Visitor Resources

Accessibility Services

We provide a variety of services for individuals with disabilities, including adaptive tours, sign language interpreting services and wheelchair loans.

Find Assistance

Official Business

Specific information from the U.S. Capitol Police for those coming to the U.S. Capitol campus to attend a Congressional hearing or meeting, wishing to make a delivery, etc.

Get the Details on USCP.gov

Prohibited Items

To ensure the safety and security of the U.S. Capitol campus, certain items are prohibited from being brought into the buildings and grounds.

See the List on USCP.gov

Tours & Events

The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) and the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) provide a variety of spaces to explore and programs to attend.

Go to VisitTheCapitol.gov | Go to USBG.gov

Graphic for Architect of the Capitol Family Resources: Home Activities, Virtual Tours, Videos.

Virtual Resources

Want to Visit Us From Home?

The Architect of the Capitol is delivering virtual Capitol experiences such as field trips, exhibits, videos and student activities.

Virtual Resources

New & Noteworthy

What's Happening

Projects

At the AOC, It's Always Home Improvement Time

While most people have one structure to take care of, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is hard at work on multiple projects to care for the buildings across Capitol Hill.

A member of the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team at work in the park above the House office buildings garage.

Behind the Scenes

New Pesticide Recertification Program

Recertifications during the COVID-19 pandemic required a new approach.

Map illustration of John Adam's route: 1. Philadelphia 2. Downingtown 3. Lancaster 4. York 5. Frederick 6. Rockville 7. Georgetown *. Final Destination: Washington, D.C.

History & Discoveries

John Adams' Carriage Ride to Washington D.C., in 1800

President John Adams issued a letter to all federal agencies on May 15, 1800, directing the "removal of the public offices, clerks and papers" from the capital city of Philadelphia. In that single sentence, Adams started the final move of the U.S. government to its permanent home, the newly created city of Washington, in the District of Columbia.

One of the four Olmsted lanterns on the west side of the U.S. Capitol Grounds, restored in 2020.

Projects

Olmsted Lanterns Restoration

The large bronze and glass lanterns are mounted on stately sandstone piers with intricately carved sandstone caps.

Explore the Season

Summer at the U.S. Capitol

Across the Capitol campus, visitors can find relief in the cool shade of thousands of trees and aquatic inspiration from more than 20 water features.

Explore Summer