United States Capitol

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Nestled on a plateau in Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall in Washington DC, the Capitol is a power centre, home to the House of Representatives and the Senate. The magnificent white Neoclassical building is capped by a cast iron dome, on which stands the Statue of Freedom. Her helmet is encircled by 9 stars and features a crest with an eagle's head, feathers, and talons, a reference to the costume of Native Americans. Dressed in a flowing robe over a dress, she rests her right hand on the hilt of a sheathed sword, while holding a laurel wreath of victory and the shield of the United States with thirteen stripes in her left hand.

The building features numerous impressive paintings, statues, and historical exhibits. Tours of the Capitol building can be arranged through the Visitor Center website (or by calling or emailing your Representative's or Senator's office a few weeks in advance).

The Capitol Building has 5 levels, of which the basement and top floor are occupied by offices, machinery rooms, workshops and other support functions. The ground floor has committee rooms and congressional officers' rooms. Visitors can explore the 100 feet long Hall of Columns, the Brumidi Corridors which have breathtaking murals by Constantino Brumidi, the restored Old Supreme Court Chamber, and the Crypt beneath the Rotunda where historical exhibits are displayed, including 13 statues representing the 13 original colonies, and the Magna Carta replica.

The second floor has the Chambers of the House of Representatives (in the south wing) and the Senate (in the north wing), as well as the offices of the congressional leadership. Visitors can explore the Rotunda which displays paintings and sculpture depicting significant people and events in the nation's history. The adjacent National Statuary Hall houses part of the Capitol's collection of statues, while the Old Senate Chamber has been preserved to retain its mid-19th century look.

The third floor has offices, committee rooms and press galleries. Visitors can witness the proceedings of the House and the Senate when Congress is in session from here.

The Capitol Visitor Center, which is located between the Capitol building and 1st Street East, features an exhibition of the history of the Capitol and Congress. Tours start from here.