Tour the White House and U.S. Capitol Building

White House. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is probably the most famous address in America. It’s the precise location of the White House, home of U.S. presidents for more than 200 years. There are 132 rooms, 32 bathrooms, and 6 levels to accommodate all the people who live in, work in and visit this historic building. At various times, the White House has been known as the “President’s Palace,” the “President’s House,” and the “Executive Mansion.” President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name in 1901. Approximately 6,000 people take public tours each day. For more information, visit www.whitehouse.gov/history/life

White House Tours. Public tours of the White House are available for groups of 10 or more. Requests must be submitted through one’s Member of Congress and are accepted up to six months in advance. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (excluding federal holidays) and are scheduled on a first come, first served basis approximately one month in advance of the requested date. It’s recommended that requests are submitted as early as possible since a limited number of tours are available. All White House tours are free of charge. For the most current tour information, call the 24-hour line at 202.456.7041. For more information, visit www.whitehouse.gov/history/tours  [Top]

U.S. Capitol. The architecturally impressive United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. has housed the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives for almost two centuries. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended and restored. Today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and their government. For more information, visit www.aoc.gov/cc/capitol/index.cfm

U.S. Capitol Tours. The Capitol is open to the public for guided tours only. Tours are conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Capitol is open on all federal holidays except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Visitors are able to obtain free tickets for tours on a first-come, first-served basis at the Capitol Guide Service kiosk located along the curving sidewalk southwest of the Capitol (near the intersection of First Street, S.W. and Independence Avenue). Ticket distribution begins at 9:00 a.m. daily. For more information, visit www.aoc.gov/cc/visit/index.cfm  [Top]