DK Travel : Washington, D.C. : United States Capitol

United States Capitol

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From the elevated site that Pierre L’Enfant (see Layout and Design) described as “a pedestal waiting for a monument”, the dignified Capitol has stood unwavering as the symbol of American democracy throughout its 200-year history. From the legislative session called by President Jefferson in 1803 to approve the Louisiana Purchase through to the House of Representatives’ vote in 1998 to impeach President Clinton, these halls have witnessed an often rough-and-tumble democratic process. The Capitol’s frescoes and art collection qualify it as a notable museum, but its millions of tourists come, above all, to brush shoulders with history, both remembered and in the making.
For more sights on Capitol Hill See Around Capitol Hill

Top 10 Features

1. Capitol Dome

1. Capitol Dome

The central dome defines the entire city to people worldwide. It was added, with the Statue of Freedom (see Statue of Freedom, Thomas Crawford (Dome)), by 1866.
2. Rotunda

America’s first president ascends into the heavens in this 4,664-sq ft (430-sq m) fresco The Apotheosis of Washington , lining the interior of the dome.
3. Senate Chamber

A semicircle of 100 desks faces the dais in this eminent assembly room. Democrats sit to the right, Republicans to the left.
4. House Chamber

The largest room in the Capitol is used for daily deliberations of the House of Representatives and for joint meetings of the House and Senate.
5. Old Senate Chamber

Used by the Senate from 1810 to 1859, this chamber witnessed debates on the core issues of the development of the United States.
6. National Statuary Hall

The monumental Liberty and the Eagle by Enrico Causici (c.1819) overlooks this hall – the original House Chamber.
7. Brumidi Corridors

Constantino Brumidi (1805–80) designed these ornate passageways on the lower floor of the Senate wing.
8. Hall of Columns

This striking corridor, more than 100 ft (30 m) long with lofty ceilings, is named after the 28 gracefully fluted white marble columns along its length. It houses additional items from the collection of the National Statuary Hall.
9. Columbus Doors

These imposing bronze doors, 17 ft (5 m) tall, consist of reliefs picturing Christopher Columbus’s life and his discovery of America. Designed by Randolph Rogers, the doors were cast in Munich in 1860.
10. West Front

10. West Front

The west front of the Capitol, facing the Mall, is the site of presidential inaugurations, concerts, and other ceremonial events. Its three-part Neo-Classical façade is an expression of bicameral legislature.

Façade

Practical Information

Timed tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning at 9am at the Visitor Center on the East Front. The Capitol is most inspiring when viewed rising up from the Mall. National Mall, between 1st and 3rd sts and Independence and Constitution Aves, SW 202-225-6827 www.aoc.gov/homepage.htm Open 9am–4:30pm Mon–Sat Free