Welcome to the U.S. Capitol

The United States Capitol

The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The Senate and the House of Representatives have met here for more than two centuries. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored; today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and their government.

Whether you are here to get information about an upcoming visit, to involve yourself in the workings of the Senate and House of Representatives, or to be inspired by two centuries of art and architecture, this site will be a gateway to your Capitol experience.

The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is the newest addition to this historic complex. At nearly 580,000 square feet, the Visitor Center is the largest project in the Capitol's more than two-century history and is approximately three quarters the size of the Capitol itself. The entire facility is located underground on the east side of the Capitol so as not to detract from the appearance of the Capitol and the grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1874.

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Plan a Visit

Hours: The Capitol Visitor Center is open to visitors 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. Visitors with official business appointments may enter the Visitor Center as early as 7:15 a.m.

Backpack Warning: Do not bring large daypacks, backpacks or luggage into the Capitol. Any bag larger than 14" wide x 13" high x 4" deep is prohibited. Other restrictions include cans and bottles, full or empty. Click here for a full list of prohibited items.

Book a Tour: Tours of the U.S. Capitol are free, but tour passes are required.

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What's Happening at the Capitol

From Monday, August 2 through Monday, September 13, the House of Representatives Chamber will undergo renovations. As a result, the House Gallery will be closed to visitors during this time. The Senate Gallery is open to visitors anytime the Senate is in session and will be open to visitors during its August recess (tentatively scheduled for August 9 through September 10) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Visitors may obtain information regarding the Senate schedule as well as passes to visit the Senate Gallery from the offices of their Senators. To find your Senators, click here.