National Guard Memorial Museum🏛 museum
The National Guard Memorial Museum tells the story of the National Guard in the US Capitol landmarks area.
🌐 ngef.org🕒 Mo-Fr 09:00-16:00; PH off
Plizio Visual Lab
United States Capitol
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The United States Capitol is the magnificent meeting place of the United States Congress and the legislative seat of the federal government. Located atop Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the neoclassical structure is characterized by its brilliant white marble facades and its colossal, cast-iron dome, added by architect Thomas U. Walter in the 1850s. Construction originally began in 1793 under President George Washington. The building suffered catastrophic damage when it was intentionally burned by British forces during the War of 1812, requiring extensive reconstruction. Today, the Capitol stands as a profound architectural symbol of American representative democracy and the rule of constitutional law. History K7 — American government and legislative architecture.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: National Guard Memorial Museum · Capital Jewish Museum · National Gallery of Art
- Nearby: Montross (28 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 25 | 21 | 14 | 8 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 67 | 70 | 84 | 92 | 109 | 118 | 116 | 109 | 107 | 105 | 80 | 95 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The United States Capitol is open to the public for guided tours, though entry requires a timed reservation. The interior rooms like the Rotunda and Statuary Hall are highlights of the tour.
Typical hours
Typically, tours run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays, with extended hours during summer. The building is closed on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Photography
Photography is allowed in most public areas, but no flash or tripods. Some exhibits may restrict photos to preserve artifacts.
Time needed
A guided tour lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. Add extra time to explore the Capitol Visitor Center and the surrounding grounds.
Combine with
Combine with a tour of the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress, both nearby. The National Mall with its monuments is within walking distance.
Getting there
Reach the Capitol via the Washington Metro to Capitol South or Union Station. Public parking is limited; use public transit or rideshares.
Insider tip
Book your free tour tickets online weeks in advance as they fill quickly. Arrive early for security screening and bring a valid ID.
Geography
Facts
- President George Washington laid the original cornerstone on September 18, 1793.
- British troops intentionally set fire to the building in August 1814.
- The massive, iconic cast-iron dome was completed during the Civil War in 1866.
- The bronze Statue of Freedom sits triumphantly atop the very peak of the dome.
- The building features roughly 600 rooms and miles of labyrinthine corridors.
- The rotunda floor features a striking fresco titled 'The Apotheosis of Washington'.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town United States Capitol (14)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit?
Yes, public tours are possible.
Does it cost?
No, tours are free.
Do I need to reserve?
Yes, it is recommended.
What is it?
Seat of the US Congress.
Where is it?
In Washington, D.C.
United States Capitol: where is it located?
United States Capitol is located in United States.
United States Capitol: what is there to see?
Highlights include National Guard Memorial Museum, Capital Jewish Museum, National Gallery of Art.
United States Capitol: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
United States Capitol: why is it worth visiting?
The United States Capitol is the magnificent meeting place of the United States Congress and the legislative seat of the federal government.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in North America
More places in United States →
Nearby cities
Washington, D.C.
The capital of the United States, home to iconic monuments and federal buildings.
Montross
A historic town in Virginia's Northern Neck, rich in colonial heritage and natural beauty.
Warsaw
A historic small town in Virginia's Northern Neck, rich in colonial heritage and riverside charm.
Harrisburg
The capital of Pennsylvania, on the Susquehanna River.
Compton
An idyllic community in St.
Baltimore
A historic seaport city in Maryland with a rich maritime history.
Croaker
A gateway to Virginia's York River State Park, famous for its prehistoric fossil discoveries.
Edgewater
A picturesque residential community along the South River in Maryland, near the historic city of Annapolis.
Kinsale
A historic village on the Yeocomico River in Virginia, often described as 'the most picturesque village on the Tidewater'.
Chesapeake Beach
A historic resort town on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, famous for its railway history and prehistoric shark tooth hunting.
Mayo
A quiet coastal community in Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay, ideal for water sports and nature watching.
Arnold
A scenic suburb of Annapolis, Maryland, situated between the Severn and Magothy Rivers.
Annapolis
The capital of Maryland, home to the United States Naval Academy.
Richmond, VA
The capital of Virginia, a city with a central role in Civil War history.
Calvert Beach
A hidden gem on the Chesapeake Bay, famous for its fossil hunting and dramatic cliffside scenery.
History & landmarks
Washington Monument
An obelisk on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate George Washington.
White House
The official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States.
Lincoln Memorial
An American national memorial built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.
More places
Gettysburg Battlefield
The site of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War in July 1863.
Fort McHenry
A historical coastal fort whose defense in the War of 1812 inspired 'The Star-Spangled Banner' poem.
Jamestown Settlement
The first permanent English colony in North America, founded in 1607.
Colonial Williamsburg
A living-history museum that recreates part of the city of Williamsburg from the American Revolution era.
Hersheypark
A theme park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, based on the famous chocolate products.
Yorktown Battlefield
The site of the decisive battle of the American Revolutionary War in 1781.