Government Buildings
Government is the business of D.C. Take this opportunity to visit some of the institutions that make the laws you research every day. This guide provides essential visitor information for several popular federal government locations.
Note: When visiting federal government buildings, be aware that security procedures are in effect. Carry photo i.d. and leave backpacks, other large bags, and weapons (including pocket knives and pepper spray) at your hotel.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
14th and C Streets SW
See money being printed!
Metro: Smithsonian (Orange, Blue)
Tours: Tours are offered every 15 min., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. (summer only); for updates call 866-874-2330.
Admission: Free tickets are required March - August; get them at Raoul Wallenberg Place entrance starting at 8 a.m. on day of tour (lines form early, and tickets go quickly).
Capitol Building
Capitol Visitor Center, 1st St. and E. Capitol St. NE
The Capitol is home to the U.S. Congress and its two legislative bodies. Start with with the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, which offers films, exhibits, and tours.
Metro: Union Station (Red), Capitol South (Blue, Orange), Federal Center SW (Blue, Orange).
Tours: 8:50 a.m to 3:20 p.m. M-Sa. Advanced reservations are required, and may be made online.
Watching Congress in session: When they're in session, you can watch Congress in action at the House and Senate galleries M-Fri 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Passes are required and may be obtained from the offices of your Senators or Representative.
Admission: Free.
Library of Congress
Madison Bldg.: 101 Independence Ave. SE. The Madison Building includes the Law Library of Congress, located in room LM 201.
Jefferson Bldg.: 1st St. S.E., between Independence Ave. & E. Capitol St. The most historic LOC building (it opened in 1897), the Jefferson Building houses the Great Hall, marble columns, mosaics, and paintings.
Adams Bldg.: 2nd St. S.E., between Independence Ave. & E. Capitol St. Opened in 1939, the Adams Building's Art Deco decor was inspired by the 1925 Exposition des Arts Décoratifs.
Tours: Offered M-Sa, 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. (no 3:30 tour on Saturdays). No reservations or tickets are required; ask at a Library orientation desk.
Metro: Capitol South (Blue, Orange)
Hours: Madison - M-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sa 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Jefferson - M-Sa 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Adams - M, W, Th 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Tu, Fri, Sa 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Pentagon
1400 Defense Pentagon
Headquarters of the Department of Defense, the Pentagon is one of the world's largest office buildings. Approximately 23,000 people work in the Pentagon each day.
Metro: Pentagon (Blue, Orange) - not Pentagon City.
Tours: M-Fri 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; required reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance, and can be made online.
Admission: Free.
Supreme Court
1st St. NW and Maryland Ave. NE
The Supreme Court offers a variety of educational programs. Exhibits and a theater, where a film on the Supreme Court is shown, are located on the ground floor.
Metro: Union Station (Red), Capitol South (Blue, Orange).
Hours: Building is open M-Fri. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Courtroom lectures are held every hour on the half-hour when the Court is not in session. Last lecture begins at 3:30 p.m. For updates call 202-479-3211.
Admission: Free.
White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
The White House is the oldest public building in Washington, D.C., and has been the home of every president except George Washington.
Metro: Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange), Metro Center (Blue, Orange, Red), McPherson Square (Blue, Orange).
Tours: Limited to groups of 10, and must be requested through your member of Congress at least a month in advance. Tours are often canceled due to special events.
Vistor Center Hours: The Whitehouse Visitor Center located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW is open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Admission: Free.