United States Capitol Visitor Insights
United States Capitol Visitor Insights
The United States Capitol, which is located in Washington, D.C., is widely recognized as one of the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The Senate and House of Representatives have met in the Capitol for almost two centuries.
The US Capitol had its beginnings in 1793. The building has been through many changes since it was first built. It has been burnt, only to be rebuilt, then to be extended, and finally it has been restored.
The United States Capitol is located in an area called Capitol Hill. It is at the east end of the Mall. There are maps available at many of the Mall sites showing the various entrances to the US Capitol and also the congressional office buildings.
The Capitol is only open to the public for guided tours. The tours will be conducted from 9:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Saturday. The Capitol is not open for tours on Sundays. Keep in mind that the Capitol is open for tours on all federal holidays except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Anyone wishing to visit the Capitol must obtain free tickets for the tours. The tickets are released on a first come, first served basis. All tickets are available at the Capitol Guide Service kiosk which is located along the curving sidewalk on the southwest side of the Capitol.
Ticket distribution begins promptly at 9:00am, everyday. The tours generally do not allow more than 40 people per tour. Ticket holders will be guided to the South Visitor Receiving Facility, which is located on the south side of the Capitol. It is estimated that 3 to 5 million people from around the world visit the Capitol every year.
The Capitol building covers a ground area of about 4 acres. It holds 540 rooms and has 658 windows. The building has five levels. The second level is where the three major public areas are located. These areas of public interest are the Rotunda, National Statuary Hall and the Old Senate Chamber.
The third floor is also quite popular because it holds access to the galleries from which visitors to the Capitol can watch the proceedings of the House and the Senate when Congress is holding session.
