U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

Welcome to the U.S. Capitol

Plan A Visit

The United States Capitol is a monument, a working office building, and one of the most recognizable symbols of representative democracy in the world.

Visitors are welcome to enter the building through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. You can begin your Capitol experience at the Visitor Center by visiting the Exhibition Hall, perusing our Gift Shops or dining in our Restaurant. Please review the U.S. Capitol prohibited items list before your visit.

The Capitol Visitor Center, the main entrance to the U.S. Capitol, is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First Street and East Capitol Street.

Book a Tour
Make a reservation to tour the Capitol.

Prohibited Items
In order to ensure the safety of visitors and staff and to preserve the collections, facilities and historic buildings and grounds, some items are prohibited at the U.S. Capitol.

Specialty Tours and Activities
There are a number of special activities you may take advantage of at the Capitol Visitor Center

Getting To The Capitol
Located at the center of Washington, D.C., the U.S. Capitol and other buildings on Capitol Hill are easily accessible via multiple public transportation centers.

Visitor Hours & Info
The Capitol Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Inauguration Day.

Accessibility Services
The Capitol Visitor Center provides a variety of services for individuals with disabilities including sign language interpreting services and wheelchair loans.

Emergency Evacuation Info
In the event of an emergency, please follow the guidance of U.S. Capitol Police Officers

Watching Congress in Session
Get passes for the Senate and House Visitor Galleries where you can watch Congress in session from your Representative or Senators.

Where To Eat
Freshly-made soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees are available at the Capitol Visitor Center Restaurant on the lower level.

Where To Shop
You’ll find a unique selection of merchandise inspired by the Capitol’s art and architecture at two Gift Shops on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center.

Suggested Itineraries
Have an hour? Have an afternoon? Make a day of it!

U.S. Capitol Map
Map of the Capitol campus

Capitol Visitor Center Indoor Map
Capitol Visitor Center Indoor Map

Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to questions like how to cancel a reservation

Student Orientation Video
“A Capitol Moment” videos are bite-sized talks about the artwork and exhibits in the Capitol Visitor Center.