United States Capitol
Description
Welcome to the U.S. Capitol. The main entrance is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First Street and East Capitol Street. The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The Senate and the House of Representatives have met here for more than two centuries. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored; today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and their government.
Whether you are here to get information about an upcoming visit, to involve yourself in the workings of the Senate and House of Representatives, or to be inspired by two centuries of art and architecture, this site will be a gateway to your Capitol experience.
The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is the newest addition to this historic complex. At nearly 580,000 square feet, the Visitor Center is the largest project in the Capitol's more than two-century history and is approximately three quarters the size of the Capitol itself. The entire facility is located underground on the east side of the Capitol so as not to detract from the appearance of the Capitol and the grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1874.
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Visiting the Capitol today? Don't miss the chocolate tree and Discovery Cart at the U.S. Botanic Garden!
We're in the Army Now. Join us at 1:30 TODAY to view this archival film and learn how the U.S. Army used motion picture techniques to recruit women for the Women's Auxiliary Corps during World War II. Free. Meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall.
Happy Birthday America!
Wishing everyone a safe, happy 4th of July. Will you join us tonight for a Capitol Fourth?
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Explore the historic Capitol landscape by downloading the Grounds App!
Seen on Screen: "We're in the Army Now"
Discover how the U.S. Army used motion picture techniques to recruit women for the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps during World War II. Presented in conjunction with Congress and the World Wars on display in Exhibition Hall.
Family Thursdays
Study different kinds of columns used for the Capitol and design your own original column in this interactive program for visitors of all ages.
Timeline Photos
On this day in 1775, George Washington took command of the Continental Army. Learn more on a tour of the Capitol. Monday-Saturday. Last tour at 3:20 p.m. Or download our apps, https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/apps
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Find the ladybug, snakes, and squirrels in the beautiful Halls of the Senate, an area not on the regular tour of the Capitol. Tours Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. #visitthecapitol
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Learn about the trees, fountains, and special events on the United States Capitol Grounds. Free tours of the Grounds take place Monday through Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Meet outside the north entrance of the United States Capitol Visitor Center.
Seen on Screen: Winston Churchill's Address to Congress
Mary Jo Binker, editor of the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project, discusses this historical address, delivered December 26, 1941. Presented in partnership with the United States Capitol Historical Society. The close ties between the United States and Great Britian defined World War II. Through acrhival film, explore those ties as they were seen by citizens, soldiers, and statesmen. Presented in conjunction with "Congress and the World Wars" on display in Exhibition Hall.
Family Thursdays
The history of Congress comes to life through this 45 minute, hands on program. Discover how and why the Capitol grew over tume, unpack the details of a law and take a moment to make a legislative decision.
Timeline Photos
Join us at 11 a.m. today for Family Thursday when the history of Congress will come to life. Discover how and why the Capitol grew over time, unpack the details of a law and take a moment to make a legislative decision. Meet at the entrance to Exhibition Hall. Free. No passes needed.
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