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The U.S. Capitol
The U.S. Capitol is open six days a week, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Visitors are welcome to enter the building through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. The Capitol will be open to the public for tours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday (the Capitol is not available for tours on Sundays). Since September 11, 2001, the Capitol has made a series of necessary changes in visitation procedures. Please keep in mind that when visiting the Capitol Building, certain items will be prohibited.
Tours are free, but tour passes are required.
Watching Congress In Session: The Senate and House Galleries are open to visitors whenever either body is in session. Unlike the Senate Gallery, the House Gallery is open 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, even when the House is not in session. The Senate and House Gallery “Staging Areas” are located on the upper level of the Visitor Center near the Orientation Theater exits. Passes are required to enter either gallery at any time. Visitors may obtain House Gallery passes from Congressman Brady’s office by contacting the Tour Coordinator at pa01tours@mail.house.gov. Gallery passes are available for international visitors at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level.