Visiting Washington, DC
The nation's capital, Washington, DC, offers a wide variety of tourist destinations, making it an excellent place for Nebraskans to visit. With its well-known historical sites, government institutions, monuments and world-class museums, Washington has it all. While many of these destinations are free, several of them require a Congressional reservation and/or ticket. Congressman Fortenberry's office is pleased to assist Nebraskans coming to the area in securing these tickets. Tours for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Pentagon, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, U.S. Capitol, the White House and a reservation for the Nebraska Breakfast can be scheduled by filling out this form.
Government Institutions
Smithsonian Museums
Other Museums
Monuments & Memorials
Historical Sites
The United States Capitol
The new Capitol Visitor Center opened its doors on December 2nd, 2008. As a result, the procedure for booking a Capitol tour has changed.
The Capitol Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day. Tours of the U.S. Capitol are conducted from 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., Monday through Saturday, but advanced reservations are required. You can book your own tours at www.visitthecapitol.gov up to 90 days in advance of the desired tour date.
Please note that tour openings fill quickly, so it is advisable to book your tour well in advance of your visit. A limited number of same-day passes are available at the tour kiosks on the East and West Fronts of the Capitol or at the Information Desks on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center.
For assistance with booking a Capitol tour, please call Congressman Fortenberry's Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-4806.
Visit the U.S. Capitol Web Site
White House
The White House is open to organized school, youth, veteran, military, or any other groups consisting of 10 or more individuals for self-guided tours. The tours are scheduled through members of Congress. Tours are limited, and the number of people requesting tours far exceeds the number of tours available. Tours are available Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (excluding federal holidays). Click here for more information on White House tours.
You should call Congressman Fortenberry's Washington, DC, office at (202) 225-4806 to request a White House tour as early as six months ahead of your desired tour date.
Additionally, constituents are encouraged to visit the White House Visitor Center. It is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The White House Visitors Center is located at the corner of 15th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, across from Liberty Plaza.
The United States Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. It is closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Lectures are given in the Courtroom every hour on the half hour when the court is not in session beginning at 9:30 a.m. and concluding at 3:30 p.m.
When the Court is in session, from October to the end of April, you can view oral arguments. Calendar of oral arguments. The Court allows people in at 9:30 a.m. and the oral arguments begin at 10 a.m. Due to limited seating, you should arrive as early as 8 a.m. to wait in line to secure a seat.
In mid-May the Court takes the bench on Mondays at 10 a.m. for the release of orders and opinions. This practice continues until all the cases heard during the term are decided, usually the last week in June. These sessions typically last anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes, and are open to the public. Again, you should arrive early to secure a seat. Click here for more information on visiting the Supreme Court.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
There are two options for touring the Bureau of Engraving and Printing; the first is public tours offered by the Bureau. During the Peak Season (March-August), tickets are required for the tour. The ticket booth opens at 8 a.m. and closes once all the tickets have been distributed. During the non-peak season (September-February), tickets are not required. Tours are given every fifteen minutes from 9 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. During the summer (May-August), it is also open 2 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Click here for more information on Bureau tours.
The second way to visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing is with a reservation through a Congressional office. Congressional tours are available at 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. If you would like to schedule a tour through Congressman Fortenberry's Office, you should call (202) 225-4806. Please submit your request at least 8 weeks before the desired tour date.
Library of Congress
The main building (Thomas Jefferson Building) of the Library of Congress is open Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Library of Congress is closed on all federal holidays. Tours are available Monday – Saturday at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30; and Saturday at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30 and 2:30. Click here for more information on visiting the Library of Congress.
National Archives
The National Archives are open every day during the Spring and Summer (April 15 – Labor Day) from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m; and every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, during the Fall and Winter (Day after Labor Day – March 14) from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Reservations for the self-guided tour are not required, but are recommended for visiting the National Archives. Tours are available during the Spring and Summer from 10:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and during the Fall and Winter from 10:15 a.m. – 4 p.m. To make a reservation, you should email the Visitor Services Manager. Click here for more information on visiting the National Archives.
Smithsonian Museums
All Smithsonian Museums are free.
National Museum of African Art
The National Museum of African Art is open every day, except Christmas, from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Click here for more information on visiting the National Museum of African Art.
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is open every day, except Christmas, from 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Click here for more information on visiting the National Portrait Gallery.
National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum is open every day, except Christmas, from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Click here for more information on visiting the National Air and Space Museum. Click here for IMAX ® show times.
American History Museum
The American History Museum has reopened following an extensive renovation. The Museum is open every day except Christmas from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Click here for more information on visiting the American History Museum.
National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian is open every day, except Christmas, from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Click here for more information on visiting the National Museum of the American Indian.
Anacostia Community Museum (African-American History and Culture)
The Anacostia Community Museum is open every day, except Christmas, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Click here for more information on visiting the Anacostia Community Museum.
Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (Asian Art)
The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery are open every day, except Christmas, from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Click here for more information on visiting the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
The Hirshhorn Museum is open every day, except Christmas, from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; the Plaza from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; the Garden from 7:30 a.m. – dusk. Click here for more information on visiting the Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History is open every day, except Christmas, from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Click here for more information on visiting the National Museum of Natural History.
National Postal Museum
The National Postal Museum is open every day, except Christmas, from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Click here for more information on visiting the National Postal Museum.
Corcoran Gallery of Art
The Corcoran Gallery of Art is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. It is closed Tuesdays. Admission is $6 and free for children under age 6. Special Exhibits cost more. Click here for more information on visiting the Corcoran Gallery of Art.
National Building Museum
The National Building Museum is open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. Click here for more information on visiting the National Building Museum.
Smithsonian Institution Building, the Castle
The Smithsonian Institution Building is open every day, except Christmas, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Click here for more information on visiting Smithsonian Institution Building.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is open everyday from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. except Yom Kippur and Christmas. During the summer (April – Mid-June), there are extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 7:50 p.m.
Free timed passes are required to visit the permanent exhibit and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. They can be obtained in advanced by going to tickets.com or by calling (877) 808-7466. Click here for more information on visiting the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for students and seniors over 60; and free for youth under 18. You can purchase tickets in advance by calling (800) 222-7270, x7084. Click here for more information on visiting the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
Marian Koshland Science Museum
The Marian Koshland Science Museum is opened every day, except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Last admission is at 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for seniors over 65, active duty military, students w/ ID and children ages 5-18. Click here for more information on visiting the Marian Koshland Science Museum.
International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is usually open Sunday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Last admission to the permanent exhibit is 2 hours before closed. The museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Click here Museum Hours for a schedule of hours. Admission is $16 for adults; $15 for seniors over 65, active duty military, and intelligence community; $13 for children ages 5-11 and free for children under 5. Advanced tickets are recommended and are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 551-7328. Click here for more information on visiting the International Spy Museum.
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is open to visitors 24 hours a day. Park Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is open every day, except the 4th of July and Christmas, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last tour at 4:45 p.m.). The free tour requires a ticket. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8:30 a.m. One individual can pick up six tickets. All people, children included, must have a ticket to tour the monument. Advanced tickets for $1.50 fee are available by calling (877) 444-6777.
World War II Memorial
The World War II Memorial is open to visitors 24 hours a day. Park Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Korean War Memorial
The Korean War Memorial is open to visitors 24 hours a day. Park Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam War Memorial is open to visitors 24 hours a day. Park Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is open to visitors 24 hours a day. Park Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is open to visitors 24 hours a day. Park Rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is open every day from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. From April 1 – September 30, it closes at 7 p.m. Click here for more information on visiting Arlington National Cemetery.
Ford’s Theatre
Ford’s Theatre is open every day, except Christmas, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. As an active theatre, it is often closed other times due to rehearsals, productions, etc. Click here for more information on visiting Ford’s Theatre.
Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Mount Vernon is open every day, April – August, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; March, September, and October, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is $13.00 for adults; $12.00 for seniors over 62; $6.00 for children 6 – 11 (accompanied by an adult); and free for children under 5 (accompanied by an adult). Click here for more information on visiting Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens.
Washington National Cathedral
The Washington National Cathedral is open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Guided and audio tours are given Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. – 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; 12:45 p.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; 12:45 p.m. –3:30 p.m.; Sunday, 12:45 – 2:30 p.m. Organ demonstrations are given Monday and Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m. Click here for more information on visiting the Washington National Cathedral.
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Washington DC Office
1514 Longworth House Office
Washington, DC 20515
p (202) 225-4806
f (202) 225-5686
Lincoln Office
301 South 13th Street, Suite 100
Lincoln, NE 68508
p (402) 438-1598
t (866) 725-5255
f (402) 438-1604
Norfolk Office
125 S. 4th Street, Suite 101
Norfolk, NE 68701
p (402) 379-2064
f (402) 379-2101
Fremont Office
P.O. Box 377
629 Broad Street
Fremont, NE 68026
p (402) 727-0888
