Visiting D.C.

• The White House (3 Months Notice Required)

  Free, self-guided tours of the White House are offered on a limited basis to members of the public.  The White House is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday, excluding federal holidays.  Please note that start times are determined at the sole discretion of the White House.

  White House tours can be requested no more than 3 months in advance and no later than 3 weeks in advance.  In order to maximize the likelihood of securing a tour, we suggest sending us your request at least 3 months in advance.

  Prior to your tour of the White House, you may be interested in visiting the White House Visitor Center to learn about the history of our nation's most important home.  The White House Visitor Center is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, between 14th and 15th Streets, NW. The Center is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Admission is free for the general public.

• The Capitol Building

  The United States Capitol Building remains the foremost symbol of Washington, D.C., and is one of the most visited sites in the city.  Many state capitol buildings were modeled after its innovative design, including the Rhode Island State House.  The Capitol also houses an important collection of American art and is an architectural achievement in its own right.  It remains a working office building as well as a tourist destination that plays host to millions of visitors each year.

  Tours of the US Capitol are arranged through the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC).  At nearly 580,000 square feet, the CVC is approximately three quarters the size of the Capitol itself.  In addition to tours of the Capitol Building itself, the CVC hosts exhibits, food service, two orientation theaters, an auditorium, and gift shops for visitors.

  My office is also happy to schedule you a guided tour of the Capitol Building, Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please note that preferred start times are available on a first-come, first-served basis so we ask that you request up to three months in advance especially if requesting during peak tour season (March-September).

  For further information, including travel advice and restricted items, please consult the CVC's website at http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/.

• The Library of Congress

  The Library of Congress is one of the oldest research institutions in the country.  It boasts an impressive collection of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs and other original historical documents.  One of the main goals of the library is to make this information readily available both to the general public and to Members of Congress.  We urge you to visit the library to learn about the history, architecture, and collections of America’s oldest cultural institution.

  The Library of Congress offers timed passes for self-guided tours.  You can reserve timed entry here.  My office is also happy to reserve you timed passes.

• The United States Supreme Court

  The Supreme Court building is the birthplace of thousands of significant court decisions guiding American legal history.  Exhibits and lectures detailing these historic events are offered on a rotating basis throughout the year. 

  The Supreme Court is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00am-3:00pm on days when the Court is not in session.  Lectures are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are free of charge.  Lectures are generally scheduled at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm.

• The Kennedy Center

  The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts is the nation’s performing arts center and a living tribute to President John F. Kennedy. Visitors to the Kennedy Center may tour the storied Hall of States and Hall of Nations, the Center's main theaters, and dozens of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks given to the Center by foreign countries.  

  Guided tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays and between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the weekend.  No appointment is necessary for groups of twenty or more.  Please call the Kennedy Center Visitor’s Center at (202) 416-8340 to book a private tour.

  The Kennedy Center also offers free performances most days at 6 p.m. on its Millennium Stage. Tickets are not required, but seating is limited and is done on a first-come, first-served basis.

• The Pentagon

  Tours are currently not being offered.  Please check back on this page for updates.

• The Bureau of Engraving and Printing

  Tours are currently not being offered.  Please check back on this page for updates.