From Rachel Cooper,
Your Guide to Washington, DC.
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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, DC. It is a prominent landmark and an impressive architectural structure located at the opposite end of the National Mall from the Washington Monument.

The U. S. Capitol Building has 540 rooms and is divided into five levels. 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 sculpture 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.

In addition to the Capitol Building, six Congressional office buildings and three Library of Congress buildings make up Capitol Hill. Adjacent to the Capitol Building is the U. S. Botanic Garden, the oldest botanic garden in the country, which serves as a living plant museum.

Location

The U. S. Capitol Building is located at E. Capitol St. and First St. NW, Washington, DC. See a map and directions to the National Mall

Hours and Visiting Information

The U. S. Capitol Building is open to the public for guided tours only, Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including all federal holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Visitors must obtain free tickets for tours on a first-come, first-served basis, at the Capitol Guide Service kiosk located near the intersection of First Street, S.W. and Independence Avenue.

Official Website

www.aoc.gov