The New Capitol Visitor’s Center

The weekend after it opened last month, I toured the new $600 million (580,000 sq. ft.) U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.  And it is impressive.

The underground building is a much-needed addition in, dramatically enhancing a visit to the U.S. Capitol.  It provides not only a comfortable and out of the elements waiting area for tourists who have been forced to historically wait in line braving the elements, but also a place to educate visitors on the American democracy in the history of our congressional legislature.

You enter the visitors center from the rear of the building, off of East Capitol Circle, by descending stairs in the large grassy area. After passing through security, you enter a balcony overlooking the main gallery.

The main gallery is where people queue up for timed tickets and wander around, checking out the statutes of famous Americans while waiting for your tour to begin. 

As part of your tour, you attend the informational video E Pluribus Unum – Out of Many One, that tells a brief history of the American form of government, at one of the two orientation theaters.  After viewing, you exit the theater and proceed on your Capitol Building tour.

But don’t miss the 16,500 sq. ft. Exhibition Hall, before entering the theater.  The entrance is not that noticeable, so it could be easily missed.  It holds a collection of thousands of items arranged historically by time and subject.  Each of the dozens display cases covers a period of time and multiple years of Congressional sessions.  Other cases cover specific pieces of legislation, such as the history of slavery and civil rights, America at war, the westward expansion of America and other major activities addressed by Congress. 

With photo murals and artifacts, such as campaign items, congressional desks, along with hundreds of historic documents and interactive programs, it tells a comprehensive history of both Congress and the Capitol Building.

Sadly, no photography is allowed in the Exhibit Hall.

The actual tour of the Capitol is the same as they have been. For more information, see my April, 2008 post.

The new U.S. Capitol Visitors Center has definitely been added to The DC Traveler’s list of “Must See” sites.

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center  
U.S. Capitol Building  
East Capitol St. at East Capitol Circle
Washington, DC 20004 (map it)

Dates and Times – Daily, except Sundays, 8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Tickets – Capitol Building tours are offered daily, except Sundays.  The Center will be closed on Inauguration Day, and other major holidays. For best results, plan on arriving at the center just before opening.  Get your tickets and while waiting, tour the exhibit hall. Or leave and come back before your your starts. I arrived on a Saturday morning, about 30 minutes after opening and had a wait of less than 5 minutes.

Security and Restricted Items – Remember, a long list of items are restricted on Capitol Building tours.  You will pass through at least a couple security checks during or tour. in

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Capitol South – Blue and Orange lines, then a 3-block walk or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – Limited metered street parking is available in the area. Paid  garage parking is available at Union Station, about 6 blocks away. 

Images – from personal collection   ©2008, Jon Rochetti  ________________________________________________