Welcome to the U.S. Capitol

The United States Capitol

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.

Learn More

Plan a Visit

Due to the local weather emergency, the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is closed to the public all day on Tuesday, February 9. There will be no tours of the U.S. Capitol offered during this time.

Hours: The Capitol Visitor Center is open to visitors from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day. Tours of the U.S. Capitol are conducted from 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Visitors with official business appointments may enter the Visitor Center as early as 7:15 a.m.

Backpack Warning: Do not bring large daypacks, backpacks or luggage into the Capitol. Any bag larger than 14" wide x 13" high x 4" deep is prohibited. All bags will be subject to a lengthy search and security screening.

Book a Tour: Tours of the U.S. Capitol are free, but tour passes are required.

Learn More

What's Happening at the Capitol

Since opening on December 2, 2008, more than 2.3 million people have visited the Capitol, entering through the Capitol Visitor Center. This figure is double the number of visitors who came to the Capitol in the previous year. Another anniversary is celebrated on December 2 at the U.S. Capitol. On December 2, 1863, the final bronze section of the Statue of Freedom, sculpted by American artist Thomas Crawford, was placed atop the U.S. Capitol dome. Click here for more information.