Robert Menendez

US Senator for New Jersey
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Tours of Washington D.C.

Welcome to Washington. Whether you are here for business or on a family vacation, you will find that our nation's capital is a fascinating place - full of art, music, history and culture. During your visit, please take the time to discover the breathtaking monuments, wonderful museums, charming neighborhoods, and beautiful parks. You may also want to tour one or more of the important and historical sites listed below. I hope you enjoy your stay.

The Capitol Building »

capitol
The Capitol possesses an architectural, historic and symbolic significance that qualifies it as one of the world’s most fascinating buildings.  You will notice everything from presidential statues and dramatic murals to elegant architecture.  A tour of the Capitol includes the Rotunda, the Old Senate Chamber, Statuary Hall, the Crypt, and the Old Supreme Court.

Tours can be arranged through my office or by visiting the Capitol Visitor Center’s website.  Guided tours are offered from 8:45a.m to 3:30p.m., Monday through Saturday.  Furthermore, same day tickets are available.  To gain access to the Capitol Visitor Center, please use the East front of the Capitol at First Street and East Capitol Street, N.E.

Tips:
  • The Capitol is open on all federal holidays except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Presidential Inaugurations.
  • Aerosol sprays, liquids of any kind, food, overd suitcases or backpacks, knives, razor, mace, pepper spray, matches or lighters are prohibited.
  • To view live debate in the Senate and House of Representatives chambers, separate passes are required.  They, are available at my office.
  • Website: http://tours.visitthecapitol.gov/

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White House »

whitehouse
Free self-guided tours of the White House are offered on a limited basis to members of the public, including families, school groups, veterans, members of the military, and youth. The White House is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays.
These tours must be scheduled through my office, so I suggest you submit your request at least 4 to 6 months in advance since they are approved by the White House on a first-come, first-served basis.

Prior to your tour of the White House, you may be interested in visiting the White House Visitors Center to learn about the history of our nation's most important home. The White House Visitors Center is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, between 14th and 15th Streets, NW. The Center is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Admission is free for the general public.

Tips:
  • Although the tour is self-guided, tour officers are in every room to answer questions regarding White House architecture, decorations and history.
  • There are many items that are prohibited from being brought to the White House; therefore, it is best that you visit the website for the full list http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/tours_and_events/

White House Fall Gardens and Grounds Tours
 
Additionally, the White House Fall Gardens and Grounds Tours will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 16th, and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 17th. There are no regular tours scheduled for either of these days. The National Park Service will distribute free, timed tickets at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion located at 15th and E Streets on each tour day beginning at 8:00 a.m. Tickets will be distributed -- one ticket per person -- on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
Holiday 2011 Scheduling
 
Please note there will be no tours available on:

  • Sundays
  • November 11th
  • November 24th - 30th
  • December 5th, 12th, and 19th
  • December 24th - 31st

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Supreme Court »

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is a spectacular, American symbol of justice and equality.  The building is open to the public from 9:00a.m. to 4:30p.m., Monday through Friday; however, it is closed for federal holidays.  The Supreme Court is located at One First Street, NE, across from the Capitol and next to the Library of Congress.  Public lectures are available every hour on the half hour from 9:30a.m. to 3:30p.m. on days that the Court is not session.  When the court is in session, oral arguments are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.  To see when the court is in session, please visit the Court's website.

Tip:

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Library of Congress »

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is one of the most important research facilities for Congress and is the largest library in the world.  The campus is divided into three main buildings: The Thomas Jefferson Building; James Madison Memorial Building; and the John Adams Building.

Public tours of the Jefferson Building are available Monday through Saturday at 10:30a.m., 11:30a.m., 1:30p.m., 2:30p.m., and 3:30p.m. (please note that the 3:30p.m. tour is not available on Saturday).  Reservations are not necessary; although, it is recommended that you arrive early since the tours regularly begin on schedule.  

Tips:   

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Bureau of Engraving and Printing »

EngravingAndPrinting
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing offers an exclusive, inside look at the United State’s currency production.  As the government’s security printer, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing designs and manufactures U.S. currency, stamps and Treasury obligations.

The Visitor Center is open from Monday through Friday 8:30a.m. to 3:30p.m.  It is located at 14th and C Streets S.W., one block south of the Washington Monument and just north of the 14th Street Bridge.  Free tickets are required during peak season (March-August), so please contact my office to make a reservation.

Tips:

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The Pentagon »

Pentagon
Before being one of the most important sites in the government of the United States, the Pentagon, was a wasteland.  However, it now serves as the nerve center of the Department of Defense.  The facility is practically a city—hosting an average of 23,000 employees daily.

The Department of Defense offers free tours Monday through Friday from 9:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.  Tours lasts about an average of 90 minutes, so please plan accordingly.  To schedule a tour, please call (703) 614-1642 or visit the website.

Tips:
  • Tour requests must be submitted two weeks prior to the requested date.
  • Parking is offered in the Pentagon City Mall, which is only a five minute walk from the tour entrance and there is a special pedestrian tunnel for that purpose.
  • The Metrorail has a stop at the Pentagon that can be accessed via the yellow or blue line.
  • Website: http://pentagon.afis.osd.mil/tours.html

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Department of Treasury »

Treasury Building
The Treasury Department Building is the oldest federal department building in Washington, D.C., and when it was completed, it was one of the largest office buildings in the world.  The main structure was built between 1836 and 1869.  The tour includes a visit to the main Treasury Building, including the Cash Room, and the Salmon Chase and Andrew Johnson Suites.

The Treasury Department offers a free hour long tour of the interior of the building on Saturday mornings at 9:00a.m., 9:45a.m., 10:30a.m. and 11:15a.m.  It is suggested that visitors arrive early since individuals will not be allowed to join a tour once it has begun.  Please contact my office to schedule a tour.

Tips:
  • Cameras, strollers, and bags are strictly prohibited, and there is no storage space available at the facility.  Therefore, it is best to leave these items behind.
  • Use the South Entrance, which is located at 5th Street and Hamilton Place to gain access to the building. Once there, use the call button next to the distinctive iron gate.
  • Please visit: http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/management/curator/tours.shtml

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Kennedy Center »

Kennedy Center
Opened in 1971, the Kennedy Center was constructed to serve as a world-class performing arts center, as well as a memorial to the late President John F. Kennedy.  It has a number of ballrooms and world famous performance halls including the Hall of States and Hall of Nations.

Reserved tours are conducted Monday through Friday at 9:30a.m. and 4:30p.m. and Saturday at 9:30a.m.  Unreserved tours are offered Monday through Friday from 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.  At the end of the tour, visitors are allowed to take pictures from the roof of the Kennedy Center so they can capture the spectacular view of Washington, DC and the Potomac River.

Tips:
  • The closest Metrorail station is Foggy Bottom on the Red Line.  Free shuttle buses leave from Foggy Bottom Station to the Kennedy Center every fifteen minutes.
  • Parking is available, but there is limited space for SUVs taller than six (6) feet.
  • Website: http://www.kennedy-center.org/

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State Department »

State Dept
The State Department houses a number of Diplomatic Reception Rooms utilized for official functions hosted by the Secretary of State and other prominent government officials.  From 18th century furniture to premier art collections, the Diplomatic Reception Rooms offer a unique perspective of Washington D.C.

Guided tours are conducted Monday through Friday at 9:30a.m., 10:30a.m, and 2:45p.m.  Tours last about forty-five (45) minutes, and reservations are required approximately 90 days in advance of your visit.

Tips:
  • This tour is not recommended for children under the age of 12 years old.
  • Strollers are not permitted.
  • Reservations can be made three (3) months in advance, and tours last approximately forty-five (45) minutes.
  • Website: https://receptiontours.state.gov/

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Directions

Tour Request Forms

When sending a written request, please make sure to include your name, address and phone number, the places you would like to visit, the number of tickets you want and your dates of travel. If you have any questions you may also contact the office by phone at 202.224.4744.