A visitor guide interacts with guests in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center's Emancipation Hall.

The Capitol Visitor Center serves as the main entrance for visitors to the U.S. Capitol. It is a facility rich with informational exhibits, two gift shops, a cafe and two orientation theaters to enhance the visitor experience.

AGE
10-YEARS OLD

 

A plaster model of the Statue of Freedom on display for guests in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center's Emancipation Hall.

In December 2018, the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Its unique location under the East Front Plaza increases public access to the U.S. Capitol.

VISITORS
21 MILLION+

 

A visitor guide shows a tour group through the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

The CVC has welcomed more than 21-million visitors from across the country and around the world. Approximately 60 percent of visitors come to the U.S. Capitol between March and July.

HOURS
8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

 

A visitor assistant hands a guest their tour badge at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center info desk.

The CVC is open Monday through Saturday, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day. From the vestibule to the balcony to the gift shops and the cafe, the CVC team strives every day to inform, involve and inspire.

GIFT SHOP ITEMS MADE IN THE USA
100%

 

Merchandise sold at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center gift shops is made in the USA.

All merchandise in the CVC is made in the USA and supports small businesses from across the country. The merchandise reflects the season as well as the U.S. Capitol and the exhibits in Exhibition Hall. Many items are made exclusively for the shops. Gift shop sales clerks help visitors find the perfect keepsakes that remind them of their U.S. Capitol experience.

Comments

David Linn (no… (not verified)PermalinkJune 22, 2018 - 7:20am

Hi Laura, this is a nice piece. 21 million is incredible. Speaking of numbers, I proudly have 5 years here at the CVC! And now, I have to add numbers for the Captcha.

Add new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
About text formats

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.

Our Stories

Recent Articles

Person standing next to shelves.
Behind the Scenes

Leading by Example

Charles "Doc" Wheatley, Assistant Supervisor of the Capitol Building Plumbing Shop's evening shift, has been a constant presence on the Capitol campus since 1987. That's when he accepted his first government position and began a decades-long career serving this treasured institution.
Two people looking at a control panel.
Behind the Scenes

Ducts in a Row

The experts at the House Mechanic Shop meticulously oversee campus HVAC systems, ensuring building temperatures are optimal for both daily operations and historic preservation.
Portrait of a person.
Behind the Scenes

Meet the Historic Preservation Officer

Donna Klee has worked for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) for more than 10 years and was named the agency's Historic Preservation Officer in the fall of 2023. In this capacity, she works to implement the agency's preservation policy.

More Stories