The Senate Rules and Administration Committee and the Committee on House Administration oversee operation of the largest expansion of the U.S. Capitol in its 215 year history. The mission of the Capitol Visitor Center is to provide a welcoming and educational environment for visitors to learn about the unique characteristics of the House and the Senate and the legislative process as well as the history and development of the architecture and art of the U.S. Capitol. The Capitol Visitor Center also provides added security, resulting in a safe and secure guest experience. The opening of the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) on December 2, 2008 marks an exciting and rejuvenating time for Capitol Hill and the beginning of a new experience and opportunity for those visiting the Capitol.

Built with the increasing number of Washington D.C. visitors in mind, the CVC provides an opportunity to better educate and accommodate visitors while maintaining maximum access and security. The CVC enhances the overall feel and presence of the Nation’s Capitol and provides visitors with the proper information regarding its history, role and function. Conceived as a direct extension to the Capitol, the CVC serves to better inform citizens about their Constitution, their Congress, and the history of the Capitol Building. Visitors will have an experience that is unparalleled as they comfortably explore, learn, eat, shop, walk through historic corridors, and observe the democratic process first hand.  

Originally proposed with the issuance of the Architect of the Capitol report “Toward a Master Plan for the United States Capitol,” the recognition of a need for a Capitol Visitor Center began to crystallize in the mid-1970s. Following funding authorizations, changes in security needs and the development of updated plans throughout the 1990s, members of the Capitol Preservation Commission ceremonially broke ground in 2000, and construction subsequently began. With tourism to the Capitol increasing from one million in 1970 to over three million in 2000, it was clear a visitor center was vital for controlling the large flow of visitors.

Congress recognized the need as well as their obligation to enhance and modernize Capitol facilities while working to maintain the history and integrity of the Capitol, its grounds and surrounding offices. The Capitol Visitor Center, at nearly 580,000 square feet, is located entirely underground on the Capitol’s east side. Restoration of historic fountains, the planting of 85 new trees, and the addition of water features, skylights and granite pavers all serve to enhance and revitalize Frederick Law Olmsted’s original design for the grounds in 1874.

 

Internally, the Capitol Visitor Center allows for approximately 3,000 people at one time to comfortably enjoy a variety of new amenities, including:

The CVC Exhibition Hall, in particular, provides an unprecedented opportunity for visitors to learn extensively about the legislative branch. Organized into sections, the exhibition includes an array of original artifacts, videos, and architectural models that help demonstrate the history of Congress and the Capitol. The House and Senate theaters offer live feeds of Congress, while in session, as well as brief films that provide further information about both houses. Visitors can take a “virtual tour” of the Capitol and investigate the workings of Congress on several interactive computer stations located throughout the Hall.

 

The Senate Rules Committee is extremely excited about this project and the experience it will provide visitors to the Capitol.  For additional information about the CVC’s concept, history, progress, available tours, or ongoing activities, please click on the link below.