Visiting Washington D.C.

When sending a written request, please make sure to include your name, address and phone number, the places you would like to visit, the number of tickets you want, your dates of travel, and the ages of any children attending. If you have any questions you may also contact the office by phone at (202) 224-4543.

All US Capitol, Bureau of Engraving and Printing and Library of Congress tour requests should be submitted 4-8 weeks in advance of your visit to Washington. All White House tour requests should be submitted 2-6 months in advance of your visit.

You can file a request electronically by the form on this page. Hope to see you soon!

U.S. Capitol Building

The Capitol guide service offers tours Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Time allowing, your guided tour of the Capitol includes visits to the Rotunda, Statuary Hall, the Well, and the Crypt. You may also pick up passes to the House and Senate Galleries through the offices of your homestate Senators or Representatives. Take a Virtual Tour of the Capitol.

Department of State

The headquarters of American foreign policy features displays of fine 18th century furniture and an Americana Collection in the diplomatic reception rooms. Public tours are available by reservation only and must be made three months in advance. Tour times are Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 3:00 p.m.

National Archives

See the original Declaration of Independence, other famous documents, and changing exhibitions on display. Find your "roots" in the extensive genealogical and census files. Special tours are conducted Monday through Friday at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. by reservation only.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The Kennedy Center, which recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, offers visitors Broadway plays, the National Symphony Orchestra, grand opera, great American films and fine dining. Tours of the building are conducted Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. Congressional reservations can be made two months in advance.

White House Tour

Originally called "The President's House," the White House acquired its name when it was first given a wash of white in 1798. John and Abigail Adams were the first residents of the White House in November 1800, although the mansion was still under construction. The White House is the most frequently toured home in America, with over a million visitors each year. Tours are conducted Tuesday through Saturday. Because of its popularity during the summer months, tickets are required. They may be obtained free of charge at ticket booths on the Ellipse just South of the White House, beginning at 8:00 a.m., Tuesday through Saturday, on a first come first serve basis. Congressional reservations should be made three months in advance.

Department of the Treasury

In 1833, Robert Mills, architect of the Washington Monument, was commissioned to design a new Treasury Department building after the previous two Treasury structures were destroyed by fire. Mills/T-shaped building is noted for the grand colonnade, sweeping across the entire expanse of the structure. Each of the 30 columns is 36 feet tall and carved from a single block of granite. Subsequent wings were added from 1855 to 1869, all retaining the Greek Revival influence of the mills design.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy

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Visiting Washington D.C.

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