United States Capitol Visitor Center
United States Capitol Visitor Center, Underground visitor center at the Capitol in Washington, United States
The center extends across three underground levels beneath the East Plaza of the Capitol, between Constitution and Independence Avenues, covering 580,000 square feet.
The facility opened on December 2, 2008, following ten years of construction and a 621 million dollar investment to enhance Capitol security measures.
The permanent exhibition displays historical documents, artifacts, and interactive media stations that chronicle the history of Congress and Capitol construction.
Free Capitol tours begin with a 13-minute orientation film and require passes, which can be obtained online or at the center on the same day.
Emancipation Hall, the central space, features a plaster model of the Statue of Freedom that stands atop the Capitol dome.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Inception: 2008
Architects: RTKL Associates, Architect of the Capitol
Official opening: December 2, 2008
Floors above the ground: 0
Floors below the ground: 3
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Part of: United States Capitol
Address: First St NE, Washington, DC 20515
Phone: +12022268000
Website: https://visitthecapitol.gov
GPS coordinates: 38.88972,-77.00833
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:49
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