FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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1. When are tours conducted?
2. What will I see on the tour?
3. Will my children enjoy this tour?
4. Can I make my own reservation, or must I contact my congressional office?
5. I already have a reservation with a group, but I am not able to attend. Can someone else attend in my place?
6. If I am late for my tour, will I be accommodated?
7. Can I take pictures?
8. Are there accommodations for individuals with special needs?
9. How do I get to the Department of State using public transportation?
10. What other tourist attractions are in the area?
11. How do I cancel a tour?
12. What are acceptable forms of identification?
13. Are there any publications on the Diplomatic Reception Rooms?
14. How do I obtain information about career opportunities at the US Department of State?
15. Can a DOS employee take visitors on the tour?
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Question 1 - When are tours conducted?
Guided tours of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms are held Monday through Friday at 9:30 am, 10:30 am and 2:45 pm only. Advance reservations are required. Same day tours are not available. Tickets are not required for the tour. The Department of State is closed for tours on weekends and federal holidays. |
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Question 2 - What will I see on the tour?
The Diplomatic Reception Rooms tour includes the Entrance Hall, Transition Room, Gallery, John Quincy Adams State Drawing Room, Thomas Jefferson State Reception Room, and the Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room. The exquisitely detailed architectural and decorative highlights of this suite of rooms serve as our country's main stage of international diplomacy. In addition to its function for diplomacy, these rooms house a premier collection of early American paintings, furniture, and decorative arts, dating from 1740 until the late 19th century. Each of these unique items, including the work of Chippendale, Revere, Stuart as well as Chinese export porcelains, help to decorate and highlight these rooms in which some of our most important diplomacy is conducted. The tour will include an overview of the rooms and their contents with selected emphasis on some items and their history. The generous loans and donations of private citizens make this unique collection available for your viewing. The tours are limited to the 8th floor area specified. All other areas of the Department of State are restricted. |
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Question 3 - Will my children enjoy this tour?
This is a fine arts tour. Children are welcome, however, we strongly recommend children ages 12 and over. Strollers, backpacks, briefcases and umbrellas are not allowed in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms. There are no storage facilities for personal belongings. |
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Question 4 - Can I make my own reservation, or must I contact my congressional office?
We accept tour requests from both Congressional offices and the public. Due to the heavy volume of requests, we ask that reservations be made at least 90 days in advance. |
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Question 5 - I already have a reservation with a group, but I am not able to attend. Can someone else attend in my place?
Unfortunately, no substitutions are allowed; only scheduled individuals may attend. Any changes in your reservations require a 48 hour notification. |
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Question 6 - If I am late for my tour, will I be accommodated?
Late arrivals are not permitted to join the scheduled tours of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms. Tour guests are required to arrive at the 23rd street entrance (23rd street NW- between C and D streets) at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled tour. Tours begin promptly at 9:30 am, 10:30 am and 2:45 pm |
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Question 7 - Can I take pictures?
Picture taking is permitted only within the Diplomatic Reception Rooms. Photography in any other area of the building is not permitted. |
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Question 8 - Are there accommodations for individuals with special needs?
Special arrangements for deaf or hard of hearing visitors are available as well as foreign language tours. A two week advance notice is required. All tours are subject to the availability of language interpreters. For reservations and information, contact our Tour Office at (202) 647-3241. The hours of operation are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. |
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Question 9 - How do I get to the Department of State using public transportation?
The Department of State tour entrance is 5 blocks south of the Foggy Bottom subway station (Blue and Orange lines). Foggy Bottom is located on the corner of 23rd and I streets, NW. The tour entrance is at 23rd street, between C and D streets, NW. Public parking is not available; however there are a limited amount of metered spaces in the immediate area. Shuttle bus services are not provided.
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Question 10 - What other tourist attractions are in the area?
For information on other tourist attractions in the Washington, D.C. area, please contact the Tourism Information Office at (202)638-3222. |
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Question 11 - How do I cancel a tour?
To cancel, check the status of, or request a special tour, contact the Department of State tour office at (202)647-3241. Leave a voice message and the tour coordinator will respond within 5 business days upon receipt of your message. |
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Question 12 - What are acceptable forms of identification?
The following forms of identification are acceptable:
Valid State Government and Municipal Photo ID
Valid Retired US Military and Government Photo ID
Valid Driver's License or Non-Driver's ID Card
Valid Passport
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Question 13 - Are there any publications on the Diplomatic Reception Rooms?
Brochures of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms are available and can be obtained in advance by calling the Tour office at (202)647-3241.
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Question 14 - How do I obtain information about career opportunities at the US Department of State?
Information about career opportunities at the US Department of State can be obtained by visiting our web site at http://careers.state.gov/. |
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Question 15 - Can a DOS employee take visitors on the tour?
All tours require reservations in advance. |
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