Visitor Information Center

The NIH Visitor Information Center (VIC) serves as an information liaison and host to students, scientists, the general public, members of Congress, those from industry or other federal agencies, NIH employees and many more.

The VIC is located on the NIH campus in the Natcher Conference Center, Building 45, Room 1AS-13. Our hours of operation are: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our center is within walking distance of the NIH Medical Center Metro (Red line) and accessible by NIH campus shuttle. Upon exiting the Metro stop, follow the signs to the NIH Gateway Center. For more information, call us at 301-496-1776.

By appointment, the VIC arranges tours and special visitor programs for a wide variety of national and international visitor groups. Educational tours for school groups also available. See our printer-friendly flyer (PDF - 380 KB) for tour and overview information.

The VIC features a photographic exhibit, "Nobel Laureates of the NIH," and a display of historical flags that tell the story of NIH's origins. Visitors can choose from a wide selection of publications available from the 27 institutes and centers that comprise NIH. Individualized information packets are available by request; colorful medical and scientific posters; maps, directional information.

Current VIC offerings are:

• an overview of the NIH available each Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. (Building 45)—no appointment necessary.
• a combination overview of the NIH with a tour of the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center (CRC) available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00 a.m. (Note: To schedule this tour, please call 301-496-1776 in advance to make arrangements. The combination tour is recommended for groups of 8 -15 persons).

Our mailing address and office location: