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ADVANCE RESERVATION SYSTEM Terms of Use AGREEMENT

1. General.

1.1 The Advance Reservation System (" ARS ") of the United States Capitol Visitor Center is a service provided to the public by the United States Congress to book reservations for tours of the United States Capitol. The ARS is owned and managed by the Office of Visitor Services through the Office of the Architect of the Capitol (" AOC "). This Terms of Use Agreement (" Agreement ") sets forth the legally binding terms for your use of the ARS. By using the ARS you agree to be bound by this Agreement, whether you are a "Visitor" (which means you are browsing the ARS website) or you are a "Member" (which means you have registered as a user of ARS). The term "User" refers to both a Visitor and a Member. You are only authorized to browse this website or use the ARS service (whether your use is intended or unintentional) if you agree to abide by all applicable laws and to this Agreement. Please read this Agreement carefully and save it. If you do not agree with this Agreement you should leave this website and discontinue use of ARS services immediately. If you wish to use this website and make use of the ARS service, you must read this Agreement and indicate your acceptance as outlined below, or during the registration process.

1.2 This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect while you use the ARS website. If you are registered with the ARS you may terminate your registration at any time, for any reason, by following the instructions found on the ARS website. The AOC may terminate your use of the ARS website at any time, without warning and without reason, at no liability.

1.3 The AOC reserves the right, in its discretion, to change or modify all or any part of this Agreement at any time, effective immediately upon notice published on this website. Your use of the website following any change or modification constitutes your binding acceptance of these terms and conditions, including any changes or modifications made by the AOC. If at any time the terms and conditions of this Agreement are no longer acceptable to you, you should immediately cease use of the ARS website.

1.4 You should, at all times, ensure that your contact information is updated with the ARS website. If you need to update any of your online and/or off-line contact information, please follow the instruction on the ARS website.

2. Use of Content.

2.1 You acknowledge that the ARS website contains information, software, photographs, audio and video clips, graphics, links and other material that are owned by the AOC or other United States governmental agencies (collectively, the "Content"). You agree to comply with any notices, information, or restrictions contained in any Content available on or accessed through the ARS website. Users of the ARS website may use the Content only for their personal, non-commercial, use.

2.2 You may not modify, publish, transmit, transfer or sell, reproduce, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, display, or in any way exploit any of the Content, in whole or in part. Content consisting of downloadable software may not be reverse-engineered. You grant to the AOC the right to edit, copy, publish, distribute, translate and otherwise use in any medium and for any purpose any content that you place on the ARS website without compensation to you. You represent and warrant that you are authorized to grant all rights set forth in the preceding sentence.

2.3 You may not download Content on this web site. No copying, storage, redistribution or publication of any Content on the ARS website is permitted.

2.4. Any information you provide to the ARS website may be used by the AOC and the United States Government, without any compensation to you.

3. Rules of Conduct.

3.1 By using the ARS website you agree not to:

(a) Use the ARS website for any unlawful reason, or in a manner prohibited by this Agreement.

(b) Post any content which is libelous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, abusive, harassing or threatening;

(c) Post content which contains viruses or other contaminating or destructive features;

(d) Post content which violates the rights of others, such as content which infringes any copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret or violates any right of privacy or publicity; or (d) otherwise violates any applicable law or regulation.

(e) Make any part of the ARS website available as part of another service by hyperlink framing, "deep linking" or otherwise. You may not link the ARS website to, or post links on the ARS to, other websites.

(f) Use the ARS website for any commercial purpose, nor shall you distribute any advertising or solicitation of funds or goods and services or solicit users to join competitive online services.

(g) Use any false or inaccurate information for purposes of registering as a user of the ARS website, or for purposes of registering for any promotions offered through the ARS website;

(h) Allow any other person or entity to use your username or password for posting or viewing comments or sending or receiving materials or use the account of another user for any purpose;

(i) Sell or otherwise transfer your user status; or

(j) Delete or revise any material or other information of any other user or the AOC;

(k) Harvest or otherwise collect information about others, including e-mail addresses;

(l) Take any action that imposes an unreasonable or disproportionately large load on the ARS website?s infrastructure;

(m) Use any device, software, or routine to interfere or attempt to interfere with the proper working of the ARS website or any activity being conducted on the ARS website;

(n) Use any engine, software, tool, agent, or other mechanism (including, without limitation, browsers, spiders, robots, avatars, or intelligent agents) to navigate or search the ARS website other than (i) the search engine and search agents available from the AOC on the ARS website and (ii) generally available third party web browsers (e.g., Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer) (if applicable);

(o) Attempt to decipher, decompile, disassemble, or reverse engineer any of the software comprising or in any way making up a part of the ARS website.

You further agree not to violate or attempt to violate the security of the ARS website, including, without limitation, actions such as:

(a) Accessing data not intended for you or logging into a server or account that you are not authorized to access; (b) Attempting to probe, scan, or test the vulnerability of a system or network or to breach security or authentication measures without proper authorization; (c) Attempting to interfere with service to any user, host, or network, including, without limitation, by way of submitting a virus to or overloading, "flooding," "spamming," "mail bombing," or "crashing" the ARS website; (d) Sending unsolicited e-mail, including promotions and/or advertising of products or services; or (e) Forging any TCP/IP packet header or any part of the header information in any e-mail or posting.

Violations of system or network security may result in civil or criminal liability.

4. Managing Content.

4.1 The AOC is not responsible for any content posted to the ARS website by users. The AOC reserves the right to delete, move or edit any content that it may determine, in its sole discretion, violates or may violate this Agreement or is otherwise unacceptable. You shall remain solely responsible for all content posted by you.

5. No Endorsement.

5.1 The AOC does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any content posted on the ARS website and you acknowledge that any reliance upon such content shall be at your sole risk.

5.2 The ARS website may contain links to sites on the Internet, which are owned and operated by third parties (the " External Sites "). You acknowledge that the AOC is not responsible for the availability of, or the content located on or through any External Site. You should contact the site administrator or Webmaster for those External Sites if you have any concerns regarding such links or the content located on such External Sites.

6. Indemnity.

You agree to indemnify, defend and hold the AOC and the United States Government and its agents or officers (collectively, the " US Government ") harmless from and against any and all claims, liability, losses, costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by the US Government in connection with any use or alleged use of the service under your user name by any person, whether or not authorized by you. The AOC reserves the right, at your expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you, and in such case, you agree to cooperate with the AOC?s defense of such claim.

7. Termination of Service.

7.1 The AOC may change, suspend or discontinue all or any aspect of the ARS website at any time, including the availability of any feature, database, or Content without prior notice or liability.

7.2 The AOC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to restrict, suspend or terminate your access to all or any part of the ARS website at any time, for any reason, without prior notice or liability.

7.3 Failure to adhere to this Agreement may result in the restriction, suspension or termination of your access to all or any part of the ARS website without prior notice or liability.

8. Cancellation of Your Tour of the United States Capitol

The U.S. Capitol reserves the right to suspend scheduled tours at any time and for any reason.  To cancel your tour of the United States Capitol, please have your confirmation number available.  You may cancel your tour at visitthecapitol.gov or by calling 202-226-8000.

9. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.

9.1 THE AOC MAKES NO WARRANTIES THAT THE ARS WEBSITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR FREE; NOR DOES THE AOC MAKE ANY WARRANTY AS TO THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED FROM USE OF THE ARS WEBSITE, ITS SERVICES OR ITS CONTENT. THE ARS WEBSITE, THE SERVICE PROVIDED AND THE CONTENT WITHIN ARE DISTRIBUTED ON AN "AS IS, AS AVAILABLE" BASIS. THE AOC DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF TITLE OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO THE ARS WEBSITE, ANY CONTENT OR ANY SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGH THE ARS WEBSITE. THE AOC DOES NOT WARRANT THAT ANY FILES AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOADING THROUGH THE ARS WEBSITE WILL BE FREE OF VIRUSES OR SIMILAR CONTAMINATION OR DESTRUCTIVE FEATURES. YOU EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SERVICE AND THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENT IS ASSUMED SOLELY BY YOU.

9.2 NEITHER THE AOC NOR ITS AGENTS SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY ACT, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE SERVICE, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

9.3 THE AOC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER THE CONTENT OF THIS SITE IN ANY WAY, AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION, AND WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH CHANGES. THESE LIMITATIONS APPLY EVEN IF THE AOC OR THE US GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF SUCH DAMAGE.

9.4 THE AOC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL YOUR RESERVATION, OR REVOKE YOUR STATUS AS A USER AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON. THE AOC WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH NOTIFICATION OF SUCH CANCELLATION OR REVOCATION.

9.5. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY STATEMENT TO THE CONTRARY IN THIS AGREEMENT, THE AOC DOES NOT WAIVE ITS, OR THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LIABILITY, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES YOU MAY SUFFER AS A RESULT OF THE USE OF THE ARS WEBSITE. YOU EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND AND ASSUME ALL RISKS INHERENT IN THE USE OF THE ARS WEBSITE.

10. Miscellaneous.

This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia, and the parties irrevocably consent to bring any action to enforce this Agreement in the federal courts located in Washington, DC.. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all previous written or oral agreements between the parties with respect to such subject matter. All provisions hereof shall survive any termination of this Agreement as well as any other revisions which by their terms or sense are intended to survive.

11. Severability and Integration.

Unless otherwise specified herein, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the AOC and governs your use of the ARS website. If any portion of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, that portion shall be construed in a manner consistent with applicable law to reflect, as nearly as possible, the original intention of the parties, and the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect.

This Agreement is accepted upon your use of the ARS Website or any of the ARS Services and is further affirmed by you becoming a registered group. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and AOC regarding the use of the ARS. The failure of AOC to exercise or enforce any right or provision of this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver of such right or provision. The section titles in this Agreement are for convenience only and have no legal or contractual effect. This Agreement operates to the fullest extent permissible by law. If any provision of this Agreement is unlawful, void or unenforceable, that provision is deemed severable from this Agreement and does not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions.

Please contact us at: 202-226-8000 with any questions regarding this Agreement.

I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREE TO ALL OF THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED ABOVE.

Are you interested in getting updates on what is happening at the Capitol Visitor Center? Click here to learn more and to subscribe!

Exhibition Hall: E Pluribus Unum

Current Exhibition

• Legislative Highlights
• Congress and the War of 1812
• Conflict and Compromise II
• Conflict and Compromise I
• Instruments of Change
• Congress and the Civil War II
• Congress and the Civil War I
• April 2010 - September 2011
• October 2009 - March 2010
• April 2009 - September 2009
• December 2008 - March 2009
• Views of Exhibition Hall
• Capitol Story
• Take an Interactive Tour
• Image Gallery
• Take the Capitol Challenge
• 1945-Present
• Building a More Perfect Union

Welcome to Washington, DC, the nation’s capital. You will find an abundance of cultural, educational, and just plain fun attractions and events here. Start your trip planning with the useful resources below.

United States Congress

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Book a tour, look at a Capitol map and find other useful information. The mission of the Visitor Center at the U.S. Capitol is to provide a welcoming and educational environment for visitors to learn about the unique characteristics of the House and the Senate and the legislative process as well as the history and development of the architecture and art of the U.S. Capitol.

Map of Capitol Grounds The Capitol, House and Senate office buildings.

Map of Accessible Transportation at the Capitol Accessible entrances and transportation servicing the Capitol and surrounding buildings.

Virtual Tour of Capitol Explore the nation's Capitol, including the old and current House chambers.

Library of Congress

Each of “America’s Library buildings”, named for a U.S. President (Adams, Jefferson, and Madison), contains millions of cataloged books and other print materials on 530 miles of shelving is a world-renowned research center for scholars easily accessible to both Congress and the public. Special exhibitions —including a permanent display of the Gutenberg Bible, the first book printed with movable type—make the Library a favorite tourist attraction. First Street and Independence Avenue, SE.

Supreme Court of the United States

“Equal Justice Under Law” is the promise on the portals of the Supreme Court building.Court sessions begin the first Monday in October and continue two weeks per month through April. Courtroom seats are available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis when the Court is in session. Twenty-minute courtroom lectures are available every hour on the half-hour when the court is not in session. Group tours are available and must be made in advance. First and East Capitol Streets, NE.

United States Botanic Garden

Located at the base of Capitol Hill, the conservatory features more than 20,000 plants, including exotic flowers and fruit species. First Street and Maryland Avenue, SW.

U.S. Capitol Tours

Explore the Capitol's Rich History

Discover our Capitol’s vast history as you explore the magnificent building where some of the most pivotal moments in American history took place. Led by our knowledgeable and passionate volunteers, our captivating Capitol tours offer an insider’s look at this world-famous building. You’ll have the unique opportunity to hear the secrets and stories that have shaped America’s political landscape with fascinating anecdotes and insider knowledge at every turn. 

Join Our Community​

The Society offers historian-led Capitol tours exclusively as a benefit of our membership program.  Become a member today and enjoy a Capitol tour led by one of our expertly trained historical guides, providing you with a fascinating glimpse into the U.S. Capitol’s history, its people, and the surrounding grounds.

Experience the Capitol with a trained historical guide.

Capitol walking tours.

From the intricate workings of Congress to the historic architecture and symbolism woven throughout the structure, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the democratic values that underpin our great nation. Book a tour with one of our historically trained tour guides now and experience history with a personalized and immersive tour tailored to your interests and curiosity.

Temple of Democracy: History Made Here

Take a step back in time and join the expert staff and historically trained volunteers of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society for an exclusive walking tour of the Capitol Grounds. Delve into the fascinating history of this iconic building, as you gain unique insights and perspectives about Congress, the origins and construction of the Capitol, and the broader concepts of democratic government.

Discover the secrets behind the nearly 40-year construction of the original Capitol Building and gain a deeper understanding of why and how it has been expanded and changed over the years. Hear about famous – and infamous – incidents that took place within its walls and pivotal turning points in the history of the republic that shaped the course of our nation.  With a focus on the daily activities that take place within this monumental complex, you’ll gain a unique perspective on how our government works and how it continues to shape the course of our nation.

This tour is a different, more historically inclined, experience that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s no wonder it has been named “Best Specialty Tour” by Washingtonian Magazine.

Olmsted's Stunning Capitol Landscape

Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey through the stunning Capitol Grounds, led by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society staff and trained volunteers. This exclusive walking tour is focused on the life and work of the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted – the Father of Landscape Architecture – who Congress commissioned to design the new Capitol grounds after its expansion.

Explore the incredibly elaborate and stunning beauty of Olmsted’s careful design, and gain a deeper understanding of how he achieved this monumental undertaking. As you walk through the grounds, you’ll hear captivating stories about Olmsted’s remarkable life, from his early days as a merchant seaman to his later roles as a gentleman farmer, journalist, and landscape architect. Considered a local favorite, this exclusive tour is a must for anyone with a passion for history, nature, and design. 

Members of the Society gain access to a world of historical knowledge and exciting opportunities.  To book your tour, please email: tours@uschs.org o r complete the Tour Request form.

All tours offered are subject to availability. To ensure an exceptional tour experience, we kindly request that tours be scheduled at least one week in advance. This advance notice allows us to arrange for knowledgeable guides for your tour.

For large group tours (exceeding 15 guests), please email tours@uschs.org , addressed to Vincent Gonzalez, for personalized assistance with your booking.

Please note our tour schedule:

• From March 1 through Memorial Day (excluding Federal Holidays): Tours start at 5:30 PM.
• From Memorial Day through September 30: Tours start at 7:00 PM.
• From October 1 through November 30: Tours begin at 5:30 PM.

Meeting Place: Garfield Circle (at the intersection of First Street and Maryland Avenue Southwest)

Public Transit: Easily accessible via Metrorail. If you’re traveling on the Red Line, exit at Union Station. For those on the Blue, Orange, or Silver Lines, the nearest stops are Capitol South or Federal Center Southwest. 

Parking: Public parking facilities are conveniently available at Union Station.

Note: Please provide at least one email and cell phone number from an individual in the tour group. 

Tour Request Form

In addition to our exterior walking tours, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society is happy to recommend the following visitor experiences (Please note: these experiences may be subject to availability):

• Constituent Tours: Many Congressional Offices provide interior Capitol Tours for constituents. These offices may also reserve public tours through the Capitol Visitor Center. You can find and contact your Senators at senate.gov , or your Representative at house.gov .
• Public Tours: Public interior tours of the U.S. Capitol are available through the Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday through Saturday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Visit their website here for more information and to reserve a tour in advance.
• Seeing Congress in Session: Most sessions of Congress are open to the public. Visitors may see the Senate and House of Representatives when they are in session by obtaining Gallery Passes through the offices of their Senators or Representative. You can find and contact your Senators at senate.gov , or your Representative at house.gov .

United States Capitol Historical Society

200 Maryland Avenue NE Washington, D.C. 20002 p. 202-543-8919 p. 800-887-9318 f. 202-525-2790

All Rights Reserved © 2024

How Can I Tour the White House in Washington, DC?

Everything you need to know about planning a visit to the country’s most famous house., requesting a white house tour.

Touring the White House requires some advance planning. Public tour requests must be made through your member of Congress ( find your member of Congress and contact information ) and submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days prior to your visit. If you're an international visitor and wish to schedule a tour, please contact your home country’s embassy in Washington, DC.

You are encouraged to submit your tour request as early as possible as tours fill up quickly and a limited number of spaces are available. Tours are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. All White House tours are free. Please note tours are subject to last-minute cancellations based on the official White House schedule.

Public, self-guided tours are 45 minutes and are run between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays unless otherwise noted. For complete details on White House tours, visit the White House tours and events page or call the White House Visitors Office 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7041. The White House is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Touring the White House - Washington, DC

What to expect on a White House tour

If there is a tour slot available during your visit to DC, you will be given a specific date and time to arrive and be instructed on where to check in. All guests over 18 years old will be required to present a valid, government-issued photo ID upon check-in. Foreign nationals must present their passport. Please bring as little as possible (avoid backpacks, food, large handbags, bottled water, etc.). Note that smartphones and compact cameras with a lens no longer than 3 inches are permitted on the public tour route, but video recording devices and flash photography are not allowed inside the White House. Visitors will go through security prior to entering the White House. There are no restrooms available at the White House. The closest restroom is located at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion nearby.

Public tours of the White House include the public rooms in the East Wing, which includes the Blue Room, Red Room and Green Room; the State Dining Room; the China Room; and a view of the White House Rose Garden. Secret Service members are stationed in each room and are available to answer questions about the history and architecture of each room.

You can also visit the White House Visitor Center   before or after your tour.

Stephen Melkisethian

How to get to the White House

The closest Metro stations to the White House are Federal Triangle (Blue and Orange lines), Metro Center (Blue, Orange and Red lines) and McPherson Square (Blue and Orange lines). Please note there is NO PARKING near the White House. Public transportation is strongly encouraged.

@abroadwife

How to tour the White House Garden

Another opportunity to visit the White House is to attend either its fall or spring garden tour. Check whitehouse.gov in early October and April. The announcement of the garden tours is usually made within a week or two of when they take place. Garden tours generally run for two consecutive days. They may be canceled due to poor weather. A ticket is required for all attendees (including small children). Usually, tickets are distributed by the National Park Service at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion on 15th and E streets NW on each tour day beginning at 9 a.m. Review the announcement for specific details.

Will I still be able to see the White House without going on a tour?

While visitors are not allowed entry to the White House without requesting a tour through your congressional representative, you will still be able to see the White House from Pennsylvania Avenue NW at Lafayette Square and view the White House and the South Lawn from the Ellipse. Please note that a new fence is currently under construction at the White House, as the current 6-foot fence is being replaced by a stronger, wider fence that will be 13 feet.

Where can I store my belongings during the tour?

It is important to note that security at the White House is extremely high. If your hotel is nearby, we suggest leaving your belongings in your room during the tour. If this is not possible, there are a few other options. You can designate one member of your tour group to hold everyone’s belongings. That person can take the self-guided tour once his or her group has finished the tour.

If you're a ticketed Amtrak customer, you may be able to check luggage in advance at  Union Station . These are located near Gate A. Lockers are available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. A photo ID is required and lockers must be paid for via cash or credit in advance. Rates are $3-$6 per hour per bag depending on the size of your bag. For questions on bag storage, please call 202-906-3000.

Catch up on White House history with the free podcas t The 1600 Sessions and enhance your trip with the  White House Experience app  from the White House Historical Association. The app offers three tour experiences, including a virtual tour of the White House (with rooms you normally don't see on the tour), a neighborhood walking tour and a room-by-room guide for visitors on an in-person tour of the White House.

Now that you have read up on the White House, explore DC’s other awesome  monuments and memorials .

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

How to Get US Capitol Building Tour Tickets

This post is about how to get tickets to tour the United States Capitol Building.

We also include tips on how to get gallery passes to watch the Senate and the House of Representatives in action as well as tour highlights.

• How to Reserve Tour Tickets
• Plan Your Visit
• Tour Highlights
• Senate + House Gallery Passes

Tips From Locals and Travelers

Our sister company, VISITDCTours offers a tour that has reserved tickets to tour the Library of Congress and the US Capitol for you.

This semi-private small group tour is limited to ~12 people and does have a ticketed cost.

You will see the Supreme Court and enter the Library of Congress and the US Capitol. Your guide will tour the Library of Congress with you and give you tickets to the US Capitol tour after our tour.

Allow an additional 50 minutes after the tour for the Capitol tour.

You can book this tour with our sister company, VisitDC Tours!

Is the US Capitol Building Open to the Public?

Yes and no.

While you can schedule a free tour of the United States Capitol, it is not accessible to the public for any other purpose.

You must pass through security to enter the building; unless you have a tour scheduled, they won't let you through.

You do not need a reservation to enter the Capitol Visitor Center - where you can find the cafeteria, gift shops, museums, and part of the National Statuary Collection.

UNITED STATES CAPITOL TOUR TICKETS 

Taking a tour of the Capitol Building requires a ticket, which is free, but reservations are the only way to guarantee a spot (well, there's our tour as well ).  

We recommend booking up to 3 months in advance if you plan to visit during the peak Spring/Summer touring months.  

Tours run Monday-Saturday every 10 minutes from 8:30 am - 3:20 pm, but this schedule can be changed for any of a number of reasons.

The Capitol (as well as the Library of Congress and Supreme Court) is closed on Sundays.

Tours can last between 50-80 minutes and the tour route can be changed without notice due to activities inside the Capitol.

There are no self-guided tours of the US Capitol Building.

There are 4 options to get tickets:

(Option 1) - Take a tour with a Capitol Visitor Center docent.  

These tours are staffed by professional docents, who have extensive knowledge of the building. 

Guests are organized into groups of 20 and listen to their guide through headsets. 

The docents are very knowledgeable, and the tour includes a short video of the building's significance and history before heading into the publicly accessible areas.

(Our favorite option) - Join us on our Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Tour.

This is our walking tour of the Capitol Building campus with a photo stop at the Supreme Court , visits to the interior Library of Congress, and ends with timed tickets for a tour with a docent of the Capitol Visitor Center we discussed above.

(Option 2) - Book your US Capitol experience through the offices of your representative or senators.  

This option offers tours that are staffed by office personnel, usually interns.

The advantage here is that the groups are usually smaller, sometimes just your family.

Also, your guide is likely to be from your area or state, and it's always interesting to hear about their life on "the Hill".  

This option may give you the chance to meet your representative or senator.  

One potential drawback is that your guide may be pretty fresh and not as knowledgeable as the docents. We think this option is worth a try.  Book here .

(Option 3) - Walk up.

If you want to try to get onto a tour without advanced reservations, there are walk-up options.

We do not recommend doing this during March and April, as well as the peak summer months. All other times are likely to be OK.  

The advantage here is that you have more flexibility when you decide to take the tour.  

Walk-up tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and are given out only for the next tour time slot, so you won't be able to grab tickets for later in the day.

Capitol Visitor Center Hours:

One way to visit the U.S. Capitol Building without a tour is to stop in at The Capitol Visitor Center.

This center is open Monday – Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

There are occasions when the building is closed for special events or security reasons! These sometimes happen on short notice.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

In this section, we cover what to expect during your visit with tips on how much time you will need (below), how to get to the visitor center , parking, security , and dining options .

Depending on what you want to see, expect to spend at least 90 minutes to get through security and complete the tour and an additional 30 - 60 minutes to visit one of the voting chambers. 

Add an additional 30 - 60 minutes if you want to spend some time in Emancipation Hall (see highlights ).

The Capitol Building is adjacent to both the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress , and many visitors choose to visit all three at the same time. We recommend this as well.

But plan 3 - 5 hours in total to do so. You can easily spend 60 - 90 minutes at the Library and another 60 minutes at the Supreme Court.  

How to Get to the Capitol Visitor Center

The Capitol Visitor Center entrance is on the east side of the Capitol, which is the side opposite the National Mall. Click here for directions to the visitor center .

There are two Metro stations that are close to the Capitol, Union Station Metro, which is serviced by the red line as well as the Capitol South Metro, which services the orange, blue and silver lines.

If you are new to the DC Metro, then read our how-to guide to DC's subway .

All the major hop-on, hop-off, and shuttle tour bus companies make stops at the U.S. Capitol Building.  

Due to security restrictions, all tour buses must drop passengers off on the West Front (National Mall side) of the building.

Visitors then must walk up Capitol Hill for 8-10 minutes to reach the visitor center.  

There are motorized golf carts to take those who need assistance to get up the hill. Use this map for directions from the West Front drop-off .  

Be sure to read our post on choosing the best bus tour in DC .

There is no parking around the Capitol Building. In fact, unless you're in a taxi or your personal car - you won't be able to drive up there at all.

Coaches and large vans are not allowed near the entrance and must drop off and pick up guests on the west (National Mall) side of the building.  

You can find 2-hour on-street parking in the residential area around East Capitol and 2nd St NE/SE, but you, more likely than not, will spend some time finding parking.

A more reasonable option is to park at Union Station.

However, if you plan to visit Smithsonian Museums as well, then there are some parking garages south of the Capitol, in the Federal Center SW area. 

SpotHero  is a popular service in DC that makes finding parking a whole lot easier.

They allow you to view which parking garages will be accessible and book a guaranteed space near where you’re headed. Pretty simple.

Security Check

Security at the Capitol Building is pretty tight and similar to airport security (though you won't have to take off your shoes).

You will need to go through a metal detector and there are many items that are not allowed into the building:

• Any food or beverage, including water, and anything bottled or unopened. (empty water bottled are allowed)
• Any pointed object, including knitting needles.
• Bag larger than 18 inches wide and 8.5 inches deep.
• Mace or pepper spray, razors, and box cutters.
• Any weapon of any kind, even army knives as well as replicas/toys.
• Any liquids, gels, sprays, aerosols - like lotions, makeup, sunscreen.

You may bring in mobile phones, wallets, and cameras.

While strollers are permitted in the Capitol Visitor Center, they are not in the House or Senate galleries.

These are subject to additional screening at the entrance as well.

While you may not run into any congresspeople in the Visitor Center Restaurant, you may overhear some lobbyists, and it is a surprisingly good place to grab a bite to eat if you arrive early for your tour (or after).

It’s located on the lower level of Emancipation Hall, just to the side of the ticket desks.

They have a broad range of meals and snacks ranging from pizza to roast turkey to sushi.

We’re particularly fans of their breakfast sandwiches if you’re visiting in the morning, and the giant cookies are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

Here’s a link to the menu .  They have received 4 of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.

While we do our best to provide all the information you'll need to visit the US Capitol, sometimes you require answers to specific questions related to your personal experience.

Thankfully, our Washington DC Travel Tips group on Facebook is the perfect place to look for any answers you may need.

Here are a few examples of interesting and helpful tips and tricks provided by members of our group:

This is probably the most common question about visiting the US Capitol Building, which is why we answer it at the top of this article.

As Jennifer notes, even if you just wanted to see the gift shop and visitor center, you'd need to pass through security (though as of 2024, you no longer require reservations just to enter the Visitor Center)

One nice thing about the US Capitol Building tour is that it's reasonably paced, so you should have enough time either before or after for other activities.

The only real place to eat lunch in the area is the Capitol Building itself, but they actually have a lot of great menu options, so it's not necessarily a bad option!

Many group members recommend getting a tour through your state representative because they will send down an intern and give you a less rushed experience. Despite some guest's experiences, you only sometimes get a private tour. In peak seasons, March-August, you'll often be with a large group.

That said, public tours are led by official docents, so you can trust that they will also provide an excellent service.

Diana notes that anyone who has booked a tour should show up at least a little bit early to ensure they can get through security without any issues and meet their docent on time.

10-15 minutes is probably sufficient for the entire process of getting from the entrance of the building to the starting point of your tour.

This is another common question we see on our group, and the unofficial answer is at least 2 weeks before the tour and up to 90 days ahead of time.

Even so, some of our members have indicated they scheduled their tour through their representative's office 6 months in advance.

For more helpful advice and suggestions, make sure to check our Washington DC Travel Tips group on Facebook, and consider asking our users any question you may have!

CAPITOL TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Exhibition Hall and Visitor Center Gallery

Once you get through security, you’ll find yourself in the beautiful Capitol Visitor Center.

This is where you’ll pick up your tickets if you’re taking a tour of the Capitol, but there are lots of things to check out before the tour even begins.

The beautiful, light-filled lower level is named Emancipation Hall , in remembrance of the slave labor that went into constructing the Capitol building and the United States as a whole.

Around Emancipation Hall you’ll see many statues ranging from a native Hawaiian king to an astronaut.

These are overflow from National Statuary Hall which you’ll generally see on the Capitol tour, and we discuss a few paragraphs down.

There are two gift shops on the upper level - North and South. There was a congressional order passed that everything sold in these gift shops must be made in America.

In the center of Emancipation Hall is a 19.5-foot (6 m) Statue of Freedom , the original plaster model of the allegorical figure that sits atop the Capitol dome.

She is perfect to scale, and this allows you to get up close and notice the incredible detail put into the work.

Our favorite detail is the eagle’s head that sits atop her helmet and is adorned with a Native American headdress.

Just behind the statue of Freedom is the Exhibition Hall.

In this small museum, called Out of Many One , you can learn both about the history of the U.S. Congress and its work and the construction of the Capitol Building.

Highlights here include an 11-foot (3.5 m) tall model of the Capitol Dome , which you are encouraged to touch, and live feeds of the House and the Senate when they are in session.

It may seem odd to have a crypt in the middle of what is basically a government office building, but there are no actual remains interred here.

In some of the original plans of the Capitol, it was thought that George Washington and his wife Martha might be buried here.

But the first president wished to be put to rest at his home in Virginia, Mount Vernon, where he remains to this day.

The Crypt does still carry great importance, as it marks the center of Washington, D.C. Around the room are 13 statues, of important individuals from the 13 original colonies. 

Old Supreme Court

The judicial branch of the United States government met in this room from 1810 to 1860, when it then moved to the Old Senate Chamber which is also often included on the tour.

Generally, you enter the robing room, where the Supreme Court Justices once all donned their black robes together before entering the court.

At the back of the room are Justice’s desks, some of which are original to the 19th century and were actually used by the Justices when the Supreme Court occupied this chamber.  

One of the most remarkable aspects of the room is the vaulted ceiling designed by Benjamin Latrobe which was inspired by medieval engineering techniques and resembles an umbrella.

The Rotunda

The heart of the building and undoubtedly the most iconic aspect of the Capitol Building is the Rotunda.

It is where honored citizens have laid in state, including Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Rosa Parks, and most recently, Billy Graham. 

In the original design of William Thornton, the rotunda was intended to be a simple dome modeled after the Pantheon in Rome.

However, when the building was expanded in the mid-1800s, it was clear that the dome needed to be enlarged as well, and construction of the massive wedding cake-style dome was begun.

Around the inside of the Rotunda are many pieces of art depicting important figures and events in American history.

At the center, there is the fresco the Apotheosis of Washington by Constantino Brumidi. It shows George Washington sitting in the heavens, flanked by the goddesses Liberty and Victory, and surrounded by 13 maidens representing the original 13 colonies.

Lower down the dome is a ring of friezes depicting American history from the landing of Columbus to the birth of aviation.

There are also many statues around the Rotunda, including one of Abraham Lincoln by Vinnie Ream, the first woman artist who received a commission from the American government.

National Statuary Hall

Like so many rooms in the Capitol, Statuary Hall is heavily influenced by ancient Greek architecture, drawing parallels between the origin of democracy and its rebirth in America.

Originally this room was intended to be a chamber for the House of Representatives.

However, the curved ceiling created strange acoustics, with whisper spots where someone speaking softly could be heard many yards away.

It was distracting during sessions, and many of the members didn’t like the idea of rivals hearing their secrets, so the House was relocated.

For many years, it was debated what to do with the room, until it was decided to dedicate it as space for states to honor their most eminent citizens.

Each state is invited to send two statues of their choosing in either marble or bronze, depicting people who have made a significant contribution to the history of that state.

Originally, all statues were placed in Statuary Hall, however as more and more states began sending their statues, the hall became was severely overcrowded.

Statues had to be placed behind each other, in some places 3 statues deep, and there were worries that the floor could not hold the huge weight.

Today the statues are scattered throughout the Capitol building as well as in the hall.

Old Senate Chamber

Since the country used to be much smaller, the Capitol building was as well. This is actually the third chamber that the Senate has met in.

The first had to be abandoned after just 6 years because it was crumbling and rotting, and the second was burned down by the British during the War of 1812.

Finally, the Senate convened here for 40 years.

In 1859 the Senate moved to its fourth and current chamber, and the Supreme Court moved in until it got its own building in 1935 ( which you could also tour ).

The Old Senate Chamber is richly decorated in crimson and gold and was inspired, like so much of Washington DC, by buildings in Paris.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GALLERY PASSES

To visit the House of Representatives Gallery, which is where members of the House debate and take their votes, contact your representative or senator to obtain passes.

International visitors may inquire at the House of Representatives' appointment desk on the upper level of the Capitol Visitors Center.

These passes are not timed and can be used at any time during that year.

The House Gallery is open to visitors whenever the House of Representatives is in session ( see schedule ) until adjournment for that day.  

It is also "usually" open whenever the House is in recess, from 9:00 am until 4:15 pm, Mondays through Fridays.

You will have to go through additional security and leave all belongings outside of the gallery in storage containers.

You can bring a pen and paper, but that is about it!  Absolutely no photography.

PRO TIP:  You will need an additional 30 - 60 minutes to visit either of the legislative galleries. If time is short, then we recommend visiting the House Gallery.  

It is here that the President of the United States delivers his annual State of the Union Address and you are more likely to see action on the floor.

SENATE GALLERY PASSES

To visit the Senate Gallery, which is where members of the U.S. Senate debate and take their votes, contact your representative or senator to obtain passes.

International visitors may inquire at the Senate appointment desk on the upper level of the Capitol Visitors Center.

Open to visitors whenever the Senate is in session, from 30 minutes before the Senate convenes ( see schedule ) until adjournment for that day, which is usually 4:15 pm.  

It is also regularly open whenever the Senate is in recess for 1 week or more.

When in recess, visitors are permitted to view the gallery from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays.  

There is no access on Saturdays unless the Senate is in session.  

You could also call the Senate to confirm if the gallery is open - 202.224.0057.

You will have to go through additional security for either and leave all belongings outside of the gallery in storage containers.

You can bring a pen and paper and that is about it!   Absolutely no photography.

Related Posts

• How to Tour the Supreme Court 
• How to Tour the Library of Congress
• Other Things to do in Washington, DC

Consider our guided tour of Capitol Hill , which includes tickets to tour the U.S. Capitol Building.

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Requested Tours  

The United States Capitol - Beginning on May 25 th , U.S. Capitol tours may be self-scheduled via this link: https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/ . These U.S. Capitol tours are professionally done through historians who carefully guide you through some of the most historic rooms in the United States Capitol. All visitors to the Capitol are required to go through security screening. Please review the prohibited items list before you arrive via this link: https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/prohibited-items . Groups of more than 15 people are required to reserve a U.S. Capitol tour through this website. Due to the high volume of requests, we strongly suggest that all U.S. Capitol tour requests be submitted at least 3 months in advance prior to the requested tour date for consideration.

Congressman Franklin’s office also provides staff-led tours of the U.S. Capitol on a limited basis, which can be scheduled using the form below. Staff-led tours can only accommodate groups of less than 15 people. Due to the high volume of staff-led tour requests, there is a 3 month waitlist. It may be faster to reserve a U.S. Capitol tour through the official Capitol Visitor’s center using the link above.

The White House   

Due to the high volume of White House tour requests, all requests must be submitted at least 3-6 months in advance prior to the requested tour date for consideration. An extremely limited number of requests will be honored by the White House, therefore it is critical for each individual within a tour group to complete the below tour request form as far in advance as possible.

Currently, the White House is offering a small amount of public tours from 8:00am – 12:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, excluding federal holidays or unless otherwise noted. 

As of June 6th, all other federal office buildings remain closed to the public, including the FBI and the U.S. Bureau of Engraving & Printing.

Smithsonian Museums and National Monuments remain open, which may be self-scheduled using the links below.

• https://www.si.edu/museums
• https://www.nps.gov/state/dc/list.htm
• https://www.mountvernon.org/

If you and your family are requesting a White House or U.S. Capitol tour, please submit your tour request form below.

We will update the website as additional information becomes available.  

Specific questions or inquiries may be emailed to [email protected].  

Note: Fields marked with an * are required.

This is to help the constituents that are hard of hearing or use a video phone alert us to that fact so we can use the proper technology when we need to call them. The default option “Voice” is a normal audible telephone.

Please select each ticket type you would like me to request for you: Tickets are free, and provided on a first-come first-served basis. If my office is unable to secure a congressional tour for the sites you selected, most locations are available for public tours. Please visit  house.gov  for information about public tour information for many of the sites in Washington D.C.  Admittance is determined by the individual tour site or agency, not by the Congressional office. Unless specified, tours are available Monday through Friday.

U.S. Capitol Tours and Information

U.S. Capitol Tours

The u.s. capitol is now open to public tours. you may visit this page to schedule your tour., reservations are required..

The House and Senate Galleries remain closed to the public.

The United States Capitol is a monument, a working office building, and one of the most recognizable symbols of representative democracy in the world.

Visitors are welcome to enter the building through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. You can begin your Capitol experience at the Visitor Center by visiting our temporary exhibits, perusing our Gift Shops or dining in our Restaurant. Please review the U.S. Capitol prohibited items list before your visit.

Guides using translation devices lead foreign language tours each day. Tours in Mandarin and Spanish are offered at 8:40 a.m. Each tour is walk-up only (no advance reservations are accepted). Tours are limited to 50 visitors.

The Capitol Visitor Center, the main entrance to the U.S. Capitol, is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First Street and East Capitol Street.

All visitors view the historic areas of the Capitol on a guide-led tour. The tour includes visiting the Crypt , the Rotunda , and National Statuary Hall . The tour does not include visiting the Senate and House Galleries , which require separate passes.

The Capitol Visitor Center welcomes visitors from across the United States and around the world. Identification is not required to enter the Capitol or to enjoy a tour.

All tours, programs and activities are free of charge.

What do you need to know?

Prohibited Items

Capitol visitor policies are designed to keep visitors and staff safe and secure and to preserve the collections, facilities, and historic building and grounds for generations to come.

Before entering the Capitol Visitor Center, all visitors are screened by a magnetometer and all items that are permitted inside the building are screened by an x-ray device. The following items are strictly prohibited in the Capitol, including the Capitol Visitor Center:

• Liquid, including water
• Food or beverages of any kind, including fruit and unopened packaged food
• Aerosol containers
• Non-aerosol spray (Prescriptions for medical needs are permitted.)
• Any pointed object, e.g. knitting needles and letter openers (Pens and pencils are permitted.)
• Any bag larger than 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep
• Electric stun guns, martial arts weapons or devices
• Guns, replica guns, ammunition, and fireworks
• Knives of any size
• Mace and pepper spray
• Razors and box cutters

Please note that the U.S. Capitol Police are authorized to make exceptions if a prohibited item is determined to be necessary and required to serve childcare, medical or other special needs. If you have questions, please call the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services at 202.224.4048.

The following restrictions apply only when visiting the House and Senate Galleries.

• Battery-operated electronic devices (medical devices are permitted)
• Cans and bottles
• Creams, lotions or perfume
• Packages, briefcases, backpacks or suitcases
• Video recorders or any type of recording device

***Each Gallery operates a checkstand where visitors may store these items securely while they are visiting that Gallery.

***Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Capitol, and food and drink are only allowed in the Capitol Cafe.

Visitors with Disabilities

• All public tours of the Capitol are accessible. The Office of Congressional Accessibility Services (OCAS) can provide tours specifically designed for visitors with disabilities. For information about these tours or any accessibility questions, please call OCAS at 202-224-4048.
• Listening devices with audio description of the orientation film are available at the Information Desks in Emancipation Hall.
• T-coil receivers for use on the tour are available after the conclusion of the orientation film. Request them from Capitol Visitor Center staff once you exit the theater. Standard assisted listening devices are also available. Visitors should check manufacturer product information if they are uncertain if their individual hearing aid is compatible with MyLink t-coil receivers.
• An ASL tour of the Capitol is available here .
• Sign language interpretation for tours is available when booked in advance. Email [email protected] . All films have open captioning.
• Family Restrooms are available throughout the Capitol Visitor Center.
• Service animals are allowed in the Visitor Center and the Capitol.
• A public TTY is located near one of the gift shops on the Upper Level.
• Copies of all Capitol Visitor Center brochures in alternative formats (large print, braille, HTML) are available at the Information Desks.
• Emergency evacuation information for visitors with disabilities is available here .
• Additional information on accessibility in the Capitol and the House and Senate Office Buildings is available at the Architect of the Capitol's Web site here .
• Both the Senate and House have accessible Galleries which include televisions with closed-captioning, as well as assistive listening devices (ALDs). In addition, the Senate has informational materials available in alternative formats.

Visitors Requiring Shuttle Service to the Capitol Visitor Center Entrance

For your convenience, the Capitol Visitor Center provides an on-demand shuttle service for individuals who use manual wheelchairs or who need mobility assistance. The shuttles run from the bus drop-off and pick-up areas on the West side of the Capitol to the Capitol Visitor Center entrance at the center of the Capitol's East Plaza. They operate continuously, as needed, from 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday – Saturday.

Advance reservations are not required for individuals or small groups. However, if you are traveling with a large group requesting mobility assistance, we strongly recommend that you contact the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services at 202.224.4048 prior to your visit. Please provide as much advance notice as possible to help facilitate your request.

Personnel in the kiosks can provide additional information about the service and call a shuttle for you if one isn't already there. The west side kiosk is located near Independence Avenue and First Street SW, across from the U.S. Botanic Garden. The east side kiosk is located near East Capitol Street NE/SE and First Street NE/SE, across the street from the U.S. Supreme Court and the Library of Congress Jefferson Building.

Any CVC staff member in a red shirt, vest or jacket can also answer your questions about the shuttle service, as can staff in the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services, 202.224.4048.

Watching Congress in Session

The Senate and House Galleries are open to visitors whenever either legislative body is in session; however the Galleries are not included as part of the U.S. Capitol tour. Passes are required to enter the Galleries. Visitors may obtain Gallery passes from the offices of their senators or representative. International visitors may inquire about Gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center.

When the House of Representatives is not in session, visitors with passes are admitted to the Gallery from 9 a.m. to no later than 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The last entry into the Gallery may be earlier than 4 p.m. based on demand. Visitors are advised to arrive prior to 4 p.m. for the best opportunity to view the Gallery. The House Gallery is closed on holidays and is subject to unplanned, temporary closures when the House is out of session.

The Senate Gallery is open during scheduled recesses of one week or more, and visitors are admitted to the gallery from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. On recess days, the Gallery closes at 4:30 p.m. The Senate Gallery is closed on weekends and holidays (unless the Senate is in session) and during any recess or adjournment of less than one week. For information on whether the Senate Gallery is open, please call 202.224.0057.

Entry to the House and Senate Galleries is through the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center.

What You'll Never See on the White House Tour

T he White House — yep, the one located in Washington, D.C. — has been home to the presidents of the United States since John Adams came to office in 1797. But, how much do we know about the White House and what's inside?

While tours are available through parts of the East and West Wings, as well as the Residence's main building, they are difficult to come by and require a written request to your senators at least 21 days in advance.

You don't have to wait any longer to take a tour of the White House's inner workings and to learn its many secrets. Let us take you on an insider's virtual tour.

The Cornerstone

Designed by James Hoban, an Irish immigrant, the first stones of the White House were laid in 1792. Although commissioned by George Washington, it was John and Abigail Adams who first moved into the White House in 1800.

The house was still under construction when they arrived and didn't have a chance to be completed before it was burned down by the British during the War of 1812.

Once again, Hoban was called to lead the rebuilding of the White House under James Monroe. Construction began with the South Portico in 1824.

The North Portico was added in 1829, just in time for Andrew Jackson, who had become president, to call the place home.

The West Wing

The first major renovation of the White House began in 1902, while Theodore Roosevelt was president. Roosevelt decided to move his office from the Residence's second floor to the new Executive Office Building .

The building, known as the West Wing, was designed by McKim, Mead and White of New York. There have been numerous expansions of the West Wing over the years, but it has remained the president's office location for more than a century.

The Oval Office

The president's office, however, was not the Oval Office we know of today until the West Wing was expanded during William Howard Taft's leadership. It was Taft who added the Oval Office, located on the first floor of the West Wing.

Every president has the right to redecorate the office to their liking, with all but three presidents since Rutherford B. Hayes keeping the Resolute Desk . (Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford did not use it.)

The Resolute Desk

A gift from Queen Victoria in 1880, the Resolute Desk was made from the wood of the H.M.S. Resolute and given to Hayes. However, the desk did not make its way into the Oval Office until John F. Kennedy moved it here in 1961.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt added the presidential coat of arms on the panel that has a secret door, as was famously captured by Kennedy's children playing hide-and-seek. (Caroline and Kerry Kennedy are pictured here.)

Another Major Renovation

The current White House does not feature the original interior built in the 1800s. Harry S. Truman ordered a complete renovation in 1950, gutting everything but the exterior walls.

The two-year job was completed in 1952. Truman spent nearly three years living at the nearby Blair House, the presidential guest house.

Secret Tunnels

During the renovation, a tunnel connecting the West Wing to the East Wing was added as well as a bomb shelter. Before this tunnel, however, FDR added a tunnel between the East Wing and the Treasury Building to serve as an air-raid shelter.

Ronald Reagan added another tunnel during his presidency. If you go through a secret door in the Oval Office, stairs lead to a basement where a private elevator connects to the Residence.

A Web of More Tunnels?

There are rumors of more tunnels that connect the White House to the Capitol, CIA, FBI, Blair House, the Vice President's Residence, Camp David, the Pentagon and Andrews Air Force Base.

None of the tunnels have been confirmed.

Secret Entrances

There are also secret entrances into the White House, including this H Street alleyway . The ram-proof driveway is located beside a discreet Secret Service window. Once accessed, the alley passes the Federal Claims Courthouse to a door at the Treasury Department on Pennsylvania Avenue.

From there, visitors can move through the tunnel that connects to the East Wing.

Security Measures

It goes without saying that the White House is an extremely secure building . Its windows are bulletproof, and the grounds are covered with infrared lasers that even cover the sky overhead — able to detect a threat from a mile away!

The entire city is a no-fly zone with surface-to-air missiles found all around the capital, as well as Secret Service-flown drones that keep an eye on what's happening around the White House.

Of course, surrounding the White House is an 11-foot spiked fence, patrolled by armed guards in the event anyone tries to scale it. And, as many can see from the ground, armed guards are stationed atop the roof of the White House.

A Full House

One interesting fact about this building is that it wasn't always called the White House . Before Theodore Roosevelt gave it the official name in 1901, it was referred to as the Executive Mansion, the President's Palace and the President's House.

Today, the inside features 412 doors, 12 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 28 fireplaces, eight staircases, six stories (in the Residence) and three elevators.

The Executive Residence Ground Floor

The Executive Residence, at six-stories, is 55,000 square feet .

Rooms on the Residence White House Tour include the ground floor and first floor, also known as the State Floor.

Vermeil Room

A formal sitting room used by the first ladies, the Vermeil Room was added to the White House in 1902.

Before it was this comfortable room known originally as the Social Room, it was used for storage and then a staff bedroom. It was transformed during Theodore Roosevelt's Administration, when staff bedrooms were moved from the ground floor to make way for rooms for public use.

The room received its new name, the Vermeil Room, in the 1960s, after Margaret Thompson Biddle donated 1,575 pieces of her vermeil to the White House. Her portrait hangs above the fireplace.

Woodrow Wilson's second wife, Edith, designated this room as the Presidential Collection Room  to store the ever-growing china collected over the years. Renamed the China Room, the room was redecorated to its red color in 1970.

Nearly every president's state or family china is represented chronologically.

The main kitchen of the White House is large enough to hold a team that can cook and serve those 140 guests for a formal dinner — with the capacity to hand-make 1,000 hors d'oeuvres! 

The kitchen also provides the presidential family with its meals and snacks, and the president has a button on his desk in the Oval Office to order food and beverages. All food brought into the kitchen is screened by the FBI.

There are two additional kitchens in the White House, one in the Residence for the presidential family's casual meals and the second, a pastry kitchen.

President Millard Fillmore added the first Presidential Library to the White House in the 1850s at the time he gained funds to rebuild the Library of Congress, which had been destroyed by a fire that burned 35,000 books.

Part of the Presidental Library's collection contributed by Fillmore includes Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," along with collections by the Founding Fathers.

The current library, now located on the ground floor, was formerly a laundry room until Jacqueline Kennedy transformed it into the library it is today. She added more than 1,700 books to the collection.

Diplomat Room

The receiving room, or the Diplomatic Reception Room , was originally a furnace room. Renovated during Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, it was where FDR delivered his famous fireside chats during the Great Depression.

The wallpaper featuring landscapes of America was added by Jackie Kennedy, along with the carpet that features the emblem of all 50 states.

Before Kennedy created the current Situation Room, this Map Room was used as such by FDR. It featured world maps hung all around the room, so the president could be briefed on situations taking place during World War II.

The room is used for meetings today and still holds maps from the National Geographic Society.

Although it is not filled with palm trees, this ground floor foyer connects the White House and the West Wing. It is often called the West Garden Room to match the similar visitor gathering spot known as the East Garden Room.

It received its Palm name for its conservatory look.

Flower Shop

In the Basement Hall, White House staff can pickup flowers from the Flower Shop, which manages and arranges flowers to fill the White House and decorate for holidays and special events.

Bowling Alley

The first bowling alley was added to the White House in 1947 as a gift to President Truman. He wasn't much of a bowler and got rid of the alley to make room for a printing press room.

However, Richard and Pat Nixon loved to bowl, so he added a one-lane alley in 1969. It was located underground, beneath the North Portico driveway.

Today, it doesn't get much use and needs a complete refurbishment.

The Executive Residence First Floor

The first floor of the Executive Residence is used for welcoming and hosting dignitaries and special events.

The floor is often referred to as the State Floor because of this.

The East Room

Also found in the Residence is the East Room , which is the largest State Room and is used for events, ceremonies and speeches. Before it became an event space, the room was the last to be decorated and designated as anything more than a large, open space. Abigail Adams actually used the East Room to dry her laundry.

Andrew Jackson had the room decorated for the first time in 1829, and ever since, the East Room has welcomed dignitaries as well as mourners for the wakes of both Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy.

There are some very colorful rooms in the Residence. Meant to be used as a dining room, the Green Room serves as a state parlor. It is located on the first floor. 

Beside the Green Room is the Blue Room . This is where the president receives his guests. The oval-shaped room has been blue since 1837, even following renovations.

The marble-topped table in the center of the room has been in this room since James Monroe purchased it in 1817.

The Red Room , also on the first floor, was originally used as the home of the presidential family, despite its size.

Once the families took residence in the upper floors, First Ladies began to use the room for events. Eleanor Roosevelt, for example, held the room's first press conference.

State Dining Room

Of course, the White House hosts larger dinners for dignitaries in another dining room, known as the State Dining Room . It was originally a smaller, first-floor office space that was also used for formal dinners by presidents since Andrew Jackson, but Theodore Roosevelt had the room enlarged during the 1902 renovations.

The fireplace mantel originally featured lions, but Roosevelt changed them to be the heads of American bison. The table can extend to accommodate 140 guests.

Family Dining Room

Leave it to Jackie Kennedy to also create the Residence's Family Dining Room . Originally the bedroom of William McKinley, the room has served as the private dining room for the presidential families since the 1960s.

This example is from George W. Bush's presidency.

The Executive Residence Second Floor

The upper floors of the Executive Residence are reserved as living quarters for the presidential family.

There are 16 rooms and six bathrooms on the second floor. International leaders are welcome to stay on this floor, where the president, first lady and their children reside.

But we can give you a closer look...

Yellow Oval Room

Located on the second floor, the Yellow Room is the third oval room found in the White House. This room is not available on tours, as it is in the private residence of the presidential family and is often used as a sitting room. 

It is actually the same room that was used as Fillmore's initial library before Jackie Kennedy moved it.

Treaty Room

The original Cabinet Room in 1890 was converted into the Monroe Room by President Herbert Hoover in 1940 after the West Wing became the home to Executive Offices.

Kennedy rechristened the room as the Treaty Room in 1962 and installed a table that once belonged to Ulysses S. Grant. The 1869 Pottier & Stymus table has been used to sign numerous treaties, including the one that ended the Spanish-American War.

Residence Kitchen

Although the First Family can order anything they'd like from the White House kitchen, the Executive Residence includes a private kitchen for the family to make snacks and quick meals.

Lincoln's Bedroom & Sitting Room

Another famous room in the White House (said to be haunted by the ghost of Abraham Lincoln) is the Lincoln Bedroom . Located on the second floor, this once served as Lincoln's office.

Harry S. Truman had the room converted into a bedroom for guests, decorated with furnishings from Mary Todd Lincoln, herself.

Queen's Bedroom & Sitting Room

Another guest bedroom is the Queen's Bedroom , where Winston Churchill stayed while meeting with FDR.

Located on the second floor, across the hall from the Lincoln Bedroom, a mirror presented to Truman by then-Princess Elizabeth in 1951 still hangs in the room.

Master Bedroom

The Master Bedroom is another one that gets an interior makeover every time a new presidential family moves in here. In 1962, the Kennedys had separate bedrooms, and this room was originally Jackie's space (pictured).

Then, Gerald and Betty Ford made it a shared master bedroom in 1974, and it has remained as such ever since.

Living Room

Just like any family, the presidential family needs a place to relax and sit together to watch TV at the end of the day.

The private family living room is located next to the master bedroom on the second floor.

The Executive Residence Third Floor

The third floor of the White House is used as a relaxation space. You'll find indoor and outdoor relaxing spaces here as well as offices and sleeping space for the personal staff of the First Family.

Located on the roof, above the South Portico, is the Residence's Solarium . It was originally created as a sleeping room for Taft, who liked fresh air at night.

Indoors is a private living space for the presidential family, while outdoors they can enjoy basking in the sun and even grilling , as Dwight D. Eisenhower was known to do.

Truman Balcony

Now famous as a place where the First Family may wave and preside over events taking place on the South Lawn, the South Portico didn't originally feature a balcony. Instead, awnings hung over the doorway below.

During Truman's renovation, the horseshoe-shaped balcony was added, which is why it is known as the Truman Balcony .

Recreation available to the First Family includes a game room, where a pool table has been a fixture since Reagan's era, as seen in this photo.

Billiards have been popular for many presidents, with tables found in different locations until this former bedroom space was converted into a permanent game room.

Also a former bedroom, the Music Room was added in the 1990s for the Clintons.

President Clinton was known to play the sax, and this room gave him a quiet place to play. (Plus, it is soundproof.)

Grand Staircase

The Grand Staircase is where the president descends from his quarters on the second floor to greet his guests awaiting in the Entrance Hall on the State Floor.

It, too, was completed during Truman's renovation — the fourth staircase to occupy the space — and meant to provide a "grand" entrance.

45-Second Commute

The West Colonnade walkway connects the Executive Residence to the West Wing and the Oval Office.

Passing by the Rose Garden, the walk is referred to as the president's 45-second commute.

The West Wing First Floor

The West Wing is considered the executive offices of the White House and is where day-to-day business functions take place.

Tours are available to some of the rooms, again, only by request through Congressional staff.

The Cabinet Room

Day-to-day meetings and discussions with the president take place in the Cabinet Room . The president sits in the middle of the table as members of the appointed cabinet of ministers meet.

Those sitting in this room include the Vice President, the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Education, Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Director of National Intelligence, the Director of the CIA, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, Office of Management and Budget, and a Trade Representative.

At Great Heights

In both the Cabinet Room and the Roosevelt Room, the smaller meeting room located outside of the Oval Office, the chair in which the president sits is higher than the other chairs around the meeting table.

The Roosevelt Room was the original office of the president and became a waiting room once the Oval Office was built. The room is often used to announce nominations and appointments of staff. Named for FDR, the original nickname of the room was the Fish Room, as FDR displayed fishing mementos and an aquarium in the room.

The Situation Room

In times of crisis, the president meets his team and intelligence in the National Security Council's room, known as the Situation Room.

Located on the ground floor of the West Wing, the room was created after the Bay of Pigs. With televisions, video systems and other forms of real-time communication, this is where presidents may receive the current information on what is taking place, unlike what occurred during Kennedy's failed invasion of the Bay of Pigs.

Vice President's Office

The vice president keeps an office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is located across the street from the House.

However, some VPs choose to be closer to the action and use this space dedicated to them, located just down the corridor from the president.

Chief of Staff's Office

Opposite the Vice President's Office and just down the hallway from the Oval Office is the Chief of Staff's Office.

This space is often used for more casual daily meetings.

Brady Briefing Room

Perhaps the most recognized space of those not privy to the interior of the White House, the Brady Briefing Room is the press room used to deliver the news. Although there are nearly 200 members of the White House press corps, the room has chairs for less than 50. The White House Correspondents Association determines who gets a seat.

The briefing room was installed by Richard Nixon and renamed in honor of James S. Brady, Ronald Reagan's press secretary who was shot and permanently disabled while shielding the president from an attempted assassination in 1981.

Press Corps Offices

You see the press gathers during briefings, but they also can use office space within the West Wing. Here, they can make calls and get stories written and sent to their editors.

In 2007, a Radio Row was added to allow for live broadcasts behind soundproof doors.

The number of press members has grown so large that additional office space was added to the ground floor.

The West Wing Ground Floor

Below the Oval Office is a host of amenities for the press, security and the Situation Room, where the president and his advisors meet in times of national security issues.

Below the Briefing Room

Below the Briefing Room is an indoor swimming pool that was installed by FDR for his physical therapy. There is a staircase behind the Briefing Room stage that leads to the now-empty pool.

Hundreds of miles of cable to keep the press connected is now located found here — and the walls are covered with the signature graffiti of former White House staff.

Secret Service Room

The Secret Service has its own office with monitors of every square inch of the White House.

From this room, the Secret Service can see the location of every person on the property and keep a close eye on the president, first lady, vice president and visiting dignitaries.

The West Wing is home to the White House's very own restaurant . Known as the Navy Mess and Ward Room and managed by the Navy, it's located in the West Wing's ground floor.

A mess hall has been in service for the White House since 1951 when it was proposed by Naval Aide to the President, Rear Admiral Robert L. Dennison. It even has a takeout window for on-the-go orders.

The East Wing Second Floor

The two-story East Wing , built in 1942, serves as the entrance into the White House. Visitors go through security on the ground floor, where above, the offices and meeting rooms of the First Lady lie.

Prior to the wing's construction, the space held a greenhouse.

The First Lady's Office

Like the president, the First Lady has her own staff , which includes a chief of staff, a social secretary and a press secretary. She also manages the chief floral designer and the executive chef.

All staff serving the First Lady have offices in the East Wing.

The Calligraphy Room

Yes, there is a room dedicated to calligraphy in the White House.

Here, there is a chief calligrapher and two deputies who hand-write invitations, greetings, awards, proclamations, military commissions and place cards for state dinners and events.

East Wing Ground Floor

There are more offices found on the ground floor of the East Wing as well as two different rooms for welcoming guests.

The family enjoys its own theater within the East Wing.

Originally, the room was a coatroom until FDR converted it into a movie theater. Reagan, a former film star, remodeled it in the 1980s to include tiered rows with 51 seats.

Garden Room

Located on the ground floor of the Residence leading to the East Wing, this corner room overlooks the Jackie Kennedy Garden. 

This is often the place tour groups will meet before receiving their tour of the White House and is often referred to as the Visitor's Foyer.

Heading Outside

The famous Rose and Kennedy Gardens that flank the outdoor corridors to the East and West Wings were added by nature-lover Thomas Jefferson. 

In addition to them, the White House offers a host of outdoor amenities for the families and staff.

Basketball and Tennis

The White House tennis courts were originally installed in 1902, behind the West Wing, but moved to their current location in 1909, after the West Wing was expanded.

Nearby, a small basketball court was not big enough for a full-court game, so Barak Obama had the tennis courts converted into both a tennis and basketball court during his presidency.

In 2020, Melania Trump unveiled plans to construct a tennis pavilion and remove some of the holly trees surrounding the court to let in more light and remove shadows.

Kitchen Garden

Installed by Michelle Obama, the White House got its first kitchen garden in 2009. Providing locally grown food for the presidential family, the garden is 2,800 square feet and filled with vegetables.

The First Lady invites local children to assist with the harvesting of seasonal vegetables in an effort to promote healthy eating.

The White House's outdoor pool was added by Gerald Ford in 1975. An avid swimmer, Ford didn't want to relocate the press room by reopening the indoor pool and chose to build a new pool. 

Its hot tub was added by Hilary Clinton in the 1990s.

The Children's Garden

The Children's Garden , created by Lady Bird Johnson, features the handprints of presidential grandchildren and is an enclosed and quiet space of reflection.

You'll find the handprints of the grandchildren of Lyndon B. Johnson, Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush set into plaques.

The Rose Garden

As the White House was renovated in 1902, a conservatory was removed. First Lady Edith Roosevelt demanded a garden for her roses. 

This West Garden is just outside the Oval Office and features tulips, hyacinth, boxwood and other flowering plants surrounded by shrubs.

Jacqueline Kennedy Garden

Jackie Kennedy wanted to continue developing gardens for the White House to keep in tradition with its 18th century look. 

The East Garden was named in her honor by Lady Bird Johnson in 1965.

Your guide to visiting the Michigan Capitol

Planning a trip to Lansing? You can stop by the Michigan State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark well worth a visit. You can explore the Capitol on your own or join a tour.

When is the Michigan Capitol open to the public?

The Capitol is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. But when either the state House, state Senate or a legislative committee is in session outside those times or on a holiday, the building is open 30 minutes before the start of the session and 30 minutes after adjournment.

The Capitol is closed during major holidays with closures falling on the preceding Friday or following Monday when a holiday falls on a weekend. Call 517-373-2353 to verify whether the Capitol is open.

If you want a booklet for your self-guided tour, you can pick one up at the Capitol Tour and Information Services, which is located in the east wing on the ground floor and at Heritage Hall at the main entry tour and information desk.

How to join a tour of the Michigan Capitol

Capitol tours are free! They occur Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and take about 45 to 60 minutes. You don't need a reservation if you're traveling solo or with a small group (fewer than 10 visitors). Still, tour times can change due to staffing levels, so if you're interested in a guided tour, it's wise to call the Capitol Tour Service in advance at 517-373-2353.

If you're planning to visit the Capitol with a large group (10 or more visitors), you'll need to make a reservation by calling 517-373-2353 or 517-373-2348.

What to see during a visit to the Michigan Capitol

If you're visiting the Capitol — whether on a self-guided or official tour — you'll have access to the public areas of the building. That includes the Rotunda and the Gallery of Governors. You may also be able to stop by the House and Senate galleries if available.

Contact Clara Hendrickson at [email protected] or 313-296-5743. Follow her on X, previously called Twitter, @clarajanehen.