US Capitol Guided Tour with Walking Tour from Union Station

Join us for a special private tour of the exterior architecture of the eastern end of the National Mall, culminating in the interior of the US Capitol. The tour starts at Union Station, where you will have the chance to enjoy the breathtaking 96-foot coffered ceilings which have made Union Station “one of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts style of architecture.”

The tour will continue walking towards the Supreme Court and Library of Congress (exterior of both covered in the tour), as you take in the architectural wonder of the outer edifice of the buildings of the East National Mall, ending at the Capitol.

Our Capitol interior tour starts with a 15 minute presentation of the history and architecture of this grand monument to democracy. During the tour, discover the spacious awe-inspiring interior of the Capitol, which features a majestic mural depicting great heroes in American history. This is a great opportunity to meet other ICDC members and appreciate the history and national heritage of United States. Our museum and gallery tours are some of our most popular events, and frequently sell out well in advance. The tour will be presented by David Elliot, Historian, Speaker and Licensed Certified Guide.

Please reserve your tickets early, as capacity is limited. Please also note that due to construction projects or security considerations some parts of the US Capitol might be excluded during the tour of the interior of the US Capitol.

Event Agenda

Meet INSIDE the Union station in the Main Hall at the entrance to the East Hall at the designated time. We will leave Union Station 5 minutes (sharp!) afterwards. Kindly note that if you arrive late and miss the tour we are unable to offer refunds.

After the walking tour (About 45 minutes), we will arrive as a group at the Capitol for the security check. The tour of the interior of the US Capitol starts after an orientation film at the Capitol. Please note that food, liquids, knives, lighters, and large bags are not allowed at the US Capitol The interior portion of the tour conducted by a docent at the US Capitol will take about an extra 45 minutes.

Meeting Location:

Meet INSIDE the Union station in the Main Hall at the entrance to the East Hall at the designated time. We will leave Union Station 5 minutes (sharp!) afterwards. Kindly note that if you arrive late and miss the tour we are unable to offer refunds. We are unable to offer refunds if you arrive at a different location other than the location outlined below.

After the walking tour (About 45 minutes), we will arrive as a group at the Capitol for the security check. The tour of the interior of the US Capitol starts after an orientation film at the Capitol. Please note that food, liquids, knives, lighters, and large bags are not allowed at the US Capitol The interior portion of the tour conducted by a docent at the US Capitol will take about an extra 45 minutes.

Please note, we will not be meeting at the US Capitol! Instead, we will be meeting inside Union Station at the Main Hall near the entrance to the East Hall on the street level at the designated time. The meeting location is outlined with a red star on the map below. We will proceed as a group for the US Capitol Tour. Please arrive on time at the designated meeting location on time and note that we are unable to issue a refund and are not responsible for locating you if you arrive later or at a location other than the one outlined below.

For a map of the meeting location, please refer to the event description posted for the event on https://www.internationalclubdc.com/

Event Notes

About the U.S. Capitol: The United States Capitol is the meeting place of the United States Congress, the legislature of the federal government of the United States. Located in Washington, D.C., it sits atop Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall. Though not in the geographic center of the District of Columbia, the Capitol is the origin by which the quadrants of the district are divided. Officially, both the east and west sides of the Capitol are referred to as "fronts". Historically, however, the east front was the side of the building intended for the arrival of visitors and dignitaries.

The Capitol has a long history in art of the United States, beginning in 1856 with Italian/Greek American artist Constantino Brumidi and his murals in the hallways of the first floor of the senate side of the Capitol. The murals, known as the Brumidi Corridors, reflect great moments and people in United States history. Among the original works are those depicting Benjamin Franklin, John Fitch, Robert Fulton, and events such as the Cession of Louisiana. Also decorating the walls are animals, insects and natural flora indigenous to the United States. Brumidi's design left many spaces open so that future events in United States history could be added. Among those added are the Spirit of St. Louis, the Moon landing, and the Challenger shuttle crew.

Please note that the tour of the US Capitol is free for those who sign up for our walking tour.

Before entering the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, all visitors are screened by a magnetometer, and all items that are permitted inside the building are screened by an x-ray device. Visitors should keep their belongings with them at all times as unattended items may result in a disruption of service at the Capitol.

While certain exceptions for medical needs can be made, the following items are strictly prohibited:

• Liquid, including water

• Food or beverage of any kind, including fruit and unopened packaged food

• Non-aerosol sprays (Prescriptions for medical needs are permitted.)

• Any bag larger than 18” wide x 14” high x 8.5” deep

• Knives of any size

• Aerosol containers

• Any pointed object, e.g., knitting needles and letter openers. (Pens and pencils are permitted.)

• Electric stun guns, martial arts weapons or devices

• Guns, replica guns, ammunition and fireworks

• Mace and pepper spray

• Razors and box cutters

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