visit to the capitol building in washington dc

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U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

Take a tour of the historic Capitol, where you can see the Crypt of the Capitol, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall.

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The U.S. Capitol Building in Washington DC: Tours & Visiting Tips

Explore the meeting chambers for the Senate & the House of Representatives

 TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

United States Capitol

The U.S. Capitol Building, the meeting chambers for the Senate and the House of Representatives, is one of the most recognizable historic buildings in Washington, D.C. Located at the opposite end of the National Mall from the Washington Monument, it is a prominent landmark and an impressive example of 19th-century neoclassical architecture. A complete restoration of the Capitol Dome was finished in 2016, fixing more than 1,000 cracks and giving the structure a beautiful polished appearance.

With 540 rooms divided among five levels, the U.S. Capitol is a massive structure. The ground floor is allocated to congressional offices. The second floor holds the chambers of the House of Representatives in the south wing and the Senate in the north wing. Under the dome in the center of the Capitol Building is the Rotunda, a circular space that serves as a gallery of paintings and sculptures of American historical figures and events. The third floor is where visitors can watch the proceedings of Congress when in session. Additional offices and machinery rooms occupy the fourth floor and the basement.

Visiting the U.S. Capitol

Capitol Visitor Center: The facility opened in December 2008 and greatly enhances the experience of visiting the U.S. Capitol. While waiting for tours, visitors can browse galleries displaying artifacts from the Library of Congress and National Archives, touch a 10-foot model of the Capitol Dome and even watch live video feeds from the House and Senate. Tours begin with a 13-minute film exploring the history of the Capitol and Congress, shown in the facility's orientation theaters. The center is currently closed with tentative plans to reopen to a limited number of guests on May 30, 2022.

Guided Tours: Tours of the historic U.S. Capitol building are free, but require tickets which are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The hours are 8:45 a.m - 3:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday. Visitors can book tours in advance at www.visitthecapitol.gov . After more than two years, tours resumed in a limited capacity on March 28, 2022. Groups are limited to 15 people and tours must be reserved online in advance. Tours run Monday through Friday and visitors will be following pre-approved routes.

Watching Congress in Session: Visitors can see Congress in action at the Senate and House Galleries (when in session) Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Passes are required and may be obtained from the offices of Senators or Representatives. International visitors can receive Gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. This offering is currently unavailable with no announced date to resume.

Capitol Complex and Grounds

In addition to the Capitol Building, six Congressional office buildings and three Library of Congress buildings make up Capitol Hill . The U.S. Capitol grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (also known for designing Central Park and the National Zoo), and include more than 100 varieties of trees and bushes and thousands of flowers that are used in seasonal displays. The U. S. Botanic Garden , the oldest botanic garden in the country, is a part of the Capitol complex and is a great place to visit year-round.

Annual Events on the West Lawn

During the summer months, popular concerts are held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Thousands attend the Memorial Day Concert, A Capitol Fourth and the Labor Day Concert. During the holiday season, members of Congress invite the public to attend the lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree.

The main entrance is located on the East Plaza between Constitution and Independence Avenues. (across from the Supreme Court). See a map of the Capitol.

The closest Metro stations are Union Station and Capitol South. See a map and directions to the National Mall

Key Facts About the U.S. Capitol

• Construction of the U.S. Capitol began in 1793. The original building, completed in 1826, was made of brick clad in sandstone. The north and south wings and connecting corridors added in the mid 19th century and the replica of the East Front constructed in the 20th century, are made of brick clad in marble. The dome is made of cast iron. 
• The Capitol is 88 feet above sea level (the top of the Washington Monument is 209 feet higher than the top of the Capitol Building).
• There are 100 statues in the Statuary Hall Collection , two from each state.
• The largest statue in the Statuary Hall Collection is the statue of King Kamehameha I, donated by the state of Hawaii. It is 9'-10" tall and stands on a 3'-6" granite base.
• The Rotunda is a circular room in the center of the building beneath the Capitol dome. It is the tallest part of the building, 96 feet in diameter and rises 180 feet from the floor to the canopy.
• Atop the U.S. Capitol dome is the Statue of Freedom , a classical female figure with long, flowing hair wearing a helmet with a crest composed of an eagle’s head and feathers. She stands on a pedestal on a globe encircled with the motto E Pluribus Unum (Out of many, one).
• Official Website: www.aoc.gov

Attractions Near the U.S. Capitol Building

• U. S. Botanic Garden
• The Supreme Court
• The Library of Congress
• Union Station
• Eastern Market
• Folger Shakespeare Library & Theatre

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How Do I Tour the U.S. Capitol and See Congress in Session?

Learn all you need to know about visiting and touring america’s center of democracy..

UPDATE: The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All tours are free and are led by professional tour guides and do not include the Senate and House Galleries. The tour route is subject to change. Note that advance reservations are required for a tour. Visitors enter through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. Please leave time to go through security and review the U.S. Capitol’s prohibited items list before your visit.

The U.S. Capitol Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and the center of American democracy. The world-famous domed building is home to the United States House of Representatives and Senate; where America’s congressmen and congresswomen conduct business, debate laws and pass bills on behalf of the American people. The U.S. Capitol and U.S. Capitol Visitor Center  is also one of DC’s most popular monuments and museums and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Tour groups in United States Capitol Building Rotunda - Attractions and landmarks in Washington, DC

How do I arrange a tour of the United States Capitol Building?

Plan your visit in advance! A public tour of the U.S. Capitol is free and open to anyone who makes an advanced reservation, although there are some same-day tickets available by standing in line at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center (note that lines will be long during spring and summer).  We recommend reserving a  reserving a tour date and time .

All tours begin and end at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Inauguration Day).  Tours typically take about 90 minutes and are  fully accessible for people with disabilities.

What will I see on a Capitol tour?

Guided tours begin with a 13-minute intro film, followed stops in the Capitol Rotunda, where guides point out the center point of the District of Columbia, as well as demonstrate the unique acoustical effect where a speaker several yards away can be heard more clearly than a speaker close to the listener. The Capitol Dome is encircled by murals, and the fresco on the eye of the ceiling is called The Apotheosis of Washington showing President Washington rising to the heavens in glory with Liberty and Victory/Fame beside him. Below, on the walls of the Rotunda, are large paintings depicting significant events in American history: The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, The Baptism of Pocohontas, The Embarkation of the Pilgrims, The Landing of Columbus and General George Washington Resigning His Commission. Other stops on the 45-minute walking tour include the Crypt, National Statuary Hall and connecting corridors of the U.S. Capitol, where you’ll see statues representing every state.

Can I see Congress in session?

The guided tour doesn't include the Senate and House galleries. However, visitors can obtain free passes through their congressmen to view both chambers when Congress is in session. International visitors can ask about gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. When Congress is not in session, the galleries are open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. However, viewing hours are subject to change and are not always the same for the House and Senate galleries. You can check the schedules with your Congressional office when requesting gallery passes. Read more information about  watching Congress in session  and viewing the House and Senate galleries.

@paddyleahy

What’s in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

You’ll find a cafeteria and gift shop in the Capitol Visitor Center. The gift shop carries merchandise inspired by the art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for continental breakfast and lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you haven’t printed your tour reservation, bring along the number you were assigned. There are free listening devices in multiple languages for international visitors.

How do I get to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center?

Because there is very little parking, it is best to travel via the  Metro or the DC Circulator. There are three Metro stops within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol: Union Station (Red Line), Capitol South and Federal Center SW (Orange, Silver and Blue lines). The Capitol Visitor Center, which serves as the main public entrance, is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First and East Capitol streets.

Looking for more in the neighborhood? Take advantage of  our guide to Capitol Hill .

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U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress

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Arguably the most magnificent building in Washington, the U.S. Capitol is where visitors go to witness politics in action. Inside, members of both houses of Congress debate and create national policy and law, while visitors explore the building's north and south wings and circular centerpiece: the Rotunda. This iconic hall houses paintings, frescoes and sculptures depicting famous scenes from American history, not to mention an iconic cast-iron dome added to the structure in 1868.

Touring the Capitol is free of charge, but you'll need to make your reservation well in advance to ensure you get a tour slot (you cannot see the Capitol without booking a tour). The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center welcomes visitors Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day). The tour does not include the Senate and House of Representatives galleries. Though some travelers express mixed reviews on whether the U.S. Capitol warrants the time and effort spent (both making reservations and going on the actual tour), most agree the site is well worth a visit.

If you're not that stoked about exploring the building's innards, consider taking a stroll outside of the building. It's located on the National Mall nearby the U.S. Botanic Garden and the National Air and Space Museum . The easiest way to reach the Capitol is via the Metro to the Capitol South or Federal Center SW stops (both on the Blue, Silver and Orange lines) or the Union Station stop (on the Red Line). Additionally, there are bike racks outside the Capital Visitor Center and Capital Bikeshare stations nearby. For more information, check out the official U.S. Capitol Visitor Center website .

After you've admired the Capitol, walk along East Capitol Street to the Library of Congress. Comprising three buildings and housing more than 164 million books, manuscripts, sound recordings, pieces of sheet music, maps and photographs, the Library of Congress is the world's largest library, according to Guinness World Records. The most notable building in the trio is the Thomas Jefferson Building, which was completed built in 1897. Here, you'll find an eclectic array of interesting items, such as the Gutenberg Bible, as well as a rotating series of events and exhibitions. You should also take a stroll through the Thomas Jefferson Building's Main Reading Room, which features a grand domed ceiling, mahogany desks and diligent researchers pouring over catalogs and periodic volumes. Visitors typically find the place mightily impressive.

The James Madison Memorial Building and the John Adams Building are mainly used for scholarly research, but the Thomas Jefferson Building welcomes visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays). There are no entrance fees for this attraction, but timed-entry tickets must be reserved in advance. Events and exhibitions held at the Library of Congress are also complimentary for visitors. To find out more about the Library of Congress, visit the property's website .

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#1 The Tidal Basin

If you've never been to Washington, D.C. before, plan to spend some time along the Tidal Basin, an approximately 107-acre pond encircled by a 2.1-mile loop trail. Constructed to use the strong tides of the Potomac River to clear silt from the Washington Channel and to maintain steady water levels in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pools , it now also serves as the backdrop to some of D.C.'s best-loved sites. Every spring, the Tidal Basin bursts with color as cherry blossom trees (gifted to the city from Tokyo ) bloom into cotton candy-colored tufts, and they attract hordes of visitors. The cherry blossoms typically hit peak bloom (defined as when 70% of the cherry blossoms are open) in March or April. The National Park Service website makes "bloom watch" updates on its website , where you can check the progress of the trees and see when peak bloom is expected for the year. You can follow the path that leads around the basin, but recent visitors recommended testing the waters in a paddleboat. Paddleboats are available to rent from spring until fall for $28 to $40 per hour (depending on the day) for a four-passenger boat. You can pick up a paddle boat every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the boat dock near Maine Avenue.

Even if you don't make it to town for the cherry blossoms, you won't want to miss the three major memorials that can be found along the Tidal Basin's shores: the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial . A memorial to Virginia Declaration of Rights author George Mason, also stands nearby.

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How to Tour the Washington Monument in DC

T he Washington Monument is one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington D.C. Standing at 555 feet tall, it offers incredible 360-degree views of the city from the observation deck at the top.

It took four trips to Washington DC, but I finally managed to get a ticket. The first few times, the building was under construction and the third time, I didn’t prioritize it.

What I didn’t realize was how cool it would be to walk inside.

How to Tour the Washington Monument

In order to tour the Washington Monument, you need to get tickets.

This past MEA break, we got to Washington DC and my son mentioned he wanted to go up the Monument. Thankfully I was able to make it happen, even without advanced planning.

Brief History of the Washington Monument

The Washington Monument was built to honor George Washington, the first U.S. president and commander of the Continental Army.

Planning began shortly after Washington’s death in 1799. In 1833, the Washington National Monument Society formed to raise funds. Architect Robert Mills was chosen to design an obelisk surrounded by columns and statues.

Construction started in 1848 but halted in 1854 due to insufficient funds and the Civil War. When it resumed in 1879, the design was simplified to an unadorned obelisk.

The cornerstone was laid in 1848 using the same trowel as Washington used for the U.S. Capitol cornerstone. Memorial stones were donated from states and countries.

Completed in 1884 at 555 feet, it was the tallest building in the world until the Eiffel Tower surpassed it. The exterior is marble and granite, the capstone aluminum.

The monument has endured damage over time, requiring repairs. The most extensive restoration occurred from 1998-2001 when it was fully scaffolded.

Today it remains an iconic D.C. landmark, offering panoramic views from its observation deck to over 600,000 annual visitors.

How to get tickets to the Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is managed by the National Park Services and is free to enter. You can reserve tickets online, 30 days in advance of the tour. To run the site, they charge a $1 service fee for online reservations .

I highly recommend you reserve your tickets exactly 30 days before you want to visit. Tickets are released at 10:00 a.m. and sell out in minutes. To improve your chances, create an account beforehand.

Same Day Tickets for the Washington Monument

If you can’t secure tickets, don’t stress out. Same-day tickets are also available.

Located just in front of the monument, on 15th Street, you’ll find the Washington Monument Lodge. Tickets are distributed on the back of the building starting at 8:45 a.m.

People start lining up around 8 a.m. or earlier. We arrived 30 minutes early and managed to secure tickets for the 9 a.m spot. Many people send one or two from their group early to get tickets for a later time.

Each person, 16 and over, can get up to 6 tickets. Tickets sold out within an hour. During peak season, Summer

Your timed ticket is a 30-minute window. We got to the ticket window a little after 9 a.m. and were still able to get 9 a.m. tickets.

Afte that, head over to the Washington Monument around the flags. There are two lines, one for the current window, and one for the next time slot.

Security Screening

Be prepared to go through airport-style security screening. You’ll need to remove all watches, belts, coins, phones, keys, etc. before going through the metal detectors.

Photography is allowed once you’re through security.

When my Husband and I asked each other what the most intense security was we went through in DC, my husband thought this was it. Keep in mind, we also went into the White House, the FBI and the US Capitol.

What’s inside the Washington Monument?

After getting through security, you’ll get a short tour of the monument as you wait for the elevator. One of the most notable things is getting to see the sculpture of George Washington.

French sculpture Jean-Antoine Houdson made the life-size sculpture of Washington in 1788. It was made from a case of the president’s face, making it one of the most realistic statues.

This particular one is a copy of the original marble statue in the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond.

The Elevator to the top

The high-speed elevator whisks you up 500 feet to the observation deck in just 70 seconds.

Before the fast elevator ride, visitors went up 896 steps. Thankfully that’s no longer required. But the stairs were closed in 1971 due to safety concerns.

The Observation Deck

At the top, you’ll have 360-degree views of Washington D.C. sights like the Lincoln Memorial, White House , Capitol Building, National Mall, Arlington Cemetery, and more.

Each side has two windows. The left most window has a step allowing younger visitors access to the window.

Museum Level

After fishing up your view of the city, take the steps down one floor. Sitting at 490 feet is the museum level.

This is where you’ll find out all the details about its construction and artifacts.

Commemorative Stones

Along the way, you can view commemorative stones donated by states and organizations during initial construction. The 194 commemorative stones were used as a fundraising tool.

Minnesota is made from Pipestone quarried from Pipestone National Monument .

Each stone is quarried locally and has the donator’s name carved in. For information on where the stones are located in the monument, check out NPS.gov.

When you catch the elevator back down, it will slow and dim the lights to spotlight some of the memorial stones as you descend.

Washington Monument Fun Facts

The blocks comprising the Monument are freestanding masonry, meaning there is no cement holding them together.

When the Monument first opened, the original elevator ride took 8-10 minutes to reach the top observation deck. Today’s high-speed elevator makes the journey in just 70 seconds.

There are 896 steps climbing to the top of the Washington Monument for those wanting to take the stairs.

The interior staircases were closed to the public in the 1970s due to vandalism and safety issues. While ranger-led stair tours were once offered, staffing challenges have prevented these opportunities in recent years.

The aluminum cap at the very tip of the Monument represented innovative metallurgy for the time.

DC building height laws restrict most buildings to no more than 160 feet tall. As a freestanding structure, the 555-foot Washington Monument remains the tallest building in the city.

From the observation deck, views span out over 30 miles on a clear day.

The Washington Monument was once the tallest building in the world at 555 feet. However, it was surpassed by the Eiffel Tower in 1889.

The marble’s color changed visibly because construction was stopped for over 20 years due to a lack of funding.The new marble came from a different quarry.

The Monument incorporates stones from Maryland, Massachusetts, and other sources.

In today’s money, the $1.2 million construction cost equates to over $30 million.

The same ceremonial trowel used by George Washington to lay the Capitol cornerstone was used to lay the Washington Monument’s cornerstone.

The original design envisioned 30 columns surrounding the Monument and statues of Declaration of Independence signers.

How early should I arrive to the Washington Monument?

Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your ticket time to go through security.

How long do you need to visit the Washington Monument?

Plan for at least 1 hour up and back down, plus time at the top.

Can I take photos?

Yes, photography is allowed once you clear security. Tripods are not permitted.

Would I recommend visiting the Washington Monument?

Yes, we had a fabulous time visiting. It was an impulse decision to see it and I’m so glad my son asked to go. If you get the opportunity, I highly recommend it.

The post How to Tour the Washington Monument in DC appeared first on DayTripper .

Washington DC Tourism Information

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There are many events and attractions to potentially visit while in the Washington DC area. Below are links to several, subdivided by type. Dates, times and venues are subject to frequent change, so please contact the source of the event or attraction before making final plans.

Capitol Hill

National mall and memorial parks, smithsonian, more museums, white house, historic homes, other points of interest, getting around.

• U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
• Map of Capitol Grounds
• Virtual Tour of Capitol
• Library of Congress
• Supreme Court of the United States
• United States Botanic Garden

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• Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Memorial
• Jefferson Memorial
• Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Washington Monument
• World War II Memorial
• African Art Museum
• Air and Space Museum
• Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center
• American Art Museum
• American History Museum
• American Indian Museum
• Anacostia Community Museum
• Arts and Industries Building
• Freer Gallery of Art
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
• National Zoo
• Natural History Museum
• Portrait Gallery
• Postal Museum
• Renwick Gallery
• Sackler Gallery
• Smithsonian Institution Building, The Castle
• Department of the Interior Museum
• Folger Shakespeare Library
• Ford's Theatre & Lincoln Museum
• George Washington University Museum and Textile Museum
• The National Archives Museum
• National Building Museum
• National Gallery of Art
• National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall
• National Museum of American Jewish Military History
• Phillips Collection
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• whitehouse.gov
• Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial
• Carlyle House
• Cedar Hill, Home of Frederick Douglass
• Claude Moore Colonial Farm
• Dumbarton Oaks
• Gunston Hall
• Hillwood Museum & Gardens: Marjorie Merriweather Post Mansion
• Lincoln's Cottage
• Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
• Oatlands Historic House and Gardens
• Stratford Hall Plantation
• Sully Plantation
• Arena Stage
• Carter Barron Amphitheatre
• Discovery Theater
• Folger Theater
• Ford's Theatre
• John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
• Merriweather Post Pavilion
• The National Theater
• Shakespeare Theatre Company
• Studio Theatre
• Warner Theater
• Washington Ballet
• Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Major League Sports

• Capitals (NHL)
• Mystics (WNBA)
• Nationals (MLB)
• DC United (MLS)
• Washington Football Team (NFL)
• Wizards (NBA)
• Arlington National Cemetery
• Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
• Bureau of Engraving and Printing
• Hall of the States Building, State Services Organization
• National Aquarium
• National Arboretum
• National Cathedral
• Naval Observatory
• Navy Memorial and Visitors Center
• Old Post Office Tower
• State Department's Diplomatic Reception Rooms
• Voice of America
• WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority)
• Arlington ART
• DC Circulator
• Fairfax Connector
• MTA Maryland Commuter Bus
• VRE (Virginia Railway Express)
• MARC (Maryland Area Regional Commuter)
• Metro Bus Maps
• Metro Rail Map
• National Mall Museum Map
• National Park Service Maps of DC Sites
• White House Area Map

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Pennsylvania Man Arrested on Felony and Misdemeanor Charges for Alleged Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

            WASHINGTON — A Pennsylvania man has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His alleged actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

            Gerald a.k.a. “Jeremiah” Powell, 51, of York, Pennsylvania, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with felony offense of civil disorder and misdemeanor offenses of entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building or grounds.

            The FBI arrested Powell on May 9, 2024, in Pennsylvania, and his initial appearance today in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

            According to court documents, Powell was identified as present among a crowd of rioters on the east front of the Capitol grounds at approximately 1:56 p.m. on Jan 6., 2021. Here, rioters and police were wrestling for control of a line of bike rack barricades and police barriers. Eventually, the police line was broken, and the crowd of rioters advanced toward the Capitol. Court documents say that Powell was amongst the first 20 rioters to move past the police line.

            Instead of advancing, however, Powell allegedly turned back as others surged forward. Standing next to where rioters had initially broken through the police line, it is alleged that Powell began to drag the barricades that were in front of police officers to the side, expanding the opening for rioters to move froward toward to the Capitol. Powell allegedly moved at least five barricades to the side before advancing toward the Capitol building himself.

            Court documents say that Powell entered the Capitol at about 2:40 p.m. via the East Front Doors. As Powell entered the building, he waved an American flag and proceeded into the Rotunda. Inside the Rotunda, Powell marched around the permitter waving an American flag and rested it against a Jonathan Trumbull painting. Powell then produced a bullhorn from his backpack and used it for approximately one minute.

            Powell then made his way out of the Rotunda and yelled at a newly formed police line before exiting the building at approximately 2:52 p.m., waving his flag.

            This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. 

            The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Philadelphia and Washington field offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

            In the 40 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,424 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 500 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

            Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

            A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Exhibitions, experience and learn.

In our exhibition galleries, get up close with the incredible books, manuscripts, art, and objects that make up the world’s largest Shakespeare collection. Learn about Shakespeare’s life, the world in which he lived, his plays, and the many ways people have engaged with his language, characters, and stories over the past four centuries. And it’s not just about Shakespeare. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, literature, theater, art, or rare books.

Hands-on activities

With lots of interactive opportunities and a special kids trail through our exhibitions, it’s a great time for visitors of all ages. Make your own Shakespeare scene, set type for printing, become a First Folio detective, fold paper to make books, and more.

Plan your visit

The Folger reopens June 21, 2024, after a multi-year building renovation. Admission is free, and all are welcome!

We recommend that you reserve a pay-what-you-will timed-entry pass, with a suggested donation starting at $15.

Exhibition tours

We invite you to take one of our free tours, but there’s no one path through the galleries, so you’re welcome to explore at your own pace. Curious to learn more about something in the exhibitions? Gallery guides will be on hand to answer questions.

Ongoing exhibitions

Our shakespeare exhibition.

See the books that gave us Shakespeare, experience the man and his plays, and learn about the complexities of his cultural legacy. Don’t miss the First Folios and the printing press.

Out of the Vault

See signature objects from our collection and learn how they connect with various aspects of the Folger’s work, through the voices of the people who use them.

Special exhibitions

Imprints in Time

Fri, Jun 21, 2024 – Sun, Jan 5, 2025

A dedicated gallery in the Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall will host a range of changing exhibitions—beginning with a stunning display of books and other objects from the extraordinary collection of Stuart and Mimi Rose. From the underworld of Ancient Egypt to the surface of the Moon, this exhibition offers a journey across human history, knowledge, and creativity.

Into the Vault: Books of the 1620s

Fri, Jun 21, through September 2024

Imagine yourself in London in the 1620s, visiting shops and stalls of booksellers. In this special exhibition, encounter books from the Folger collection that were printed in the most prominent centers of European book production during the decade in which Shakespeare’s First Folio emerged. Experience part of the book-making process by creating a quarto, folio, or octavo.

Things to do in our exhibition galleries

Enjoy these fun hands-on activities for all ages.

Decoder Trail

Young Shakespeare sleuths (recommended ages 6-9) can pick up a magnifying glass and follow clues through the galleries in both exhibition halls. Decode messages, solve riddles, and create a poem to receive a special badge. Check in at the Welcome Desk in the entrance lobby for your decoder kit.

Discovery Trail

Young explorers (recommended ages 3-5) can roam the Shakespeare Exhibition Hall and find images on the walls from the Folger collection that match the ones in their notes. Check in at the Welcome Desk in the entrance lobby for your clue sheet.

Shakespeare Exhibition Hall

• Printing with Light: Try your hand at setting type as it happened in a 1623 print shop, but without the messiness of ink.
• Shake Up Your Shakespeare: Create a Shakespearean conversation, using compliments, insults, and memorable lines from Shakespeare’s plays.
• Explore the First Folio: Dig through the contents of some of the First Folios, the book that gave us Shakespeare, from the perspective of a detective, storyteller, or collector.

Stuart and Mimi Rose Rare Book and Manuscript Exhibition Hall

Activity table: Fold paper to make different-sized books (folio, quarto, or octavo), and engage in other hands-on activities at the table space in the center gallery, Into the Vault. You can also flip through our facsimile of First Folio #68 and search for answers to the provided clues.

Accessibility

We’re dedicated to providing access to all our visitors, and we hope that the information below will help you plan your visit to our exhibitions:

• Wheelchair-accessible
• Service dogs welcome

For more information, visit our main Accessibility page. If you have an accessibility need that you would like to discuss with our Visitor Services team, please contact us at [email protected] or (202) 544–7077.

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