United States Capitol (guided tour)
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United States Capitol - by Louis Velazquez on Unsplash
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Description
The United States Capitol is the meeting place of the US Congress (House of Representatives in the south wing and Senate in the north wing). It was completed in 1800, shortly after the choice of the location of the USA's new capital and the creation of Washington DC in 1791. The neoclassical style of the capitol was inspired by the Paris Pantheon and the east front of the Louvre. The Rotunda was added in 1866. Tours last 45mins and guides take visitors to the Crypt, the Rotunda and the Statuary Hall. Before the tour starts, you’ll see a brief orientation film.
Access & Transport
The building is located on Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall. Mero station 'Capitol South Station' (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) is 400m to the south and Union Station (Red line and trains) is 800m to the north.
Instructions & Recommendations
Passes are required for tours of the historic Capitol and must be reserved in advance: https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/book-tour-capitol The tour does not include visiting the Senate and House Galleries, which require separate passes.
Environmental & Social
The Capitol Campus has seen a dramatic reduction in energy intensity and rise in recycling in the last 15 years (refer to the Architect of the Capitol report). The tours themselves have no incremental carbon footprint ad have an educational aspect.
Conclusion
A sight not to be missed for a first-time traveller to Washington DC and those interested by the history of the building and keen to learn more about the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government should definitely book a guided tour.
Key positive
Stunning building in size and design
Free guided tours
Key negative
Not many areas open to visit
Generally need to book several days in advance
Suitability
Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility and no age restrictions.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
Updated in August 2023
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 20m
Monday08:30 - 16:30
Tuesday08:30 - 16:30
Wednesday08:30 - 16:30
Thursday08:30 - 16:30
Friday08:30 - 16:30
Saturday08:30 - 16:30
Sunday -