Public Tours
In addition to Congressional tours, there are a number of free public tours offered at sites throughout the Washington, DC area.
Due to increased security in and around Washington, DC the tour information provided here may change. Please visit links to individual sites or contact Senator Reed's office at: (401) 943-3100 for the most up-to-date information.
A trip to the top of the Washington Monument offers spectacular views of downtown Washington, DC and the National Mall. Free tickets are now available, but advance reservations are recommended and can be obtained online at: reservations.nps.gov. Reservations for the Washington Monument may be made over the phone between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM EST by calling 1-800-967-2283. Those making advance reservations will be charged $1.50 service fee per ticket, plus a $.50 handling fee per order. The National Park Service also makes same-day admission passes available, but you will probably need to get there early in the morning. The monument opens daily at 9, and tours commence every half hour until 4:30. Group tours are also available.
The Supreme Court is open to visitors on weekdays when the Court is not in session. From 9:30 AM until 3:30 PM there are two exhibits open to the public. In addition, a lecture about the Court is given every hour on the half-hour. The Supreme Court is located across from the East Front of the U.S. Capitol.
The public is also invited to attend oral arguments, which begin the first Monday in October and continue until late April. Oral arguments are conducted on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday beginning at 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Seating is limited to a first-come, first-serve basis.
Book lovers, history buffs, and people who appreciate fine architecture will all appreciate this spectacular tour. Tours of the Library of Congress are offered Monday through Friday from 10:30 to 3:30, and Saturday from 10:30-2:30. Tours begin at the ground floor lobby of the Thomas Jefferson Building and last approximately forty-five minutes. To get a sneak preview of what you will see, click here.
U.S. Holocaust Memorial and Museum
The Museum's main exhibit, "The Holocaust" is a powerful experience recommended for visitors eleven years and older. The exhibition starts with life before the Holocaust in the early 1930s and ends with the aftermath of the Holocaust after 1945. Passes for the exhibit are free but are required. Same day pass distribution begins at 10:00 AM at the Permanent Exhibition Pass Desk (14th Street entrance) on a first-come, first-serve basis. Passes are timed at 15 minute intervals from 10:00 AM to 3:45 PM. Tickets are limited to four per person. Advance passes may also be acquired by calling ProTix, 1-800-400-9373. There is a service charge and a limit of 10 passes per group.
For more information regarding tours of Washington, DC or to schedule Congressional tours, please do not hesitate to contact Senator Reed's Cranston office at: (401) 943-3100.
