US Capitol Building Tour: Plan Your Visit

A visit to Washington, D.C., without taking a tour of the US Capitol Building, is incomplete. It’s a learning opportunity for kids and adults. You can stand where our nation’s leaders have stood. You can learn about the House and the Senate and their role in government.

As you plan your trip to the nation’s capital, be sure a tour of the US Capitol Building is part of your itinerary.

How to Get Tickets for the US Capitol Building

The general public is welcome to join a free guided tour to three areas of the US Capitol Building – the crypt, rotunda and National Statuary Hall. Other areas of the Capitol can only be visited with special passes obtained through the office of your House or Senate representatives. Those areas are only accessible when they don’t interfere with other meetings.

The best way to get free tickets is online prior to your visit. Create an account on their website and reserve your tour start time. You can reserve your times up to 90 days in advance.

You can pick up tour tickets same day, but you may not get the time that works for you during your visit. Peak season is spring and summer. Arrive early in the day if you want more control over your tour time.

When you arrive at the Capitol, be mindful of prohibited items.

Explore the Crypt

Check in at the desk a few minutes before your tour start time. The tour begins with a video orientation in one of the two large theaters. You’ll receive a pair of headphones tuned to your guides microphone. It saves the guide’s voice and allows numerous tour groups to be in the same room and still hear YOUR guide.

Follow your guide to the crypt of the US Capitol Building. You’ll notice numerous columns surrounding a main point in the center of the room. On the floor is a star, which denotes the point from where all roads in Washington, D.C. are laid out.

The area on the floor around the star is a little depressed. Our guide said it’s from past visitors who wanted to stand on that point for a photo. That’s probably why they now have a rope blocking people from standing there.

Experience the History of the Rotunda

The Rotunda is magnificent. From the tall dome ceiling 180 feet overhead to the large paintings that adorn the circular walls.

The paintings around the room highlight significant events in American history. The most poignant is the one depicting President George Washington resigning his commission. It set the stage for the succession of presidents, differing from the king successions of Europe.

Other works of art include the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the landing of Christopher Columbus and the discovery of the Mississippi.

The tour doesn’t stay put for long. So do your best to take in the magnificence of this room before you head out to the next part of your tour.

Find Your State’s Statue

Every state has two statues somewhere in the US Capitol Building. The majority of them are found in the National Statuary Room, which is part of the tour. Do you know which statues are represented from your state?

The acoustics of the room are also a scientific wonder. At one point, your guide will have you stand on one point of the room while they stand on the other side. You’ll remove your headsets and listen as the guide whispers a few sentences. You can hear the guide as if they were standing right next to you. It’s pretty amazing!

That echo didn’t bode well for debates on the House floor. So the House chambers were moved to another room and is what is currently used today by the House.

There are several other significant events that took place in the room.

Once your tour is completed, the guide will bring you back to where you started. Check out the cafeteria if you need a bite to eat. You can also visit one of the many gift shops.

Find other things to do around Washington, DC here. You can also take the underground hallway to the Library of Congress.

The Details

Address: The US Capitol Building is located on the east end of the National Mall. Access the Capitol Visitors Center from the east side of the building.

Cost: There is no cost for the guided tour of the US Capitol Building.

Hours: The U.S. Capitol Building is open for tours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It’s closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and on Inauguration Day.

Website: https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit

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