Dirksen Senate Office Building

The Dirksen Senate Office Building is a government building in Washington, D.C., constructed from marble and limestone along Constitution Avenue Northeast. It contains seven floors designed to house Senate offices, committee rooms, and support facilities for lawmakers.

Construction began in 1956 after World War II created a need for additional Senate office space, and the building opened in 1958. This expansion allowed the Senate to manage its growing administrative workload more effectively.

The bronze doors at the main entrance display the American eagle alongside inscriptions symbolizing equality and liberty, reflecting core national values that visitors encounter as they arrive.

The building is open to visitors, but security screening is required to enter, so plan to allow extra time for access. Comfortable footwear is recommended, as exploring the various floors and corridors involves considerable walking.

The roof was retrofitted in 2011 with a sustainable green roof that converted a former tennis court into a planted garden space. This hidden green space offers a surprising contrast to the urban setting of the city.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: October 15, 1958

Architects: Eggers & Higgins

Official opening: October 15, 1958

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts, modern architecture

Website: https://aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/buildings-grounds/senate-office-buildings/dirksen

GPS coordinates: 38.89310,-77.00530

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:20