nearest Metro: Federal Center, SW (see Metro Map)

Ford's Theater - Lincoln Museum
Location: 511 10th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004
Box Office: 202-347-4833Administrative Office: 202-638-2941
Nearest Metro: Metro Center or Gallery Place (see Metro Map)

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Location: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, DC 20024
Main Phone: 202-488-0400
Nearest Metro: Smithsonian (see Metro Map)

Library of Congress
Location: 101 Independence Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20540
Main Phone: 202-707-5000
Nearest Metro: Capitol South (see Metro Map)

George Washington's Mount Vernon Tour
Location: 3200 George Washington Memorial Parkway
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Main Phone: 703-780-2000
This attraction is not Metro accessible. If you are in need of public
transportation, please visit the Mount Vernon web site above to find out
more details.

National Cathedral
Location: Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, NW
Washington, DC 20016-5098
Main Phone: 202-537-6200
This attraction is only Metro accessible by Metro Bus. To find out
details, please visit the National Cathedral web site above.

Pentagon
Location: Arlington, VA
For Tours: 703-695-1776
Nearest Metro: Pentagon (see Metro Map)

Smithsonian Institution
Location: The Smithsonian includes 14 different museums, so to find
the location of one museum in particular, please visit the site.
Main Phone: 202-357-1729 Recorded Info.: 202-357-2020
Nearest Metro: The museums are dispersed throughout the city and
therefore have different Metro stops, but the main stop
is the Smithsonian (see Metro Map)

United States Department of State
Location: 2201 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20520
Main Phone: 202-647-4000 Hotline: 202-647-5225
Nearest Metro: Foggy Bottom - there is about a 5 block walk from
this station (see Metro Map)

White House
Location: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20500
Switchboard: 202-456-1414 Comments: 202-456-1111
Nearest Metro: Farragut West or Metro Center (see Metro Map)

National Museum of the American Indian
Location: 4th Street and Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC
Main Phone: 202-633-1000
Nearest Metro: Federal Center (see Metro Map)


CAPITOL TOURS

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

Advance Passes: Tours may be booked in advance online at www.visitthecapitol.gov, through the office of your Senators or Representative, 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 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

ADVANCE REGISTRATION SYSTEM

http://tours.visitthecapitol.gov 

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WHITE HOUSE TOURS

The White House is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday, from 7:30AM to 12:30PM.  Tours are only given to groups of ten or more people, and it is best to schedule them at least two months in advance (throughout December, March, and April, further advance notice is critical since the White House receives a high volume of requests during those months).  Once a tour is requested, the number of people in the group may not be increased, so be sure to establish an accurate list of attendees prior to contacting my office.

The tour begins from the south side of East Executive Avenue near the Southeast Gate and lasts roughly forty-five minutes.  It is a self-guided tour, however there are secret service agents dispersed throughout each one of the rooms who are more than happy to answer any questions you might have.  In order to take advantage of this experience, it may be in your best interest to research the history of the White House prior to your tour.

Upon confirmation of your tour approximately one month prior to the requested date, you will need to provide a full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and country of origin for all participants.

To request a tour of the White House, please contact my office at 202-225-2431. 

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BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING TOURS

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is open to the public on weekday mornings (excluding federal holidays and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day).  Requests for a tour must be made at least four weeks in advance.

For smaller groups (10 people or less), tours are scheduled at 8:15AM or 8:45AM year round.  During the months between May and August, evening tours will be available at 4:00PM, 4:15, 4:30, and 4:45PM.  Additionally, there is a tour offered to the general public every 15 minutes between 10am and 2pm.  If you were not able to schedule a congressional tour, this is viable option.  Please call 202-874-2330 with questions regarding the public tours.

For large groups (11 people or more), tours start at 9:00AM, 9:15AM, 9:30AM, or 9:45AM daily, and between the months of May and August, evening tours are available at 5:00PM, 5:15PM, 5:30PM, and 5:45PM. 

Due to the increased security needs in the Capital, bags, pointed objects, sharp objects, guns, mace, or any other weapon are not permitted in the Bureau.  Each Chaperone is required to present a photo ID upon entering the building.

In order to request a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, please call my Washington, D.C. office at (202)-225-2431 and ask for the tour coordinator.  If you are requesting a tour for a small group, please have secured a solid date, time, and number of people attending before you call to place your request.  If you are requesting a tour for a large group, please have the following information on hand when calling to place your request:

  • Name of School
  • Fax Number
  • Mailing Address
  • Email Address
  • Primary Contact and Phone Number
  • Number of People Attending (Students, Chaperones)
  • Date and Time You Would Like to Tour the Bureau

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FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION TOURS

The FBI building is currently closed to all tours due to the renovations that are in progress.  It is expected to be reopened sometime in 2005.

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THE KENNEDY CENTER

The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts offers a wide array of performances, ranging from ballet to the National Symphony Orchestra.  In addition to the performing arts, tours are available to the public at 9:30AM and 4:30PM on weekdays, and at 9:30AM on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Reservations should be made in advance, but they can only be made within three months of the requested tour date.  In order to place a request for this tour, please call my Washington, DC office at (202)-225-2431 and ask for the tour coordinator.  Please know the exact number of people who will be attending the tour of the Kennedy Center before calling. 

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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

Special behind-the-scenes experiences at the United States National Archives and Records Administration are available for the public to see.  The tour consists of an overview of the National Archives, a viewing of select original documents from the holdings of the National Archives, participation in document-led hands-on activities, and a preview of new exhibit space. 

Tours are available for groups of 30 people or less on the weekdays between 10:15AM and 1:15PM.  Groups of 31 people or more may go on a self-guided tour any day of the week between 10:00AM and 5:30PM. 

Tour reservations should be made at least two weeks in advance.  To place a request for this tour, please contact my Washington, DC office at (202)-225-2431 and ask for the tour coordinator, or call the National Archives Building directly at 202-501-5205.

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THE SUPREME COURT

The United States Supreme Court is open to the public on weekdays from 9:30AM until 3:30PM, when the court is not in session.  If the court is in session, the building is closed to the public.  View the US Supreme Court schedule to determine whether or not it will be in session when you are coming to town.

There is no longer a need to schedule a tour of the Supreme Court in advance if the group consists of five people or more.  Tours are given every hour on the half-hour, starting at 9:30AM and the last tour is offered at 3:30PM.  If you have a large group, it is suggested that you arrive 30 minutes early to secure your spot in line.  If the group consists of 6 people or less, reservations for tours should be made through my office.  Tours do fill up quickly, so I suggest that you call in advance.  For small groups, Congressional tours of the Supreme Court are given daily at 2pm when the court is not in session, and it lasts approximately 35 minutes.  These tours are restricted to no more than six people.

If you would like to request a tour of the Supreme Court building, please contact my Washington, DC office at 202-225-2431 and ask for the tour coordinator. 

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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS TOURS

Tours of the Library of Congress are available to the public Monday through Friday at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30.  On Saturday, tours are offered at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30 and 2:30.  The Library is closed on Sundays.

If you would like a private, congressional tour of the Library, please contact my office at 202-225-2431 and ask for the tour coordinator.  Congressional tours are offered Monday through Friday at 8:30AM and 1:45PM for small groups.  Prior to placing your call, please know the exact number of people that will be accompanying you on the tour.

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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE

The Department of State diplomatic reception rooms are open for tours by reservation only on weekdays.  Tours can be scheduled up to ninety days in advance and are open to children, although it is recommended that children be above the age of twelve.  This fine arts tour is offered Monday through Friday, excluding all legal holidays, at 9:30AM, 10:30AM, and 2:45PM, and is approximately 45 minutes in duration.

If you are interested in viewing the diplomatic reception rooms of the State Department, please contact my Washington, DC office or call the State Department tour office directly at 202-647-3241.  Before calling, make sure you have secured a date and time during which you would like to see the reception rooms.

Due to heightened security concerns, no strollers, bags, or any other unnecessary items are permitted in the Department of State.  Please plan accordingly because there is no storage for these items within the department.

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PHOTO GALLERY

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