United States Capitol

Washington, D.C., United States

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

Opening hours: Mo-Sa 08:30-16:30
Wheelchair access: Accessible
Phone: +1 202-226-8000

From OpenStreetMap — confirm before travelling

Find out more

The United States Capitol, seat of the legislative branch in Washington, D.C., stands as the origin point for the city's street-numbering system and quadrants. Built in neoclassical style with a white exterior, the structure rises 88 meters and was constructed from marble, brick, cast iron, and glass brick. Central sections were completed in 1800, when Congress convened there in November, relocating the national capital from Philadelphia. The building was partially destroyed during the 1814 Burning of Washington but fully restored within five years. As the nation expanded, the structure was enlarged throughout the 19th century with extended wings housing the Senate and House of Representatives. The massive dome was completed around 1866, following the Civil War, and the east front portico was extended in 1958. The building's Visitor Center opened in the early 21st century, while the west front has become the site of presidential inaugurations. The Capitol's design involved numerous architects over its long construction history, and the building and grounds remain under the oversight of the architect of the Capitol.

Architect

Brett Blanton Étienne Sulpice Hallet Stephen T. Ayers David Lynn Alan Hantman George Hadfield Montgomery C. Meigs George M. White Thomas Ustick Walter William Thornton Edward Clark Charles Bulfinch Robert Mills Benjamin Henry Latrobe James Hoban J. George Stewart Elliott Woods August Schoenborn

Movement

Neoclassical architecture

Built: 1793
Type: capitol building
Materials: glass brick, cast iron, marble, brick
Heritage: District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites, Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
Height: 88 m
Place: Washington, D.C., United States

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Location

38.88972, -77.00917