Aside from the general tour of the U.S. Capitol offered Monday through Saturday from 8:50 a.m. until 3:20 p.m., there are a number of special activities you may take advantage of.
Join a Visitor Guide to explore three unique stories about the War of 1812, often referred to as “the forgotten war.” Discover how the War Hawks convinced a majority in Congress to declare war on Great Britain. See where the British entered the Capitol and destroyed the most beautiful room in America. Listen to how the Native Americans formed a coalition to save their lands and their way of life. No reservations are needed. Get passes for this 50-minute guided program which is offered Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. at one of the Information Desks on the lower level of the Visitor Center.
Watch this series of videos where a historian takes you into the Capitol to explain what happened at the U.S. Capitol during the War of 1812.
Visit the Capitol Visitor Center’s Exhibition Hall where you’ll see President James Madison’s original war message to Congress from June 1, 1812, in which he detailed British offenses against the United States. No reservations or passes are needed to visit Exhibition Hall, which is located on the lower level of the Visitor Center, behind the plaster model for the Statue of Freedom.
In honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, a special tour, lasting 30 to 45 minutes, entitled "Capitol and the Congress During the Civil War," is offered Monday through Friday at 3 p.m. With stops at the Old Supreme Court Chamber and other important areas at the Capitol, this tour will explore how the Capitol was used during the Civil War, critical debates that took place during the Civil War, and key judicial decisions made during this time period. No reservations are needed. Get passes for this tour at one of the Information Desks on the lower level of the Visitor Center.
A special tour of the Brumidi Corridors on the first floor of the Senate wing of the Capitol enables visitors to view and learn about the ornate paintings on the walls and ceilings designed by Constantino Brumidi between 1857 and 1859. This tour, which lasts approximately 30 minutes, is offered Monday through Friday at 2 p.m. No reservations are needed. Get passes for this tour at one of the Information Desks on the lower level of the Visitor Center.
Find out how to visit the visitor galleries of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This short program is offered Monday through Friday at noon. Inquire at Exhibition Hall.