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VISITOR HOURS

Visitor hours for the Thomas Jefferson Building:

Monday | CLOSED Tuesday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., last entry at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., last entry at 4:30 p.m. Thursday | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., last entry at 7:30 p.m. Friday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., last entry at 4:30 p.m. Saturday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., last entry at 4:30 p.m. Sunday | CLOSED

The Library buildings are  closed  New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.

While the Library is closed for research, the  Thomas Jefferson Building is open for visitors  on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day.

A limited number of same-day passes are made available each open day at 9:00 a.m. EST. An individual can reserve up to (20) timed-entry passes for their visit.

Please note: your timed-entry pass gains you entry to the Library’s public spaces and exhibitions. If you are interested in research, please visit this page to learn more.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Information for, accessibility, sign in/sign up.

Contact Person Information *

Secondary person contact information, group escort information *, group address.

Visitors must abide by all Library guidelines, including those listed below and/or guidelines posted at the Library. If a visitor or a member of their party fails to follow these guidelines, they may be denied entry or be asked to leave the premises.

Please review the following requirements and acknowledge your compliance below:

• TIMED ENTRY: Every Library of Congress visitor, regardless of age, must reserve timed-entry passes in order to maintain safe capacity levels in the Thomas Jefferson Building. Please bring your digital or printed pass to be scanned with a touchless device when you arrive at the Library.

o A limited number of timed-entry passes are available for each open day.

o Visitors can reserve timed-entry passes up to 30 days in advance on a rolling basis.

o Same-day timed-entry passes are released online at 9:00 a.m. EST each open day.

o Timed-entry pass reservations can be made for up to 20 people.

o Timed-entry passes may not be sold or transferred. Passes are valid only for the issued date and time and are void if altered.

o If you cannot visit the Library on your scheduled date, you may cancel your pass by contacting [email protected]. Passes cannot be transferred to alternate days.

o Please do not arrive before the entry time on your timed-entry pass.

o Visitors with timed-entry passes will be able to enter the Library until thirty minutes prior to building closure.

• MASKING: Masks are optional.

• GROUPS: Groups larger than 20 must contact [email protected] prior to reserving passes. Group reservations may be made up to 60 days in advance. Please be advised – voice amplification systems are not permitted inside the Thomas Jefferson Building.

• YOUNG VISITORS: Visitors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

• GUIDED EXPERIENCES (TOURS): The Library of Congress is not currently offering guided experiences or tours. Your visit will be self-guided. Volunteers are stationed throughout the building to provide directions, answer your questions and share stories about the Library’s building and collections.

• SELF-GUIDING THROUGH THE LIBRARY: Please be aware that navigating the Library’s public spaces in their entirety will take approximately 90 minutes, and will require about .5 miles of walking. Our highest visitation is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily. During this timeframe, there may be long lines to access the Main Reading Room Overlook.

• SECURITY: All visitors must navigate “airport-like” security to enter the Thomas Jefferson Building. We encourage you to limit the number of personal belongings and bags you bring into our facilities as they will be subject to a thorough search. Limiting the items you bring will increase your speed through security checkpoints, helping us all maintain a safe social distance.

• PERSONAL BELONGINGS: There is a coat check station available on the Ground Floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building. Backpacks, bags, coats, strollers, and other personal items may be checked at no cost to the visitor.

• SHOPPING AND DINING: The Library Shop is open whenever the building is accessible to visitors. The Madison Cafe (6th Floor of the James Madison Building), Subway (Ground Floor of the James Madison Building) and Dunkin’ Donuts (Ground Floor of the James Madison Building) are open until 2pm for visitors.

• PRIVACY: The Library of Congress will safeguard the personal information that you submit on this form and use it only for the purpose of facilitating your visit. More on the Library’s Privacy Policy at https://www.loc.gov/legal/privacy-policy.

Visiting the Library of Congress

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

Library of Congress Tours

The Library of Congress Building on Capitol Hill is one of Washington, DC's best architectural treasures and a must-visit for all.

Better still, it's free to enter , whether you are using the library for research or a visiting tourist.

And, as local tour guides who regularly lead tours here, we are lucky to have jobs with some of the best office space in the world.

A few of us have researched here, and one of our guides even worked here.

And, as tour guides, we are asked daily about how to visit, when is the best time, etc.

It's also a regular topic of discussion in our Washington, DC Travel Tips Facebook group, where our tour guides answer your questions about Washington, DC.

So, we decided to use our personal experiences and expertise to create to answer as many of your questions as possible.

This post explains how to take a Library of Congress tour as well as highlights and exhibits that you will see.

Be sure to join us on one of our  Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Tours .

• Timed Tickets
• Plan Your Visit
• Guided Tours
• Self-Guided Tour
• Current Exhibitions
• How to Get a Library Card
• Things to Do in DC

Why I love taking guests to the Library of Congress

Timed tickets.

As of 2023, the Library requires timed tickets in order to visit inside.

Admission to the Library of Congress is still free, but you will need to make reservations before arriving.

This process takes about 5 minutes and they usually have more than enough spots open each day.

Tickets can be reserved up to 30 days in advance, so you have plenty of time to plan out your trip.

That said, even visitors making plans the night before should have few if any issues. If you find the date you want is full, same day tickets are released at 9am the day of online.

Even if you forgot to reserve tickets, you can always take the Capitol & Library of Congress Tour , which runs twice a day, Tuesday through Saturday

We talk about and see the of the Library of Congress, as well as the Supreme Court and US Capitol.

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PLAN YOUR VISIT

The Library of Congress is home to over 158 million items including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, films, and more.

Today, the complex has multiple buildings but the most breathtaking is the original: the Thomas Jefferson Building.

Best Time to Visit

How to get here.

• Things to Do Nearby

The Library of Congress is free to visit and open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm (open late on Thursdays) and is closed on Sundays , Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

While timed tickets are required , there is not one time that is better than the others.

The Main Reading Room is open to visitors:

• 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday-Friday
• 2 pm to 3 pm Tuesday-Friday
• Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Because of this unique experience, these times are often busier.

When the main reading room is not open to visitors, you can still view it via the second floor overlook.

Address : 10 First Street, SE, Washington, DC 20540 ( map ).  

We recommend using the map link to get exact directions, as there are 4 Metro lines in two stations for access to the Jefferson Building.

The closest is  Capitol South ( Orange / Silver / Blue ), which is just a 5-minute walk. The other is  Union Station ( Red ), which is a 15-minute walk.

Learn more about riding the Metro with our guide .

Find and reserve available parking in the area with SpotHero .

You can also access the Library of Congress and bypass security if you're already in the Capitol Visitor Center.

There is a tunnel that connects the two buildings, allowing you to go to the Library of Congress without having to go back through security.

The tunnel will bring you to the basement level of the Library, where you'll also find the Visitor Desk and the start of their guided docent-led tours.

As with most buildings in D.C., expect to go through security. You can find their exact guidelines here.

There is no eating or drinking allowed in the building, though visitors are allowed to enter as long as any food or drink is stored in a bag.

Photography is allowed in most of the building, though there is no flash photography allowed in the Bibles, the Reading Room, and the Jefferson Room.

If you're visiting the U.S. Capitol Building first, you do not need to go through security again at the Library of Congress, if you take the access tunnel that connects both.  

Do note that food and drink are not permitted in the Capitol.

Things to do Nearby

The Library of Congress is part of Capitol Hill, so make a half-day of it and also visit:

• United States Capitol Building
• Supreme Court Building

You're also walking distance from Union Station, where you'll find a nearby Metro Station and a food court for quick meal options.

It's a beautiful building in its own right, so take our self-guided tour of the building while you're at it.

About a 10-minute walk along Pennsylvania Ave, you'll find Eastern Market.

It is one of our favorite neighborhoods to explore local restaurants, or join our Eastern Market Food Tour !

TOURS OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

The Library of Congress offers tours of the Thomas Jefferson Building, including guided, self-guided, and virtual tours.

Take a Guided tour with us!

Our Capitol Hill & Library of Congress tour with VisitDC tours included ticketed access and a guided tour of the interior of the Library of Congress.

Official Guided Tours

These are the official tours that visitors enjoy on most days of the week.

This free general tour covers the art and architecture of the Jefferson Building, including a view into the main reading room, as well as the history and purpose of the library itself.

Each tour lasts 1 hour and takes place every day, except Sundays. Tours depart from the ground floor information desk.

Reserved Group Tours

The Library also offers special docent-led tours to groups of 10 or more.

These tours must be prearranged by calling the Visitor Services Office: at (202) 707-8000 or emailing them at [email protected].

The reserved group tours include:

• Thomas Jefferson: The Man and His Ideas
• Music and Performing Arts
• Exploring the Early Americas

Self-Guided and Online Tours

Below, we have provided our extensive self-guided tour of the interior and exterior of the Jefferson Building.

The library itself offers an offer an online tou r, though we recommend using our self-guided tour below.

On-site, visitors can find interactive touch-screen displays that explain what is in view of the visitor.

SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Once you pass security, the first major room is the Great Hall. As you enter the Great Hall, you'll immediately look up.

This interior section of the building is nearly double the height of the entrance hall.

The works you see all around you are the efforts of 50 artists to contribute to the sculptures, paintings, and murals.

Scroll and zoom in to take a closer look at the Great Hall

Above you, look at the rose windows in the ceiling.

Most people assume that it is silver leaf surrounding the stained glass windows, but it is an aluminum leaf, which is more valuable at the time than silver leaf.

The various single names you see inscribed on the ceiling throughout the building are the last names of authors who have made great contributions to literature.

The first one most people spot is Bacon!

Below you are the symbols of the zodiac signs surrounding a brass inlay of the sun in the center.

Look at the staircases on either side of the Great Hall. Along the outside of each banister, you'll see " putti " which was popular during the Italian Renaissance.

These figures each represent a different profession or hobby that was popular in American life at the time of construction.

If you look closely at these little boys, each is holding an attribute of their profession.

A mechanic holds a wrench, an artist holds a paintbrush, and an etymologist holds a butterfly net.

See if you can figure out what jobs are portrayed by looking at each of the items held by the putti .

The original idea was to put sculptures of adult men holding these symbols of professions but the proportions did not work out as well within the banister as the putti. 

In the center of each banister at each side, the theme of the entire library is once again represented: the universality of knowledge.

On either side of the globe, figures represent the Americas and Africa on one side with a view of these continents on the globe they hold and a view of Europe and Asia on the opposite side of the Great Hall.

The Bible Collection

View a rare, perfect copy of the Gutenberg Bible (the first Bible printed using the printing press).

Here you can view a bible from the 1400s Germany.

See how the typeface of the printed Gutenberg Bible is similar to handwriting? They didn't have Times New Roman back then!

Once you've seen those, head upstairs to the upper level of the Great Hall. 

Note the groves worn into the marble steps from more than a century of fellow travelers and researchers.

On the east side of the building, you'll see a set of steps leading up to the Main Reading Room Overlook.

The Main Reading Room

Though technically not an exhibit, this is certainly a spectacle that should not be missed during your visit to Washington, DC.

Have you seen National Treasure 2?

This is the room that hides the Presidential Book of Secrets (we can neither confirm nor deny that it is really there.)

To view the Main Reading Room, you can access the overlook from the second level of the Jefferson building.

The Main Reading Room will be open to visitors from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and again from 2 pm to 3 pm Tuesday-Friday.

A set of stairs in the back leads to a small walk-through so you can have a peek into this beautiful room.

The library discourages flash photography and talking in the walk-through as there are often researchers below.

During busy times, a staff member is on hand to monitor the line but otherwise, just head up the steps and stay to the right!

As you head up the stairs toward the viewing platform, you will be greeted by a large mosaic of Minerva, the Roman Goddess of Wisdom, holding a list of fields of study and accompanied by an animal we all associate with wisdom: the owl.

Inside the Main Reading Room, look up towards the dome.

The personification of Human Understanding is surrounded by twelve figures that represent the various cultures that have contributed to the universality of knowledge.

• Egypt represents Written Records.
• Judea represents Religion.
• Greece represents Philosophy.
• Rome represents Administration.
• Islam represents Physics.
• The Middle Ages represent Modern Languages.
• Italy represents Fine Arts.
• Germany represents the Art of Printing.
• Spain represents Discovery.
• England represents Literature.
• France represents Emancipation.
• America represents Science.

The bronze statues depict men who have contributed to:

• Religion : Saint Paul the Apostle ( a leader of the first generation of Christians) and Moses ( Hebrew prophet, teacher, and leader)
• Commerce : Christopher Columbus ( explorer and navigator who helped open the Americas to European colonization ) and Robert Fulton ( American engineer and inventor known for the steam-powered engine )
• History : Edward Gibbon ( author of The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire) and Herodotus (Greek author of the first great narrative history produced in the ancient world, the History of the Greco-Persian Wars )
• Art : Ludwig van Beethoven ( German composer and musician between the Classical and Romantic periods. and Michelangelo ( Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, and poet )
• Philosophy : Plato ( Ancient Greek philosopher ) and Francis Bacon (British lawyer, statesman, and philosopher)
• Poetry : William Shakespeare ( English poet, dramatist, and actor ) and Homer (the  supposed author of the Illiad and Odyssey )
• Law : Solon ( Athenian statesmen) and James Kent ( helped shape common laws of both the new United States and England )
• Science : Sir Isaac Newton ( English physicist and mathematician ) and Joseph Henry ( American scientist )

Want to see the Main Reading Room up close? A few times a year on certain holidays the Main Reading Room is open to visitors!

The Thomas Jefferson Building, an Italian Renaissance-inspired structure, opened in 1897 to great renown.

When people visited Washington, they didn't write home about the Capitol Building or the White House, instead, they wrote home about the Library of Congress.

In many ways, the grandiosity of the building was an attempt (and a successful one) to prove America's strength in science, literature, and the arts - subjects that European countries had been dominating for hundreds of years.

For example, the building's dome, which is topped with the "Torch of Learning," is plated in 23-carat gold.

The art featured in the building is meant to showcase human achievement.

However, it also reveals the prejudice of the time, as most of the great thinkers featured throughout the building are male and Westerners.

However, representing the universality of knowledge, there are also thirty-three ethnological heads, which show a wide variety of countries and cultures, that surround the exterior of the building.

As you move to walk up the steps, take a moment to view the fountain on the road level.

This fountain of Neptune, the Roman God of the Sea. His sister, Minerva, is featured inside the building.

The king is surrounded by his court with his sons, the Tritons, and horses, symbolizing water.

He protects the sea of knowledge that is the Library of Congress' collections behind him.

The grand figure of Neptune would be 12 feet tall if he were standing!

While the fountain is not always on, the wavy lines of the sculptures do mimic the flowing of the water.

A particular favorite is the "spitting" turtles at the front of the fountain.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

There are permanent and rotating exhibits at the Library of Congress, and now there are also ones you can view virtually:

• Rosa Parks In Her Own Words
• Shall Not Be Denied: Women Fight for the Vote
• Comic Art: 120 Years of Panels and Pages

PERMANENT EXHIBITS

Thomas Jefferson Library Collection

On the upper level of the Great Hall, you'll find the Thomas Jefferson Collection in the south gallery.

The actual collection is in the back room so you will have to walk through one of the Library's rotating exhibits to get to it.

A must-see while visiting the Library of Congress is the collection of Thomas Jefferson.

After the Burning of Washington in 1814, the original library collection was destroyed.

Jefferson sold his 6,487 books to create a new collection but his was different - it included a Latin translation of Euclid's Geometry and a book on beekeeping.

He said that there was no topic that one day Congress might not need.

His collection is circular and you can imagine Jefferson at his desk in his swivel chair surrounded by his books.

They are organized into three categories: Memory, Reason, and Imagination, as directed by Jefferson.

He, however, arranged his books on each shelf by size.

When you're viewing the books, they are not all originals owned by Thomas Jefferson.

Nearly two-thirds were lost in another fire but the Library was able to recreate the collection. Look closely at each book and you'll see a tag sticking out of the pages on the top.

• Gold : original to Jefferson Collection
• Green : purchased by the Library, but same year and edition as Jeffersons'
• Call Number/No Tag: was already in the Library collection, but the same year and edition as Jeffersons'
• No Book: They are still looking for one! Have any 18th c. books at home?

Mapping A Growing Nation: From Independence to Statehood  - North Gallery - First Floor.

Abel Bu ell’s New and Correct Map of the United States of North America is the first map of the newly independent United States compiled, printed, and published in America by an American. Learn more .

ROTATING EXHIBITS

Geppi Gems - Graphic Arts Galleries, Ground Floor, Thomas Jefferson Building

Highlights from the closed Geppi Entertainment Museum in Baltimore, the aim of this exhibit show how comics are a part of modern entertainment.

You'll see items including Walt Disney’s iconic characters, westerns, superheroes, science fiction, horror, sports, music, and entertainment.

Not An Ostrich: And Other Images from America's Library - Southwest Gallery, Thomas Jefferson Building

This exhibit explores photography from daguerreotypes to contemporary digital technology.

The earliest exhibit is from 1839.

From the collection of photographs at the Library of Congress, these curated pieces show you unfamiliar people and places and some offer a different view of popular events and themes.

View All Pieces from the Exhibit

HOW TO GET A LIBRARY OF CONGRESS LIBRARY CARD

Visitors can obtain a library card at the reader registration station in Room LM-140 of the Madison Building.

This building is across Independence Ave from the Jefferson Building.

You will also have to go through security to enter this building. Room LM 140 is on the ground level to the left of security.

Must be 16 years old or older, have a valid driver's license or passport, and complete a brief registration process to qualify.

HISTORY OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the oldest federal cultural institution in the country.

When the capital officially moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., President John Adams signed an act that stipulated that a library be made available to Congress and that a "suitable apartment" be created to contain it.

Thus, $5,000 was appropriated by Congress to establish the Library of Congress, which was originally housed in the Capitol Building.

However, in 1814, British troops arrived in Washington, D.C. with the intention of destroying the capital city.

The Capitol Building was burned, and all of the books in the Library of Congress were lost with it.

Shortly thereafter, retired President Thomas Jefferson offered to sell his entire collection -- over 6,000 books -- to the U.S. government to establish a new Library of Congress.

His collection caused some controversy; Jefferson's library included books in foreign languages, as well as books on philosophy, science, and mathematics.

Yet, Jefferson emphasized that "there is no subject to which a Member of Congress may not have occasion to refer."

The government eventually purchased his entire collection for $23,950.

In 1870, the size of the Library would increase dramatically as the Copyright Law was passed, requiring that all copyright applicants send 2 copies of their work to the Library of Congress.

The now rapidly growing collection required more space, and so Congress commissioned a new building, specifically dedicated for use by the Library, to be built.

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Visiting the Library of Congress in Washington, DC

The largest library in the world makes for a fascinating historical and literary experience in the nation’s capital..

What and where is the Library of Congress?

The Library of Congress is housed across three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC: the Thomas Jefferson Building (10 1st Street SE), the James Madison Memorial Building (101 Independence Avenue SE) and the John Adams Building (2nd Street SE, between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street). The library houses more than 164 million items, from books to photos to recordings to maps to…much, much more. It also serves as a museum, with numerous exhibits inside the incredible Thomas Jefferson Building.

Adam Sorensen

All the Library of Congress’ buildings can be entered free of charge. The Thomas Jefferson Building is open from Monday – Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. The building is closed every Sunday and on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The James Madison Memorial Building and the John Adams Building are primarily used for research – learn more about the Library of Congress’ buildings , including tours and current exhibitions, and check out the hours for reading rooms across the three buildings.

The easiest way to reach the Library of Congress is via Metrorail or the DC Circulator’s Union Station-Navy Yard Metro route. The closest Metro stop is Capitol South station on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines. Simply exit the station using the main exit and walk two blocks north on First Street SE. The Union Station-Navy Yard route stops on First Street, making for a short walk to the Library of Congress’ buildings.

What’s inside the Library of Congress?

The best visitor experience can be found inside the Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building. You will be dazzled upon walking in the door of the Jefferson Building. Gilded Age architecture makes its interior a visual masterpiece, a work of art worthy of housing the immense amount of knowledge that it holds. Once you’re done snapping photos for Instagram, it’s time to explore the building’s many exhibits.

Mr.TinDC via Flickr

Currently, seven of the Thomas Jefferson Building’s exhibits are ongoing. Here to Stay: The Legacy of George and Ira Gershwin reveals the lives of the sibling duo and their powerful influence on modern music. The Swann Gallery is a fun dive into political cartoons, comics, animation art and caricatures, while the Herblock Gallery reveals the imaginative work of political cartoonist Herbert L. Block. Thomas Jefferson’s Library is a stunning recreation of the Founding Father’s immense collection of books that founded the Library of Congress.

Exploring the Early Americas chronicles Native American culture and their conflict with Europeans. Notably, the exhibit features Martin Waldseemüller’s 1507 map of the world, the first to feature the word “America”. Hope for America: Performers, Politics and Pop Culture focuses on the career of Bob Hope and many other entertainers who have engaged with politics in their work, and how this intersection impacts American society. Mapping a Growing Nation: From Independence to Statehood showcases the first map of the independent U.S. compiled, printed and published in America by an American (his name was Abel Buell).

There are also numerous exhibits inside the Jefferson Building that rotate regularly. Make sure to check out all of the current exhibitions at the Library of Congress.

The Library of Congress also frequently hosts events and tours – take a look at the events calendar for your planning. The institution also curates the National Book Festival every year, and often hosts an outdoor film festival on its grounds during the summer.

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Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is currently offering  Timed Entry Reservations  that must be booked by visitors directly. Passes are offered every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST, in 15-minute increments.

U.S. Capitol

The Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and time-entry passes are being offered in 10-minute increments. The Capitol Visitor Center is not open on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Inauguration Day. Tours consist of visiting the Crypt, the Rotunda, the Old Supreme Court Chamber, and National Statuary Hall. The tour route is subject to change.

Tours of the Capitol can be provided by the Capitol Visitor Center or a member of Rep. Levin’s staff. To book a tour led by a guide from the Capitol Visitor Center, please use this link   https://www.visitthecapitol. gov/ .

If you would like to book a tour led by a member of Rep. Levin’s staff, please complete the Tour Request Form at the bottom of the page and indicate this in the notes section of the form. If you have trouble scheduling a U.S. Capitol tour, please reach out to our office at (202) 225-3906 and we can assist you with securing a tour.

House Galleries are open to the public. When the House is in session, the Galleries open to visitors 30 minutes prior to the start of each session and remain open until adjournment. When the House is not in session, the Galleries are open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. You can find the House calendar  here . The House Galleries are closed on federal holidays and are subject to unplanned, temporary closures when the House is out of session. If you are interested in extending your Capitol tour to include the House galleries, please indicate so when completing the tour request form.

Supreme Court

Although the Supreme Court does not offer guided walking tours, visitors are encouraged to tour public portions of the building on a  self-guided  basis on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. In addition to the Courtroom, portions of the first and ground floors are open to the public. Court sessions, including handing down of opinions, are also open to the public. Seating for the oral argument sessions will be provided to the public, members of the Supreme Court bar, and press. Courtroom seating is available to the public on a first-come, first-seated basis. Visitors should be aware that the business of the Court may from time to time affect public access to the building or alter the programming offered. For more information, please visit the Supreme Court’s website at  https://www.supremecourt.gov/ .

FBI Experience

FBI Experience tours are available Monday through Friday at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM, excluding Federal holidays or unless otherwise noted. FBI Experience tours must be requested at least four weeks in advance, and all tours are limited to ten visitors. When you complete the tour request form, please also indicate that you are interested in an FBI Experience tour. Please note that our office will need to secure required personal information – i.e., social security number, country of birth, citizenship, etc. – for the FBI security check process from each visitor in order to submit a tour request.

White House

Public tours of the White House are available from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM EST, Tuesday through Saturday, excluding Federal holidays or unless otherwise noted. White House tours must be requested at least three weeks in advance. All tickets are provided to constituents on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the large number of visitors, please request a White House tour as early as possible to maximize your chances of securing tickets.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP)

BEP offers U.S. Currency Production Tours. The BEP Visitor Center is open from 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday, with last entry at 2:45 PM. BEP is closed on weekends, Federal holidays, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Our office can request up to 10 tickets per group for tours that start at 8:15 AM and 8:45 AM, Monday through Friday. These tickets must be requested at least 14 business days before your earliest requested date, and may be reserved up to six months in advance. BEP is unable to accommodate every request. If you would like to reserve a tour at 8:15 AM or 8:45 AM, please complete the Tour Request Form at the bottom of the page and indicate this in the notes section of the form.

BEP also offers public tours at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Tickets for public tours are distributed daily beginning at 8:00 AM on a first-come first-serve basis at BEP's tour entrance, located at 14th and C Streets, SW.

For more information on sightseeing and attractions, please visit the  Washington, DC Tourism Information  page.

To submit a tour or ticket request,  please complete the  Tour Request Form .

If you have any questions, please call our Washington, DC, office at (202) 225-3906.

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A Library for You: Experience the Library of Congress

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The Library of Congress is creating an all new visitor experience that will invite visitors to discover more of the Library’s treasures, programs and service on behalf of the American people. We call this new visitor experience A Library for You.

We’ve developed a blueprint that transforms the experience for the nearly 2 million people who visit the Library each year. Over the next few years, construction will bring a new look and feel to exhibitions and experiences that showcase the Library’s collections and expertise.

Features of this Library for You include:

Orientation Gallery: Visitors will enter this ground-level orientation gallery in the Thomas Jefferson Building that will help them navigate the Library and understand its history, mission and offerings. The gallery will be built around Thomas Jefferson’s personal library, and it will give visitors a fuller view of the national library today with its wide variety of collections, media and programs.

Treasures Gallery: Did you know the Library has two original drafts of the Gettysburg Address and the contents of President Abraham Lincoln’s pockets on the night he was assassinated? Are you aware the Library holds Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, complete with edits suggested by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin in the margins? When the Library’s new Treasures Gallery is complete, gems such as these will be available for all Americans to discover.

Kislak Gallery: This new exhibition space will share a fuller history of the early Americas, featuring the acclaimed Jay I. Kislak Collection of artifacts, paintings, maps, rare books and documents. “Voices of the Early Americas: The Jay I. Kislak Collection” will explore both the history of the Native cultures of the Americas before  colonization by Europeans and the aftermath of that event. Curators aim to show how complicated this story is, how Native American cultures were violently conquered, sometimes enslaved, and how vibrant they are today. This history continues to inspire many people, including modern artists, writers and poets, whose works will also be featured.

Learning Center: This exciting and interactive space will invite young visitors to explore the diversity of the Library’s collections, including millions of books, films and video, audio recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts. With collections so vast that one may not know where to start, this engaging new space will inspire visitors to ask questions and find answers.

A transformation of this nature requires a significant investment. Congress has generously funded the initiative with $40 million and $20 million more raised from private donations. We are grateful that with this support, the Library will engage more Americans in their national library – A Library for You.

5 Tips for Visiting the Library of Congress in Washington DC

The Largest Library in the World is non-other than the Library of Congress in Washington DC. Never in my life had I ever said, I need to go there. That was until I stepped foot through the doors.

After visiting the Library of Congress nothing will ever compare to the experience. It has more art, sculptures, and script in one room than I have seen. And that was all without seeing a single book.

The history inside the doors could rival the White House , Smithsonians , and the National Archives put together. It contains the best parts of Washington DC wrapped up all in one location.

I left with just one impression, Everyone Need To Visit the Library of Congress in Washington DC.

What is the Library of Congress?

The Library houses more than 167 million items in 470 different languages. That includes 38 million books, 3.6 million recordings, 14 million photographs, 5.5 million maps, 8.1 million pieces of sheet music, and 70 million manuscripts.

It doesn’t contain every book published but that’s still an impressive collection. The Library of Congress is so big, that the books are housed in three different buildings in Washington D.C. and another annex in Virginia. 

The buildings are called the Thomas Jefferson Building, James Madison Memorial Building and the John Adams Building. The most visited one, located directly behind the US Capitol, and it the Thomas Jefferson Building.

There are tunnels in between the buildings, along with a tunnel to the US Capitol.

The library was first established in 1800 by President John Adams. He wanted to build a collection of books ‘as may be necessary for the use of Congress’. The initial collection of books was in the Capitol building.

In 1814 when the British invaded and burned down the building books and all. The library needed to be rebuilt. President Thomas Jefferson offered to sell his personal collection of books to refill the library’s collection.

Why would you want to visit a library on vacation?

Most of the time when you go to a library it’s to borrow a book or other material at a library. The majority of visitors to the Library of Congress go to view the library and the collection inside. From floor to ceiling there the place is impeccably designed.

As someone who can easily spend an hour in Barns and Noble or my local library browsing, the titles at the Library of Congress was amazing.

The only disappointing part was there only a few books you can get close to while visiting the Library of Congress. The only exception was the Thomas Jefferson Collection.

Can you walk into the Library of Congress?

Yes, anyone can walk into the Library of Congress. You’ll get access the main area of the library. In order to brows the library books, you’ll need to make advanced reservations.

Is the Library of Congress free to visit?

Yes, the Library of Congress if free of charge.

Can anyone access the Library of Congress?

Yes, visiting the Library of Congress is like many other places in DC, where you can walk right in. No tickets are necessary. Inside you’ll be able o walk around, and view the exhibits, architecture, and more.

The only thing you can’t do is go inside the main bookroom. In order to go inside there, you’ll need to get special permission. If you plan on doing some research, you’ll need to contact the library in advance, and they will assist you.

The Thomas Jefferson Building

The main library is a show piece. From the great hall to the grand ceiling. Throughout the building you’ll see intricate carvings and artwork. It is a mix of an art and architecture with a bit of history and a few books! Ok, a lot of books. There is an immense collection of books.

The Thomas Jefferson Collection

Thomas Jefferson’s exhibition holds a collection of books. It is in a separate area behind a glass display case. Sections of books are being digitized for online use.

His collection is vast. He collected works on poetry, philosophy, government, and everything in between. What’s amazing is what is on display is only a part of his collection.

Almost two-thirds of the 6,487 books were lost in the second fire in 1851. The library has created an amazing tribute to his collection.

The Gutenberg Bible

The Library of Congress is one of a handful of places in the US where you can view a Guttenberg Bible.

The Guttenberg Bible actually wasn’t the first printed book with a metal movable typeface but it is the first one to use the technique in Western Europe.

The last time one was sold, it went for 5.5 million in 1987. When Guttenberg first started printing in the early 1450s, he made 180 bibles.

Only 49 bibles survive today and are scattered around the world with a few around the United States.

The Bible is on display in the library on the first floor near the entrance. It is only one of four that were printed on vellum.

Other Collections

In addition to some staples, there are other rotating collections at the Library of Congress.

When we were there, they had a ‘Shall Not Be Denied: Women Fight for the Vote and Mapping a Growing Nation, featuring how our nation was shaped. To me, it was almost like being in a wing of the Smithsonian or the National Archives.

They also had on display a collection of artifacts from Baseball throughout history. My favorite was the original uniforms from the Rockford Peaches All American Girls Professional Baseball team.

Make sure to stop into at least one of the Smithsonian’s while in Washington DC. There are a ton and they are all free! Click here to find out more .

Can you walk into the Library of Congress Rooms?

Visiting the Library of Congress, the books stay on the premises. If you need to do research, you have to obtain a reader card. Then you’ll get to enter the reading rooms.

A librarian will get the materials off the shelf for you. Depending on how rare the book is, you may or may not be able to touch it.

The main reading room is available to view on the first floor. There is also a main reading room overlook on the Third Floor. They ask that you keep your voices down for those studying.

Tips to Plan Your Visit to the Library of Congress

Get to the library early or reserve tickets.

Visiting the Library of Congress was more popular than I imagined it would be. I ended up going on a whim. The Library is located behind the State Capitol.

It doesn’t come near the crowds of the Smithsonian’s but still, it was an effort just to get through the doors, complete with their own security protocols.

Get there early in the day. The Thomas Jefferson building is open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with extended hours on Thursday.

There are a limited number of same-day passes are made available at 9 a.m. Save yourself the hassle and get a free timed entry pass .

Security is right at the front door, with no inside waiting. If a line starts to form, you’ll be waiting outside the doors exposed to the elements. Be prepared.

How long do you need to tour Library of Congress?

The Library of Congress tours are free of the Thomas Jefferson Building every hour starting at 10:30. Each tour lasts 1 hour long. Tours start at the ground floor information desk. They recommend you get there about 20 minutes prior to the tour start because the group tours fill up fast.

You can also do a self-guided tour inside the library.

If you want to skip the line, you can schedule a private tour that takes you through the Library of Congress, the Capital, and the Supreme Court. I recommend getting tickets before you leave because they will sell out. Get your tickets by clicking here .

How to get to the Library of Congress?

The Library of Congress stretches out to multiple buildings. But the most prominent one pictured here is directly behind the US Captial, called the Jefferson Building.

It’s accessible via Uber, Scooter, or Bike. We ended up using a capital share bike rental and dropping the bikes off a couple of blocks past the library.

As a quick word of caution, you are on busier streets and the sidewalks were packed. It was also a slow incline the whole way there.

You’ll know why it’s called capitol hill after making the climb. If you want to avoid walking in sweaty, consider Ubering there and biking back to the mall.

There are tons of ways to get around Washington DC on a budget. Check out some more great options to take advantage of the Best way to get around Washington DC with Public Transportation

Enjoy yourself

Take your time when visiting the Library of Congress. I don’t think you will ever be in a building that is this beautiful again. But if you do need to rush, you could probably see all the most important pieces in about an hour.

To learn more about the Library Of Congress, I recommend reading America’s Greatest Library by John Y Cole . He does an excellent job of displaying the history and magnitude of this beautiful library.

When Britain Burned the White House by Peter Snow goes into more detail about when the British came to burn Washington.

Other Things to Do Around the Library of Congress

Other attractions to visit.

If you enjoyed visiting the Library of Congress, you should also take the tunnels over the State Capitol. They offer free tours with no reservations required.

You can also get the chance to see Congress in action! I also recommend visiting the National Archives.

These have some of the most amazing pieces of our history on display. I am still shocked to this day that they are still around after the war of 1812. I hope you have a great time on your visit to the Library of Congress.

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Minnesota native and Midwest travel expert Jennifer provides insider tips and budget-friendly trip ideas for families looking to explore the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Through her travel blog DayTripper28, she draws on first-hand experience to recommend the best hidden gems, outdoor adventures, road trips, and weekend getaways around Minnesota and the Midwest. With her passion for uncovering local flavors and culture along the backroads, Jennifer shares affordable itineraries for creating memorable experiences across the region.

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DC Guided Tours

Your passport to adventures in DC

Capitol Hill Afternoon Tour with US Capitol & Library of Congress Admission

tour highlights

• 2 hour Walking tour of Capitol Hill
• Tour of the Capitol
• Visit the inside of the Capitol building
• Visit inside the Library of Congress
• Tour of the Supreme Court
• and more…

Adult: $70 Child: $ 60

Child is 12 & under Children under 2 free

need to know

Meets at the US Supreme Court: 1 1st St NE, Washington, DC . Please arrive 15 min before tour starts. Metro Stop: Capitol South Metro Station – Blue Line, Orange Line, Silver Line.

*Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour start

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Tips For Family Trips

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Tips for Families at the Library of Congress

Washington D.C. / November 2, 2013 by Katie / 6 Comments This article may contain sponsored content or affiliate links.

A Library of Congress tour may not be on the top of the list for first-time visitors to Washington D.C., but it should be.

The Thomas Jefferson building, one of three Library of Congress buildings on Capitol Hill, is open for public tours and is well worth your time.  Completed in 1897, this beautiful building is decorated to honor learning, literature, knowledge, creativity, and intellectual achievement. If you are a book lover, you can't miss it.

Here are my top tips for visiting the Library of Congress with kids.

The Library of Congress is open to the public Monday-Saturday. I recommend you take a free one-hour docent-led tour. These tours are led by knowledgable volunteers who love the Library of Congress and are happy to share unique stories and insights that you will miss if you try to enjoy the beautiful building on your own.

Check the Library of Congress website to confirm tour times, but they generally run on the half hour. If you cannot do a guided tour, check out the self-guided tours at www.loc.gov/visit/tours .

There are no age restrictions on Library of Congress tours, but they are not particularly geared toward children. Touring with younger children may be challenging. If you do decide to bring young children (I've done it,) you can start the tour and slip out when your children are finished.  The security officers at the entrance and exit may have Junior Officer stickers for children if you ask them.

The Library of Congress showcases two of the library's greatest treasures: a handwritten Mainz Bible and a printed Gutenberg Bible.  The Gutenberg bible was the first bible printed on a moveable press in Europe, around 1455. You can see them on the main level.

Leave yourself plenty of time to explore the impressive exhibits. There are a number of permanent and rotating museum exhibits. You can see a replica of Thomas Jefferson's library, which consisted of 6,487 books that Jefferson sold to the library in 1815 after the British burned the original Library of Congress during the War of 1812.

Visit the map room to see the first known map that uses the word “America” to identify this continent (circa 1507).  Take time to explore the amazing treasures inside the Library of Congress.

Related:  10 GREAT Washington DC Museums for Kids

Young Readers Center

The Young Readers' Center at the Library of Congress is a great stop for families. It's on the ground floor. Follow signs or ask for directions.

You'll find lots of picture and chapter books for children and teens. You can hang out there and read a good book or two if you're ready for a break from walking and sightseeing. Storytime, activities, and special events are occasionally scheduled. Learn more at www.read.gov/yrc .

You do not need a Reader Identification Card to visit the Young Readers' Center. You do need a Reader Identification Card to access the books in any other part of the Library of Congress. Tourists are not admitted to the Main Reading Room and other reading rooms. Learn more about Reader Identification Cards at  www.loc.gov/rr/readerregistration.html .

The Library of Congress has a fun gift shop, especially for book nerds. You'll find lots of unique gifts and souvenirs in this large shop.

Pair with a U.S. Capitol tour

Library of Congress tours work very well in conjunction with a U.S. Capitol tour.  There is a very convenient underground walkway between the two buildings. Access it from the basement of the Library of Congress, near the building exit.  The beauty of using this underground tunnel is that once you've gone through security in one building, you can walk to the next without going through security a second time.  Pairing this tour with a U.S. Capitol tour makes for a perfect day of sightseeing.

Getting there

I strongly recommend that you ride Metro to the Library of Congress.  Use the Capitol South stop (orange/blue lines), exit and walk about 2 blocks north on First Street SE.

If you insist on driving in like I usually do, you can park at Union Station, but allow yourself plenty of time.  The Library is only about 0.5 miles away from Union Station, but it takes time to wind through the parking lot and Union Station.  Give yourself at least 20 minutes to park, exit, and walk to the Library if you are planning to arrive in time for a tour.

There is a limited amount of two-hour metered parking nearby.  I successfully found free street parking one Saturday, but read the parking signs carefully since D.C. parking enforcement is very strict .

Related:  3 Days in Washington DC with Kids

Good to Know

Where:   10 First Street SE, Washington D.C.  Just east of the U.S. Capitol.

When:   Open Monday-Saturday 8:30-4:30.  Closed New Years, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

How much:   FREE

How Long: 1 or more hours

Amenities:   Restrooms, small gift shop.  Picnic tables outside the exit.

How else can we help?

Need a place to stay? Allison has stayed at Kimpton Hotel Madera and other D.C. hotels, all a short walk or Metro ride from the Library of Congress. Read her review of Hotel Madera HERE . Click the button to check rates and read reviews at  TripAdvisor .

Do you know about Explorer Pass? Save up to 40% on admission to Mount Vernon, Big Bus Tours, the International Spy Museum, plus other attractions of your choice. Click the button to learn more about  Explorer Pass .

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Reader Interactions

wanderingeducators

November 4, 2013 at 7:40 pm

Genius article – thank you for these GREAT tips!

Colleen Lanin

November 8, 2013 at 9:51 pm

What a gorgeous library – I can almost smell the books!

Jenna Francisco (@thismyhappiness)

November 9, 2013 at 9:36 am

Great information. I am looking forward to taking my kids to DC someday–so much history and impressive architecture!

Laurel- Capturing la Vita

November 18, 2013 at 11:12 am

Great information. I always recommend to tour children with a docent or a guide, they get so much more out of it!

Dana Freeman

April 22, 2014 at 11:23 am

Great tips. We are headed there this week. We are very fortunate to have a private tour set up with a family friend.

April 22, 2014 at 11:25 am

Great tips. We are heading there this week. We are very fortunate to have a private tour set up through a family friend. Looking forward to it.

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2108 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Email Me (202) 225–5672

Washington DC Tours and Tickets

If you are a resident of the 48th Congressional District of California and are planning a trip to Washington, D.C., Congressman Issa's office is here to assist.

U.S. Capitol Building

Free, public tours are offered between 8:30am - 3:20pm ET, Monday through Saturdays. Holidays and special events excluded.

Reservations are recommended.  Constituents of the 48th Congressional District may request a reservation using the form below.  Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be extremely limited during peak visitor times.

Groups should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their reservation time.  Please be aware that the tour will take approximately 90 minutes and will require about .5 miles or more of walking and stairs.  Handicap accessibility is also available. 

You may view a Map of Capitol Hill, here .  

To take a virtual tour, please visit:   visitthecapitol.gov

The White House

Public tour tickets are available via reservation only.  Tours are offered from 8:00am-12:30pm ET on limited days, excluding holidays and special events as determined by the White House. 

Constituents of the 48th Congressional District may request a tour using the form below.  The tour schedule and tickets offered are extremely limited and at the sole discretion of the White House. Please request at least 60-90 days before your travel dates.

The White House is a self-guided tour and guests should allocate approximately 90 minutes. 

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress, Jefferson Building is located on Capitol Hill on First Street and Independence Avenue, SE.

Public tour tickets are available via reservation.  Entry tour passes are available 10:00am - 4:30pm ET Tuesday through Saturday, except holidays.  The Library is closed for public visits on Sundays and Mondays.  Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be extremely limited during peak visitor times.

Constituents of the 48th Congressional District may request a tour using the form below. Or, constituents may self book at:  Visiting the Library  |  Library of Congress (loc.gov)

Guests should allocate approximately 90 minutes for this self-guided tour.  

The FBI Experience

The FBI Experience is a self-guided tour of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC.  

Operating hours are 9:00am -4:00pm ET, Monday through Friday, holidays excluded.

Constituents of the 48th Congressional District may request a tour using the form below. Reservations are extremely limited and must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the desired visit date.

OTHER DC VISITORS INFORMATION

Supreme Court of the United States

The Supreme Court is located on Capitol Hill on First and East Capitol Streets, NE. The Visitor Entrance is at the Northwest doors via First St NE.

No reservations are required.  The Supreme Court exhibitions are currently open to walk in visitors on a self-guided basis.

Visitors are welcome 9:00am - 4:30pm ET, Monday through Friday, holidays excluded. The building is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.  The business of the Court may from time to time affect public access to the building.  

The building is located on First Street NE between East Capitol Street and Maryland Avenue, adjacent to the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing

**The Bureau is currently closed to public tours.**

Smithsonian Museums and Zoo

The Smithsonian offers more than a dozen Washington DC area museums and galleries.  Explore your options:  Virtual Visitor Center | Smithsonian Institution

United States National Mall

The National Mall in Washington D.C. is an open, national park available to the public. The Mall extends from the West steps of the Capitol Building and across the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial.

A full map of the National Mall can be found here .

Washington D.C. Metropolitan Transit System

The Washington D.C. Metropolitan Transit System (Metro) features bus and rail operating lines.

For navigation, stop information, and directions regarding the Metro, please visit:  https://www.wmata.com/schedules/maps/ .

For costs and fares associated with the Metro, please visit: https://www.wmata.com/fares/index.cfm .

All tickets are provided to constituents on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the large number of visitors, please request them as early as possible in order to maximize your chances.

Please choose three dates everyone in your party is available to tour the White House. Tours are available Tuesday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The tours are self-guided.

White House tours may be submitted up to 6 months in advance, but no later than 3 weeks before the requested tour date.

Each person in your tour party must submit security information to the White House via a link they provide.

Please specify the dates that you are available for tours below. You can specify a range of dates along with additional dates outside of that range for availability.

Range of Dates Available

Please specify the date range that you are available for tours.

Additional Dates Available

If you have additional dates that you are available, list them below. Add more dates by using the 'Add Another Date' option.

What are the options for 'Phone Type?'

Constituents who are hard of hearing or use a video phone have the option to choose TDD or VP based on the type of device they are using. This allows our office to respond to them accordingly. The default option 'Voice' is a standard audible telephone.

Visit Washington DC

If you have any questions or concerns about visiting D.C., please call our D.C. office at 202-225-3976 or email [email protected].

Due to the large number of visitors, all tickets are provided to constituents on a first-come, first-served basis. For information on sightseeing and attractions in Washington, D.C., please visit the  Washington, D.C. Tourism Information page.

Tour Information

The White House is open for guided tours. Please be advised that due to high demand and limited spaces my office is unable to accommodate all requests. All guest passes must be reserved at least one month in advance ; however, I recommend requesting a tour at least three months in advance of your visit to D.C. To request a tour of the White House, please complete the form below. For more information, please click here .

The U.S. Capitol is open for guided tours, and requests can be submitted up to 3 months in advance . To reserve passes, please click here to visit the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) website. The Library of Congress  recently reopened for self-guided tours. To book timed-entry passes,  please click here .

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is open to visitors. Click here to see what shows are on now, and click here to schedule a free guided tour of the indoor and outdoor grounds.

The Supreme Court is open for self-guided tours on days when the court is not in session. Click here for more information.

The FBI Experience is open for guided tours Monday-Friday from 9am to 2pm. All guest passes must be reserved at least one month in advance and tour groups are limited to ten visitors. To reserve a space, please email the below information to [email protected] :

• Group Phone
• Group Email
• Available Dates
• # of Visitors
• Middle Name
• Social Security Number (if 16 and above)
• Country of Birth
• Citizenship
• Green Card Number (if applicable)
• Passport (if applicable)
• Any physical disabilities

U.S. House of Representatives Galleries If you would like to see the legislative branch in action, please visit our office during normal business hours to request House Gallery tickets. The House Galleries will be open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday when the House is not in session and will open to visitors 30 minutes prior to the start of each session and remain open until adjournment when the House is in session. The House Galleries are closed on federal holidays. Our office is located at 2454 Rayburn House Office Building, 45 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20515.

The Department of the Treasury offers tours of the historic Treasury Building every other Saturday, save holiday weekends. Tours are offered at 9 AM and 10:30 AM, with the duration being about an hour. If you would like to request a tour of the Department of the Treasury, please email the following information to [email protected] : the date you are requesting; the first, middle, and last name of each party member; and each person’s email address. Please note that tours do not include the U.S. Mint or the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is currently open to visitors, and tours run Monday through Friday, every 30 minutes between 9 AM and 2 PM. Visitors enter through the Tour and Visitor Center entrance located on 14th Street SW. Admission is free, and tours last approximately 45 minutes. The BEP is closed on federal holidays and during their year-end closure from December 22, 2023 through January 1, 2024. For more information on BEP tours, please visit the BEP Visitor Center  website . If you are interested in a tour before 9 AM, please email your first and last name, address, the number of individuals in your group, the date range in which your group is available, and any special requests to  [email protected] . Please be aware that requests for early-morning tours must be made greater than 14 days in advance.

White House Tour Request Form

Please choose up to five dates everyone in your party is available to tour the White House. Tours are available Tuesday through Saturday, and times are automatically assigned to each group. The tours are self-guided and must be submitted greater than 21 days beforehand. Each person in your tour party must submit security information to the White House using a link they provide to the given email.

Please select up to 5 dates in which your party is fully available between 9 AM and 1:00 PM. Your most preferred date to visit the White House should be listed as Date 1.

What are these options?

Constituents who are hard of hearing or use a video phone have the option to choose TDD or VP based on the type of device they are using. This allows our office to respond to them accordingly. The default option 'Voice' is a standard audible telephone.