Visiting Washington
Washington, D.C. is home to some of the nation's finest cultural and historic attractions. My staff would be happy to assist you in scheduling tours at several of these sites, including the White House and the Capitol Building.
Please keep in mind that due to heightened security over the past few years in the Washington, D.C. area, tour availability is limited and tour requests should be scheduled at least five months before your visit. To request a tour, please click the button below to fill out an online form.
The White House (4-5 Months Notice Required)
Free self-guided tours of the White House are offered on a limited basis to members of the public, including families, school groups, veterans, members of the military, and youth. The White House is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays.
These tours must be scheduled for you by your Congressman's or Senator's offices. To request a White House tour, please contact our office at least 4-5 months before your visit to Washington, D.C.
Prior to your tour of the White House, you may be interested in visiting the White House Visitors Center to learn about the history of our nation's most important home. The White House Visitors Center is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, between 14th and 15th Streets, NW. The Center is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Admission is free for the general public.
Visit the White House Web Site
(back to top)The Capitol Building
The United States Capitol building remains the foremost cultural icon for Washington, D.C, and is one of the most visited sites in the city. Many state capitol buildings were modeled after its innovative design, including the Rhode Island State House in Providence.
My office is happy to offer free, personal, guided tours of the Capitol building Monday-Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Capitol Guide Services also offers self-guided tours Monday through Saturday on a first come first served basis. Visitors must obtain free tickets for tours at the Capitol Guide Service kiosk located at the intersection of First Street, S.W., and Independence Avenue. Ticket distribution begins at 9:00 a.m. daily; however, we recommend arriving at the kiosk no later than 8:30 a.m. to line up for your tickets. Once you receive your tickets, you will be directed to the South Visitor Receiving Facility on the Southside of the Capitol to begin your tour. Tour groups are capped at a 40 person maximum.
Visit the U.S. Capitol Web Site
(back to top)The United States Supreme Court
The Supreme Court building is the birthplace of thousands of significant court decisions guiding American legal history. Exhibits and lectures detailing these historic events are offered on a rotating basis throughout the year. Lectures are typically offered every hour on the half hour when the Court is not in session, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and concluding at 3:30 p.m.
From October through April, oral arguments can be viewed by the general public when the court is in session. Although arguments do not begin until 10:00am, we advise you to arrive as early as 8:00am in order to secure seats. Please view the Calendar of Oral Arguments for a detailed schedule.
From Mid-May through June, the general public may observe the Court for the release of orders and opinions, a practice which normally lasts around 15 to 20 minutes. Although these sessions do not begin until 10:00 a.m., we once again urge you to arrive as early as possible to secure seats.
Visit the Supreme Court's Web Site
(back to top)The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Tours of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing allow the general public a rare glimpse of one of the most intriguing processes in American history: the production of money. As you pass through the halls of the Bureau, you'll see millions of dollars worth of currency being printed, and observe the American dollar in every stage of the printing process.
Free public tours of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing are offered to the general public. Tours begin every fifteen minutes between 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 p.m., and 12:30 p.m. through 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are required during peak season (March through August); these tickets can be ordered at the Bureau's ticket booth located at Raoul Wallenberg Place, formerly 15th Street. The ticket booth opens at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, but lines form early and we recommend arriving at the booth no later than 7:00 a.m. All tickets are for same day use. From September through February (non-peak season) no tickets are required for tours of the Bureau.
You may also reserve a tour of the Bureau through your Congressional or Senate offices. Because of limited availability, please submit your tour request at least 2 months ahead of time.
Visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's Web Site
(back to top)The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is one of the oldest research institutions in the country. It boasts an impressive collection of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs and other original historical documents. One of the main goals of the library is to make this information readily available both to the general public and to Members of Congress. Staffers at the Library of Congress are also responsible for researching important legislative and historical issues for Members of Congress and their staff.
You may reserve a tour of the Library of Congress through your Congressional or Senate offices. Because of limited availability, we ask that you submit your request at least three weeks ahead of time.
Visit the Library of Congress's Web Site
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