United States Capitol

The lesser-known east side of the Capitol. Here is the entrance to the underground visitor center and close to the headquarters of important institutions such as the National Library and the Supreme Court.

The seat of the Senate and the Congress. Great building with a great history.

The Capitol is a working office building, but it is also the place where visitors from around the United States and the world come to learn about American democracy. Construction of the Capitol began in 1793. In November 1800, Congress, along with the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court, moved into the newly completed north wing. The south wing was completed by 1807, but in 1814, the British burned the Capitol during the War of 1812. What is now the center portion of the Capitol was completed in 1826.The Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tours begin every 10 minutes until 3:20 p.m. All tours are led by professional tour guides and visit the Crypt, the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall. Reservations are recommended. Visitors without reservations are encouraged to arrive at the Capitol Visitor Center as early in the day as possible, but no later than 2:30 p.m., to obtain passes. All tours, programs and activities are free of charge.
visitthecapitol.gov