Library of Congress
Washington, DC · Capitol HillFree
From the second-floor overlook in the Library of Congress, across First Street from the Capitol, you look down into the Main Reading Room. Tuesday through Friday, free first-come…
Photo: Noclip / Public domain · source
Attractions
United States Capitol
About
You get inside the U.S. Capitol on a free guided tour of about an hour, which starts underground in the Visitor Center at First Street and East Capitol Street. It covers the Crypt, the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall, where the House met until 1857. The House and Senate galleries aren't on it. In the Rotunda, Brumidi's 1865 fresco The Apotheosis of Washington is 180 feet over your head, with figures up to 15 feet tall. Book ahead if you can. Walk-ins should arrive by 2:30 p.m., and it's closed Sundays. Bring nothing to eat or drink and no bag over 18 by 14 by 8.5 inches, because there's no bag storage.
Highlights
Free guided tours from the Capitol Visitor CenterThe Rotunda and its frescoed domeNational Statuary HallTour reservations recommended
Getting there
First Street and East Capitol Street, Washington, DC 20510
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