One-Hour Tour of the U.S. Capitol
📍Address: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
Washington, DC 20510
🕰️Business Hours: 10-16
💰Average Price per Person: free
Welcome to the U.S. Capitol! This tour will take approximately one hour, covering key areas of the Capitol Building, including statues, chambers, and historical landmarks.
1. The Capitol Rotunda (15 minutes)
We begin our tour in the Rotunda, the heart of the Capitol. This grand, domed hall features some of the most significant artwork and statues in the building.
• The Apotheosis of Washington – The fresco on the dome’s interior, painted by Constantino Brumidi in 1865, depicts George Washington ascending to the heavens.
• Historical Paintings – Surrounding the Rotunda are eight large paintings illustrating key moments in American history, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
• Statues of National Heroes – You’ll find statues of figures like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., part of the National Statuary Hall Collection.
2. National Statuary Hall (15 minutes)
This semicircular chamber was originally the House of Representatives’ meeting place. Today, it houses statues donated by each state, representing notable figures in U.S. history.
• Echo Effect – The unique acoustics of the hall once allowed representatives to hear conversations from across the room.
• Famous Statues – Notable figures include Rosa Parks, Thomas Edison, and Helen Keller.
3. The Old Senate Chamber (10 minutes)
Next, we visit the Old Senate Chamber, where the Senate met from 1810 to 1859.
• Historic Decisions – This room witnessed important debates, including those on slavery and states’ rights before the Civil War.
• 19th-Century Design – The chamber retains much of its original décor, including red velvet curtains and mahogany desks.
4. The Crypt (10 minutes)
Located directly beneath the Rotunda, the Crypt was originally intended as George Washington’s burial place but now serves as a museum-like exhibit.
• The Compass Stone – Marks the precise center of Washington, D.C., from which the city’s four quadrants originate.
• Statues and Exhibits – Features exhibits on the Capitol’s history and statues of early American leaders.
5. The Capitol Visitor Center (10 minutes)
We conclude our tour at the Visitor Center, where you can explore more exhibits, visit the gift shop, or watch educational films about the Capitol.