Plan a Visit

The United States Capitol is a monument, a working office building, and one of the most recognizable symbols of representative democracy in the world. Visitors are welcome to enter the building through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. You can begin your Capitol experience at the Visitor Center by visiting the Exhibition Hall, perusing our Gift Shops or dining in our Restaurant. Please review the U.S. Capitol prohibited items list before your visit.

The Capitol Visitor Center, the new main entrance to the U.S. Capitol, is located on the East front at First Street and East Capitol Street, NE.  Getting to the Capitol »

Hours — The Capitol Visitor Center is open to visitors from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and on Inauguration Day.

Official Business — Visitors with official business appointments may enter the Visitor Center as early as 7:15 a.m.

Ticketing and Admission — Admission to the Capitol Visitor Center is free and does not require a ticket. However, tickets are required for tours of the historic Capitol and may be needed for other special events. All visitors to the Capitol are required to go through security screening.

Tours —Tours of the U.S. Capitol need to be scheduled in advance through the Advance Reservation System or through the office of one of your Senators or your Representative.  Book a Tour »

Gift Shops—The Gift Shops are on the upper level and are open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday. The Gift Shops feature a unique selection of merchandise inspired by the Capitol's art and architectural treasures, fun and educational gifts, books, jewelry and exciting custom-designed products unavailable anywhere else.

Restaurant —The Restaurant is on the lower level and is open 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday. Freshly made soups, salads, specialty entrées, pizzas, sandwiches, desserts, and beverages will reflect the diverse bounty of America and are available for purchase at the Restaurant. Click here to view the Restaurant menu.

Visitors with Disabilities — The Capitol Visitor Center is fully accessible to people with disabilities. Listening devices with audio description of the films and exhibition are available at the Information Desks. All films have open captioning. In addition, there are a variety of other services for visitors with disabilities, including adaptive tours of the Capitol, wheelchairs, and sign-language interpreting services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.  More Information on Accessibility »

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) —A collection of additional questions and answers is available on the Frequently Asked Questions Page.  View the Frequently Asked Questions »

Visiting the Galleries of the Senate and House of Representatives Chambers

Hours — The Galleries of the Senate and House of Representatives Chambers are open to the public whenever either body is in session. The House of Representatives is open when the House is out of session, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Passes — Visitors may obtain gallery passes from the office of one of their Senators or their Representative. Passes are required to enter the gallery whether or not the body is in session.

Entry to the galleries is through the Capitol Visitor Center, upper level.

International visitors may obtain gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center.

Visitor Tips

Smoking — All areas of the Visitor Center are smoke free.

Strollers and Baby Changing — Strollers are permitted in the Capitol Visitor Center and baby changing stations are available in each family restroom.

Public telephones and ATM machines — Pay phones and ATM's are located outside each Gift Shop.

Foreign Languages — Visitors may request listening devices for foreign-language versions of the films and the exhibition at the Information Desks.

Service Animals — Service animals are allowed in the Capitol Visitor Center and the Capitol.

Capitol Etiquette Information — To ensure that everyone has an enjoyable visit to the Capitol, we ask that all visitors adhere to the Capitol Etiquette guidelines.