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Texas State Capitol

The place where government and history happen every day.

Observe politics in action. Watch lawmaking from the House and Senate galleries, or stroll the rotunda to visit the legendary leaders of Texas

Vote in local and state-wide elections. Research issues you care about, learn about where your local and state-level officials stand on those issues, and then head to the polls

Learn how Texas's past shapes the state's present and future by visiting the Bullock Texas State History Museum, located on Congress Avenue, six blocks from the Capitol

Be a part of the Texas Story Project. You are Texas history, and we want you to share your story

Call us to book a private tour - perfect for social distancing - 512.659.9478

The Texas State Capitol

One of the benefits of visiting Austin, the capital city of Texas, is touring the impressive capitol building at 1800 Congress Avenue. It may look familiar – the architect, Elijah E. Meyers, modeled it after the capitol building in Washington D.C., However, because it’s located in Texas, it is 14 feet taller than the Federal Capitol Building, and after an underground extension was completed in the mid 1990s, surpassed the federal building in square footage as well.

The importance and the prominence of the Capitol Building for the city of Austin cannot be overstated enough, and the city has taken care to preserve the views of the capitol from around the city. Until the 1960s, no building was permitted to be taller than the capitol building. But when the University of Texas built the 26-story Westgate Tower, controversy sparked, creating what is now know as “Capitol View Corridors.” All in all, there are now 39 Capitol View Corridors in the city, which block the development of buildings that would impede the view of the capitol from various points in the city.

The main entrance to the Texas capitol building is located on the south side of the structure, famously approached via Congress Avenue, whose buildings frame the capitol, providing an iconic, treasured promenade to the entrance. Above the doors at the main entrance, there are six seals located on the building, representing the six independent countries that which have laid claim to Texas over the centuries. To enter, you’ll go through a short security. On the other side of security, is the South Foyer, where all tours depart.

The capitol has a myriad of knowledgeable tour guides who are happy to answer questions while they direct you through the various places around the building or grounds. The tours vary in subject matter, ranging from the basic capitol tour, which explores the building’s rooms and architectural highlights, as well as tours which focus on Women in Texas History, Heroes of the Texas Revolution, and there are a variety of seasonal tours throughout the year: an African American Trailblazers Tour in February, a Hispanic Heritage Tour in September, a Rest in Peace Tour in October which explores the ghost stories of the capitol, a Texas Veterans Tour in November, and a Holiday Capitol Tour in December, which explores the different holiday traditions from a variety of ethnic cultures in Texas. Tours generally depart every half hour, but on busy days are known to depart every quarter hour, and all tours are free.

If you’d rather explore at your own pace, the South Foyer also provides two different maps: the capitol building map, and the capitol grounds map. Each map locates and describes points of interest for their respective area, which range from war and veteran memorials, to sculptures and portraits of important people from Texas’ colorful history, to the legislative rooms in the building. As you depart, make sure you visit the Capitol Gift Shop, which has two locations. There is one in the downstairs extension, and one in the Capitol Visitor’s Center, located on the southeast side of the building. There you can find a variety of unique Texas-themed gifts ranging from salsas to belt buckles, coffee mugs, framed works of art, and of course, the official Capitol Christmas ornament, which designs a new style each year.

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Austin + Hill Country Panoramic Tour with Multiple Stops - 2.5 Hours

Our signature Austin sightseeing tour but with even better views! Discover where the locals eat, drink, and enjoy the true Austin scene. Learn about historic neighborhoods and marvel at the gorgeous views of the lake and Austin hills. Our custom glass top convertible Mercedes tour bus will keep you comfortable while our expert guides keep you entertained. 

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Capitol City Tours

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About the Tour

Join us on an engaging tour of the Texas State Capitol Building! Learn about Texas history while admiring the statehouse and its surrounding grounds. Our 60 minute walking tour offers a look at some of the Texas State Capitol’s principal features along with captivating tales from your guide.

Tours run Tuesday through Sunday at 1PM, except for Wednesday at 10:30AM.

• You do not need a printed ticket; we have the info you entered in the reservation system.
• Masks are appreciated, but not required.
• AT TOUR TIME: We gather at the outdoor rotunda on the North Grounds of the Capitol, just south of 15th street at Congress Avenue.
• You will be going through a metal detector, and are subject to being searched when entering the building.
• If meeting us by car, there is ample street parking surrounding the building. Metered parking is $1 per hour, we suggest purchasing at least 1.5 hours of parking (tours last approximately 1 hour).
• Tours include stairs, but we are happy to be accommodating. For more information on accessibility, you may refer to the Capitol Accessibility Guide .
• Please feel free to call 682.382.1235 with any questions or comments.
• All Tickets: $20

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Visiting the Texas State Capitol Complex

The Texas Capitol Appeals to History Buffs and Political Junkies Alike

Like the national capitol, the Texas state capitol was once considered the “people’s house.” It used to be open almost all the time, with limited security. Security has been tightened in recent years, but the Texas state capitol still welcomes the public year-round. The easiest way to view the building is to pick up a brochure on the first floor and take a self-guided tour.

Guided Tours

However, you’ll get more out of the visit with the help of a knowledgeable tour guide. Guided tours start every 15 minutes in the south foyer and last about 40 minutes. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 3:30 p.m. A typical tour covers the building’s architecture, state history and fun facts about the Texas Legislature.

The guided tour will help you spot some of the less obvious details of the building, such as door hinges with “Texas Capitol” engraved into them. Similar attention to detail can be seen in the doorknobs and in the floor tiles. For those interested in the “wow factor,” there are also sweeping staircases and glittery chandeliers.

On weekdays, a special Women in Texas History tour is offered at 11:15 a.m., and a Heroes of the Texas Revolution tour begins at 2:15 p.m. Nature buffs may also want to pick up the Trail of Trees brochure. It highlights the history of the capitol’s well-manicured grounds, with a particular focus on the majestic oak, southern magnolia and bald cypress trees. In total, there are 25 different tree species on the capitol grounds.

Capitol Visitors Center

Located at 112 East 11th Street, the Capitol Visitors Center houses exhibits related to the history of the capitol and the state as a whole. Larger group tours of the capitol, such as school field trips, can also be arranged here.

The Capitol Visitors Parking Garage is located at 1201 San Jacinto Boulevard. You can enter from East 12th Street or East 13th Street. The first two hours are free, and each additional half hour costs $1; the maximum charge is $12. Keep in mind that you'll be exiting onto San Jacinto Boulevard, which is a one-way street heading south.

Brief History and Fun Facts About the Texas State Capitol

· The design of the capitol building was decided via a nationwide competition. Architect Elijah E. Myers, who also designed the capitols in Colorado and Michigan, won the competition. The contractors on the project were granted 3 million acres of land, which later became the famous XIT ranch in the Panhandle.

· Controversy haunted the building’s construction from the beginning. The pink granite was donated by the owners of a quarry in Marble Falls. However, to save money, the state decided to use convicts to quarry the notoriously hard rock. When local granite cutters boycotted the project due to the use of convict labor, the state brought in workers from Scotland to replace them.

· In 1993, a sprawling underground capitol extension opened. Essentially, the capitol outgrew its above-ground space and had to start building downward. The 600,000-square-foot four-level structure includes offices for Senators and House Representatives, parking, a bookstore, cafeteria and auditorium. The design features skylights that let in a remarkable amount of natural light.

· Texas’ first permanent capitol was completed in 1853, but the Greek Revival building burned to the ground in 1881.

· In the south foyer, life-sized statues of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin stand guard over the entryway. A huge painting in the foyer by  William Henry Huddle  depicts a major turning point in Texas History: the surrender of Mexican General Santa Anna. Tiles in the terrazzo floor depict 12 major battles fought in Texas.

· One of the oldest outdoor exhibits is the Heroes of the Alamo, built in 1891. The gazebo-shaped structure displays battle scenes. The names of the people who fought and died at the Alamo are engraved into the granite. The Alamo itself is also a worthwhile stop if you’re in the region for several days.

· Try clapping your hands while standing under the capitol rotunda and listen as the sound echoes throughout the massive structure.

· In the senate chamber, many of the original desks, made of walnut, are still in use. They’ve been modified slightly to accommodate modern technology.

· In a sign of how important agriculture was to the state in its early days, an Agricultural Museum was created within the capitol soon after the building was completed. In addition to displaying information about some of the state’s early food crops, the room is chock full of antiques from the 1800s and early 1900s.

Dining Nearby

The capitol’s site in the heart of downtown Austin means that  several restaurants, in every price range, are within walking distance .

Other Attractions

Another historic building, the  Paramount Theatre , is three blocks south of the capitol on Congress Avenue. It hosts red-carpet movie premieres, plays, stand-up comedy and concerts. 

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Book a Tour

Reservations are recommended .

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 our professional tour guides and visit the  Crypt , the  Rotunda  and  National Statuary Hall . The tour does not include the  Senate and House Galleries . The tour route is subject to change.

Reservations are recommended, but not required. Visit the  schedule a tour  page to select a day/time for a reservation. Same day passes may be available. 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.

Visitors enter through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. Please leave time to go through security and review the U.S. Capitol’s  prohibited items list  before your visit.

You can begin your Capitol experience at the Visitor Center by visiting Exhibition Hall , perusing our Gift Shops or getting a bite to eat at the Capitol Cafe.

For information on tours offered in Mandarin and Spanish, please view the Foreign Language Tours page.

How Do I Cancel My Reservation?

You can cancel your reservation through your account in the Capitol Visitor Center’s online reservation system.

• Go to  https://tours.visitthecapitol.gov  (A new page will open.)
• Beneath the blue banner reading “Reserve a Tour of the Capitol,” click on the link to log in. (A sign in/signup dialog box will open.)
• In the sign in section, log in with your email address and password.
• Search for reservations by clicking “More” in the “My Reservations” tab.
• Once you have located your reservation, click the link to “Cancel.”

15 Things To Do Near Texas Capitol

Texas Capitol building Austin is one of the largest in the country: the national historic landmark in Austin’s cityscape. Located conveniently nearby are a range of other landmarks you’ll want to stop by during your visit. Here are some things to do in capitol that’s great for a day trip or two.

1. The Texas State Capitol Building

The practical starting point is the Capital of Austin Building itself. The building is a perfect example of American neo-classical architecture, common amid many of America’s grand governmental structures. Guided Texas State Capitol tours and Texas State Capitol photos showcase the Capitol and its history, but you are also free to embark on a solo tour if you desire.

The capitol grounds are also a great place for some walking and soul searching if you prefer to do so. A visit to the Capital Building Austin visitors center is also recommended if it’s your first time to be here.

The Texas State Capitol Building| 1100 Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701 United States

Phone: +1 512-463-4630

Click here to learn more about The Texas State Capitol Building and Austin Capitol hours.

2. Governor’s Mansion

Home to the governor of Texas since 1854, the mansion was designed by famous architect Abner Cook. Current Governor Abbot and his family are the 40th family to use the mansion since its construction. Built in the Greek Revival, it’s gone through only two major remodels over the years, and still maintains its classic style.

Governor’s Mansion 1010 Colorado St Austin, TX 78701 United States

Phone: +1 512-305-8524

Click here to learn more about the Governor’s Mansion.

3. Bullock Texas History Museum

Bullock Texas History Museum features exhibits dating from prehistoric era to modern, contemporary times. A permanent exhibit titled “Story of Texas” features plenty of historical tidbits to keep your brain pumping for the afternoon. The museum is run and operated by the Texas State Preservation Board. Bullock is also home to an annual music festival.

Bullock Texas History Museum 1800 Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701 United States

Phone: +1 512-936-8746

Click here to learn more about the Bullock Texas History Museum.

4. Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge

This bridge overlooking Lady Bird Lake makes for the perfect Instagram shot. The bridge was built in 1871 and is a well-known spot for viewing Austin’s bat colony on their nightly descents over town. Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge houses the largest urban bat colony in North America. The best time to view the attraction is from April to October.

Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78704 United States

Click here to learn more about the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge.

5. Blanton Museum of Art

The largest museum in the state, you’ll need to visit Blanton a few times in order to explore all its offerings. The museum is located on the campus of Texas University, and is open to the public for a small fee. Blanton features exhibits of European art pre-dating the 1900s, as well as contemporary pieces from Europe and the Americas.

Blanton Museum of Art 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Austin, TX 78712 United States

Phone: +1 512-471-5482

Click here to learn more about the Blanton Museum of Art.

6. Austin City Limits

Austin City Limits is a music festival held annually in Austin at the Moody Theater. The program features a diverse range of performance artists, with styles to please nearly every ear. The venue is LEED-certified, showing commitment to the city of Austin for environmentally responsible practices. You may also rent the space for your own personal or corporate events.

Click here to learn more about the Austin City Limits.

7. Zilker Metropolitan Park

Located just 10 minutes away from the Texas Capitol, the Zilker Metropolitan Park is the perfect place to indulge in outdoor activities. You can hike or bike on the trails, go swimming in the Barton Springs Pool, or relax and have a picnic by the river. It’s an excellent spot for a family day out or a weekend getaway.

Click here to learn more about the Zilker Metropolitan Park.

8. The Austin Nature and Science Center

Located within the Zilker Metropolitan Park, this museum is a must-visit for all age groups. The Center offers interactive exhibits on the natural environment, animals, and the universe. You can participate in outdoor programs, guided tours, and even meet animals such as coyotes, foxes, and birds of prey.

The Austin Nature and Science Center 2389 Stratford Dr Austin, TX 78746 United States

Phone: +1 512-974-3888

Click here to learn more about The Austin Nature and Science Center.

9. The Texas Memorial Museum

If you’re interested in history, then the Texas Memorial Museum is worth exploring. The museum features exhibits on natural history, geology, and paleontology, highlighting the history of Texas. The famous exhibits include the authentic dinosaur fossils and the diorama displaying the native wildlife of Texas.

The Texas Memorial Museum 2400 Trinity St Austin, TX 78705 United States

Phone: +1 512-471-1604

Click here to learn more about The Texas Memorial Museum.

10. Rainey Street

If you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife scene, then Rainey Street is the place to be. It’s a thriving street filled with numerous bars, food trucks, and live music venues. You can unwind with a frozen margarita in hand, try the local food, and enjoy the live music performances.

Click here to learn more about Rainey Street.

11. Lady Bird Lake

Located just moments away from the Texas Capitol, Lady Bird Lake is a serene and picturesque place for a walk, run or sunset kayak ride. You can take in the beautiful views of the city skyline, watch the sunset or explore the scenic trails around the lake.

Click here to learn more about the Lady Bird Lake.

12. The Mexic-Arte Museum

If you want to experience art and culture, then the Mexic-Arte Museum is the perfect spot. It features a collection of contemporary and traditional Latino art, unique exhibitions, and cultural events. You can also check out the museum store for some artsy souvenirs.

The Mexic-Arte Museum 419 Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701 United States

Phone: +1 512-480-9373

Click here to learn more about The Mexic-Arte Museum.

13. The Violet Crown Trail

For adventure lovers, a hike on the Violet Crown Trail is a fantastic experience. This trail stretches over 6 miles through the wilderness, giving you a glimpse of the stunning Texas Hill Country. You can hike, run or bike and take in the flora and fauna of the region.

Click here to learn more about The Violet Crown Trail.

14. Waterloo Records

If you’re a music lover, then Waterloo Records is the place to be. It’s an independent record store that has been around for over 30 years, and it offers an extensive collection of CDs, LPs, and video games. You can check out some live performances or purchase some unique Austin souvenirs.

Waterloo Records 600 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78703 United States

Phone: +1 512-474-2500

Click here to learn more about the Waterloo Records.

15. The Austin Central Library

This library is a utopia for book lovers. It’s a masterpiece of modern architecture and design, and it offers a vast collection of books, films, and music. You can take in the stunning views of the city from the rooftop garden, read a book in the quiet reading rooms, or enjoy the art exhibits.

The Austin Central Library 710 W Cesar Chavez St Austin, TX 78701 United States

Phone: +1 512-974-7400

Click here to learn more about The Austin Central Library.

Now that you know the top 15 things to do near the Texas Capitol, you can plan your itinerary accordingly, and make your trip unforgettable. Whether you want to indulge in outdoor activities, explore museums, listen to live music, or print a souvenir at the library, Austin has something for everyone.

Make sure to pack comfortable shoes, bring a camera, and experience Austin’s culture and nature for yourself. We hope to visit again soon!

Which of these capitol attractions do you plan to visit first, and why?

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Texas Capitol Visitors Center

Located in the restored 1856-57 General Land Office building. The three-story castle-like structure is the oldest state office building in Texas. The Visitors Center details Texas history through exhibits and videos. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m. The center offers free, guided tours and self-guided tours as well as group and specialty tours.

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Texas State Capitol

Description.

Occupying 22 acres on a hilltop in the center of downtown, the Texas State Capitol is comprised of two three-story wings flanking a central four-story volume capped by a 60-foot-wide cast-iron dome. Behind its reddish granite façade, the Renaissance Revival building contains 360,000 square feet of legislative and administrative facilities. Upon its completion, the Capitol was touted as the seventh largest building in the world; today it remains the largest (though not the tallest) state capitol in the United States.

Placemaking

Rising 311 feet (14 feet higher than the U.S. Capitol, upon which it is modeled) the Texas State Capitol overlooks Austin from its impressive perch at the end of Congress Avenue . As a piece of architecture, the Capitol serves multiple functions: it symbolizes the city’s political importance, provides a geographical reference point for miles around, and plays an integral role in defining Austin’s sense of place. Even among an increasingly crowded skyline, the great arch and dome of the Capitol stand out today; imagine how they must have dominated the horizon 100 years ago.

The presence of the Capitol on Austin’s skyline has been deemed so important that its visibility from certain viewpoints is protected by city and state law. As buildings grew taller in the mid-20th century, Austinites realized that the dome’s visibility was under threat. In 1983, legislators passed a bill establishing 30 protected “Capitol View Corridors” ranging in length from 1,700 feet to over five miles. Within these corridors, the height of new construction is strictly limited in order to protect views of the Capitol dome. While these corridors have at times been a source of frustration for developers, the views they protect form a significant part of Austin’s landscape, and their protection represents a unique recognition of architecture’s role in our shared cultural heritage.

For 84 years, the Texas State Capitol was the tallest structure in Austin. After its predecessor burned to the ground in 1881, a national competition resulted in the selection of Detroit-based architect Elijah E. Myers, who proposed a design in the style of the 15th-century Italian Renaissance, complete with round arches, classical columns, and a symmetrical composition. The state paid the contractor with three million acres in the Texas panhandle, which later became the largest cattle ranch in the world (not a bad deal). Over 1,000 workers—many of them convicts or migrants—labored over the Capitol’s construction for seven years, during which 188,000 cubic feet of “Texas pink” granite were transported to the site from a quarry 50 miles away. The result is a magnificent edifice that is at once imposing and delicate, rugged and refined.

The Capitol is surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped grounds filled with monuments to Texas history; wander up the oak-shaded promenade to the grand four-story front porch (with a detour to the powerful African American History Memorial, on your left). As you enter, notice the ornate, custom-made bronze hardware on the doors. Passing through a hall of iron columns with Corinthian capitals, you will arrive at the central rotunda, which is actually the inner layer of a “double dome” structure fabricated in Belgium. The rotunda measures 266 feet from the terrazzo star on the floor to the bronze star in the crown. If you should happen to overhear a disembodied snippet of conversation, you’re not hallucinating; the rotunda’s shape creates a “whispering gallery,” a phenomenon in which faint sounds echoing across the dome may be heard on the opposite side.

To the east and west of the rotunda are the two legislative chambers—each restored in the 1990s to their early-20th century grandeur. The state’s 31 senators have noticeably more legroom than their counterparts in the 150-seat House of Representatives. The skylights that once illuminated both chambers have been replaced with more energy-efficient electrical imitations. As a final flourish, notice the custom-made chandeliers, whose light bulbs spell out “TEXAS” inside five-pointed stars. – Bud Franck

Bud Franck, Russ Moore, Atelier Wong Photography, Austin History Center

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Lucky No. 13

Thomas austin appointed architect of the capitol after january 6–related fallout against predecessor.

Thomas Austin , a professional engineer and retired U.S. Army Colonel, recently began his appointment as Architect of the Capitol ( AOC ). Austin replaces interim AOC Chere Rexroat who took power in February 2023 after the 12th AOC, J. Brett Blanton, was fired .

Austin is the 13th AOC and was unanimously selected by the bicameral Congressional Commission for the job in May . After his term began on June 24, Austin is now responsible for preserving and maintaining 18.4 million square feet of buildings and 570 acres of campus grounds throughout Washington, D.C . He oversees 2,400 employees and a $1 billion operating budget.

Austin’s mandate includes the U.S. Capitol building, the House and Senate Office Buildings, Capitol Visitor Center, Library of Congress Buildings, U.S. Supreme Court Building, Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, and other facilities. He is now acting director of the U.S. Botanic Garden, among other important roles.

Previously, Austin managed facilities at government campuses; and served for three decades in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia. He’s worked at the the Arlington National Cemetery and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

“The [AOC] plays a vital role in welcoming millions of visitors to our Capitol and ensuring it is a functional workplace,” the Congressional Commission said in a statement . “Thomas Austin has managed construction projects and facilities of all sizes, maintained one of our nation’s most hallowed landmarks, and served our country in the military. We are confident that with his extensive experience, Thomas Austin will be an adept and capable Architect of the Capitol.”

Austin’s appointment follows a slew of controversies in the AOC office. He proceeds J. Brett Blanton, the 12th AOC appointed by former President Trump. After the January 6 uprising, when in 2021 hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Blanton was among those criticized for not doing enough to fortify the building from rioters.

Later, in 2022, an investigative report by a watchdog agency found that Blanton had personally given tours to “patriots” in the days leading up to the November 2020 election. He was also found guilty of using government SUVs for personal uses, a violation of his contract. The New York Times also found that Blanton had “ [misled] investigators, and impersonated a police officer on multiple occasions. ”

Blanton was appointed to serve as AOC until his term expired in 2030, however, in February 2023, President Biden fired him , a termination which had bipartisan support .

The search for a new AOC took 10 months. It followed the passage of the AOC Appointment Act in December 2023  which formally established a “bipartisan congressional commission to, by majority vote, appoint, reappoint, and remove the Architect.” Prior to this act the AOC was appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

On May 22, the bicameral Congressional Commission announced Austin’s unanimous selection, and his term began on June 24 . On July 1, AIA hosted a welcome reception in the Speaker of the House’s office for Austin.

Austin has a 10-year term which expires in 2034.

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The Ultimate Guide To Booking a Tour of the U.S. Capitol

Michael Y. Park

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Table of Contents

How to book a tour of the u.s. capitol building, how to get to the capitol, what to do inside the visitors center, what to expect from your tour, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

The U.S. Capitol Building is the center of government in the U.S., an instantly recognizable symbol of democracy, and a byword for everything that various people think is right or wrong about America today. (And, yes, this is where that … unpleasantness … took place in 2021.) Since its beginnings, the U.S. Capitol Building has been a public space where citizens and curious visitors alike can revel in the aspirations — and transparency — of the arrhythmically beating heart of the great American experiment.

But how do you actually get to take a gander inside the U.S. Capitol Building?

Don’t worry: We’ve gotcha.

The Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It’s below the East Front plaza of the Capitol on First Street and East Capitol Street between Constitution and Independence avenues. The visitor center is the main entrance for the public — don’t try to walk through the front door of the Capitol Building, as it’s strictly off-limits, and you’ll likely be intercepted by security.

To see the U.S. Capitol beyond the Visitor Center, you must be on an official tour — you can’t just wander around on your own. Tours are available from 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. , and the Capitol is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Inauguration Day. You’re free to hang out in the Visitor Center all you want without a tour guide while it’s open, though.

You’re strongly advised to make an advance reservation for a Capitol visit, but if it’s a last-minute decision, you can try to see if there are any limited same-day tickets still available at the Capitol Visitor Center. The earlier you go, the better. You won’t get any same-day tickets if you arrive after 2:30 p.m.

You can either make an advance reservation yourself or get tickets through your U.S. representative or one of your U.S. senators, if you’d like to go old school or if you like to spend as little time on the internet as possible and you’d rather have them take care of the details and minimize you having to go through the Capitol scheduling calendar.

Remember: Tours of the U.S. Capitol are free!

It’s a good idea to reserve your tour weeks or months in advance.

Getting a Capitol Tour Through the Capitol Website

You can make Capitol tour reservations yourself by heading to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center website . You need an account to use it, so if it’s your first time, fill in the necessary information and wait for the activation email to be sent to whatever email address you used.

Activating the account is almost instantaneous — the whole process should take less than 5 minutes.

Now that you’ve got your U.S. Capitol Visitor Center account squared away, you can navigate to the reservations page. It’s an interactive calendar that shows which tour times are available, which are fully booked, and which have a limited number of open spaces left.

Find the date you’d like to visit, find a tour time that works for you (there are tours every 10 minutes), and click through.

That takes you to the actual ticket reservation page, which helpfully shows you how many open tickets are remaining, reiterates the date and time you chose, and offers you a pulldown from which you select how many tickets you need.

You also have to agree to the fine print and agree or disagree with getting a questionnaire about your visit.

Finally, enter the code to verify that you’re a human being and hit Reserve Now to make your reservation.

There are tours available in Mandarin and Spanish, which you can reserve 3 days in advance of your visit by emailing [email protected] . There are only 50 slots for each of these tours, and there’s only 1 of each tour per day, starting at 8:40 a.m. You can get more details, including in both languages, on the foreign language tours  page.

Getting a Capitol Tour Through Your Congressperson

One of the services that your congressmen or congresswomen, whether U.S. representatives or senators, should provide you is to give you access to the Capitol.

The exact layout and details may vary from congressperson to congressperson, but the basics should be the same. First, go to your representative or one of your senators’ official websites and look for the tab for U.S. Capitol or White House tours.

Once you’re on the tour request page, fill in the necessary details, including your name and contact information, the date and time you’d like a tour, how many tickets you need, and so on. They may ask for information you won’t necessarily need for the tour, such as the number of children and everyone else’s name. You don’t need identification at the U.S. Capitol to enter or for a tour.

Once you’ve submitted your request to your congressperson for a tour reservation, it can be a matter of days, weeks, or months before you hear back. You’ll either get an email confirming the date and time of your tour reservation or an email explaining that they were unable to fulfill your request.

The U.S. Capitol doesn’t have a street address! Think of it as the point from which all U.S. streets originate, or at least as the political center of the American universe. If you’re somehow having trouble finding it on a map of Washington, D.C., look for where First Street meets East Capitol Street, between Constitution and Independence avenues at the end of the National Mall.

Walking around Washington, D.C., but can’t figure out where the Capitol Building is? It’s the one with the biggest dome on top. (And, no, that’s not the White House.)

The U.S. Capitol’s pretty obvious and easy to find. The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center isn’t as simple. It’s underground, so you need to head over to the East Front plaza of the building — on the opposite side of the main U.S. Capitol Building from the National Mall or across First Street NE from the U.S. Supreme Court — and go down a couple flights of stairs. The U.S. Capitol Building is big, so if you’re coming from most of the other Washington, D.C., attractions on the National Mall side, you need to factor that in to give yourself enough time to make it around.

You can enter the address for the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center into maps to get directions: First St SE, Washington, DC 20515 .

Once you’re down the stairs on the right side of the Capitol Building, you may ask yourself: “Is this it?”

The entrance plaza to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is underwhelming and nondescript. The line to get in, however, can get long and usually snakes up the stairs to the west, and you have to wait out in the open under the sun or in the rain. Security lets people through a few at a time.

What You Can’t Bring Into the U.S. Capitol

Once you’re inside the front doors to the center, you have to go through security, including a metal detector and bag checks.

Here’s what you’re prohibited from bringing inside the U.S. Capitol:

• Liquids, including water, though you may bring empty water bottles to fill inside
• Food or beverages of any kind, including fruit and unopened packaged food
• Aerosol containers
• Nonaerosol spray (prescriptions for medical needs are permitted)
• Any pointed object, such as knitting needles and letter openers (pens and pencils are permitted)
• Any bag larger than 18 x 14 x 8.5 inches
• Electric stun guns, martial arts weapons
• Guns, replica guns, ammunition, and fireworks
• Knives of any size
• Mace and pepper spray
• Razors and box cutters

The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center opened in late 2008 and sees 3 million visitors a year. It’s big, it’s busy, and it’s where you go to get into the U.S. Capitol proper. Once you’re inside the big space, head inside and join the lines for tours on the left.

If you’re early, or if you’ve already done a tour and want to hang around, you can move about freely in the visitor center, which has a decent number of attractions for you to explore on your own.

Exhibition Hall

The exhibition hall is a free-to-visit space that features interactive exhibits about the history of the Congress and the Capitol. Part of the hall is dedicated to demonstrating how the legislature works by guiding visitors through the process of how bills become laws. (No, none of the docents are despondent, talking scrolls .)

Other parts of the hall show how the Capitol was built up over time. A display shows you what it looked like when Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated a second time, while other displays take you on virtual tours of the rooms and halls of the Capitol you don’t get to see on the tour.

Some of it is hands-on, including the Democracy Lab , intended for children aged 8 to 14. Here, kids collaborate in educational activities meant to teach them about the Capitol and the democratic process within. (Adults must accompany the kids.)

Capitol Cafe

There is a public cafeteria in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center with a salad bar and food stations that will instantly be familiar to anyone who’s been to the biggest museums in Washington, D.C., or New York City (like the American Museum of Natural History). You get all the greatest hits of any major school field trip destination, including but not limited to burgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, pizza, a rotating “ethnic food” station, and crowd-pleasing but easily mass-produced desserts like Key lime pie and cookies .

Members of Congress have separate cafeterias, restaurants, and coffee shops in the wings of the Capitol that the public isn’t allowed in.

There are 2 gift shops in the visitor center where you can buy Capitol- and D.C.-related knickknacks, including, yes, astronaut ice cream, just like in every other museum gift shop anywhere in the capital.

Tours begin every 10 minutes from morning until 3:20 p.m. You should try to get to the visitor center early, allowing for plenty of time to race down the Mall, if need be, and get through security. Don’t count on them being loosey-goosey with the schedule. We were 2 or 3 minutes late because there was a snag at security ahead of us, and we missed our tour. We only got to take a Capitol tour because the man at the ticketing desk took pity on us and gave us same-day tickets for the next tour. All tours are led by professional tour guides — you’re handed a clunky listening device on a lanyard and a pair of headphones that are tuned to your specific guide’s frequency. That’s the only practical way you get to hear what they say, since the cavernous halls of the Capitol echo so loudly with the sounds of the thousands and thousands of people inside. You have to give the listening devices back when the tour’s over.

A typical tour takes you to the crypt, the rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall but never goes into the  Senate and House galleries . You must arrange gallery visits by contacting your U.S. representative (for the House) or senator (for the Senate).

A Capitol tour usually lasts around an hour.

The crypt doesn’t actually have any dead people in it. This relatively cozy space was built to be the permanent resting place of George Washington — who had already been buried for years and whose family, it turned out later, had no intention of digging him up. (Note to Capitol builders: Maybe check in with the widow before building a crypt for someone.)

It’s also where you get to see, close up, a number of the rotating statues that each state has sent to represent the important people in their histories. You may find some of these choices obvious, some of them baffling, and some of them infuriating. And there will be at least a few where you give your traveling companions the “Who the hell is that?” look.

Capitol Rotunda

The dome is in many ways more awe-inspiring on the inside than the outside. As the guides explain to visitors, the massive dome and the intricate details and artwork are the result of 2 centuries of painstaking work, setbacks, resets, and arguments — lots of arguments.

National Statuary Hall

The main display space for those state statues, the National Statuary Hall , looks both grandly majestic and like an extra set from the director’s cut of “Caligula.” Your guide will have more information about the statues in the hall during your visit — probably with some sort of quiz — but this, apparently, is a busy space for congresspeople to go whizzing by as they rush to make a vote. (Yes, even that one.) In fact, the outer door to the current speaker of the House and third line to the presidency, Mike Johnson of Louisiana, is so close that it looks like it could be National Statuary Hall’s cloakroom.

Want a Specialty Tour?

Was the hour-long vanilla tour not enough to quench your congressional thirst? Go to the specialty tours page to see when and where to join deeper-dive tours on specific subjects (women’s rights, Indigenous peoples, the grounds, etc.).

The U.S. Capitol is one of the most instantly recognizable buildings in the world (even if so many people get it mixed up with the White House) and is a symbol of American democracy, America’s foibles, and everything that’s both right and wrong with the country. Its history, both as a building and an institution, is remarkable, and taking a tour of it should be on the bucket list of anyone interested in American history, politics, or astronaut ice cream.

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Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra perform at the Georgia State Capitol

Choir and orchestra performed three patriotic songs as part of the state’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony.

By Christine Rappleye

ATLANTA, Georgia — The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square performed a trio of patriotic songs on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the Georgia State Capitol during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony.

Wednesday marked the 23rd anniversary of when hijacked planes crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, into the Pentagon and in a southwest Pennsylvania field. Nearly 3,000 people died.

The 310 choir members filled the grand staircase, wrapping around into the balcony while the nearly 70 orchestra members were set up next to the stairs.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, the choir sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful,” concluding the ceremony with “God Bless America,” which filled the hall and received a standing ovation.

Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp noted the choir’s “heavenly voices” on this solemn occasion of remembrance.

“Thank you to the choir for accepting our invitation to be here to help us mark this occasion in such a powerful way,” Kemp said. He added that while many choirs and orchestras have performed in the capitol building, the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra’s appearance likely set a record for the number of choir members and was “certainly one of the best sounding.”

In the aftermath of the 9/11attacks, “we all witnessed a new spirit of patriotism and courage that we must continue to drive us forward to this day,” he said.

Just the nation was shaken 23 years ago by the attacks, the state was shaken a week ago when four students died in a school shooting, the governor said.

“As we did in the days following Sept. 11, we’re all coming together to pray for the families and friends and those touched by this tragedy,” he said.

He also thanked any veterans, current military members and first responders.

Choir President Michael O. Leavitt and his wife, Sister Jacalyn Leavitt, met with Kemp and his wife, Marty Kemp, after the ceremony.

The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra are in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the southeastern U.S. stop on their multiyear, multicity “Songs of Hope” tour.

President L. Whitney Clayton , first counselor in the choir presidency, said after ceremony, “We’re taking the message of hope in Jesus Christ across the world. This particular occasion, which we remember 9/11 and the tragic events here in Georgia just a few days ago, helps us remember the need for hope, and that hope can be found if we know where to look for it. And we believe the choir’s message of hope in Jesus Christ does that.”

Also in attendance were Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt , General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and first counselor in the Church’s North America Southeast Area, and his wife, Sister Jayne Corbitt; President Gary B. Porter , second counselor in the choir presidency, and his wife, Sister Debbie Porter; Sister Kathy Clayton; Elder M. Andrew Galt, Area Seventy, and his wife, Sister Karen Galt; and Elder Robert C. Gay, an emeritus General Authority Seventy. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the choir and orchestra’s sponsoring organization.

Earlier this year, the Georgia Senate recognized The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a legislative session at the Georgia Capitol on Feb. 22 and announced the “Songs of Hope” concerts. Five senators co-sponsored the bipartisan resolution commending the Tabernacle Choir and the Church for 95 years of “ Music & the Spoken Word ” and their collaboration with the Morehouse College and Spelman College glee clubs .

This tour stop’s concluding concert is Wednesday, Sept. 11, at State Farm Arena. It will feature singers from the Morehouse College Glee Club and the Spelman College Glee Club.

The first concert of the southeastern U.S. tour stop was a bilingual Spanish/English concert in south Florida on Saturday, Sept. 7, with singers Adassa, known for her role as Dolores in “Encanto,” and Alex Melecio, one of the narrators for the Spanish “Music & the Spoken Word.”

The choir and orchestra joined with the Morehouse and Spelman glee clubs on Monday, Sept. 9, at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel.

The concerts during the tour are being livestreamed on the choir’s YouTube channel , on broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and on the Gospel Stream app, and the arena concerts will be available for on-demand viewing. (See www.choirworldtour.com for streaming information.) There are also watch parties across the southeastern U.S. to view the concerts live.

More photos of the choir, orchestra at the Georgia State Capitol

Church News’ coverage of ‘Songs of Hope’ southeastern U.S. tour stops in Florida and Georgia

• Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra in Florida for first concert of southeastern U.S. ‘Songs of Hope’ tour stop
• Singer Adassa returns to southern Florida roots for Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra ‘Songs of Hope’ bilingual concert
• ‘Spectacular’: Tabernacle Choir and the Morehouse and Spelman colleges’ glee clubs combine together as they sing, testify of Savior through music
• What the Morehouse and Spelman college glee clubs are saying about performing with the Tabernacle Choir in Georgia
• Kristin Chenoweth surprise guest artist at Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra’s final tour concert in Georgia
• How to watch the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra’s concerts in Florida and Georgia