Capitol Visitor Center

The CVC jurisdiction manages the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Completed in 2008, the facility serves as the main entrance for those visiting the U.S. Capitol Building.

The facility offers a welcoming and educational atmosphere for visitors to learn about the unique characteristics of the House, the Senate and the legislative process, as well as the history and development of the architecture and art of the U.S. Capitol. It provides exhibits, a restaurant, two orientation theaters, a large auditorium and two gift shops to enhance the visitor experience. More than 24 million people from around the world have visited the CVC since its opening.

Contact the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center at 202.226.8000, book a tour online or go to visitthecapitol.gov.

The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is open to visitors from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day.

Projects

Capitol Visitor Center Projects

The U.S. Capitol dome model in Exhibition Hall of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.

Exhibition Hall Renovations

The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center's Exhibition Hall will close beginning March 5, 2019, for renovations. During the renovation period, the Capitol Visitor Center will continue to offer a full calendar of tours and programs. Exhibition Hall is expected to reopen in 2021.

Noteworthy Updates

CVC employee sewing face masks during the novel coronavirus.

Doing Good

Capitol Visitor Center Employees Find Ways To Give

The coronavirus inspired many of us to wonder what, if anything, we could do to help when it seemed the needs around us were overwhelming.

The Capitol Materials Cart being shown to visitors in Emancipation Hall.

Programs & Events

Cool Tools: Capitol Materials Cart

The new U.S. Capitol Materials Cart Program showcases a variety of AOC trades, including masonry, sheet metal, paint and wood-crafting.

A school group explores the 11-foot-tall touchable scale model of the U.S. Capitol dome in the Capitol Visitor Center's Exhibition Hall.

Public Notice

Exhibition Hall to Close in March

March 4, 2019, is the last day to visit Exhibition Hall in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center before the space undergoes renovations through 2021. During the renovation period, the Capitol Visitor Center will continue to offer a full calendar of tours and programs.