Note: The Court will hear all scheduled oral arguments for the Term in the Courtroom. Seating for the oral argument sessions will be provided to the public, members of the Supreme Court Bar, and press. The three-minute line is temporarily suspended. The Supreme Court Building will otherwise be closed to the public on oral argument days.
On days when the Court is not in session, the building will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., excluding weekends and federal holidays. Courtroom lectures remain temporarily suspended. Visitors may tour ground floor exhibits and portions of the first floor on a self-guided basis. The cafeteria and gift shop are open to the public.
“The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one Supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.”
– Article III, Section 1, United States Constitution
The Supreme Court Building, majestic in size and rich in ornamentation, serves as both home to the nation’s highest Court and the manifest symbol of its importance as a coequal, independent branch of government. The Supreme Court Building is open to the public Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on weekends and all federal holidays.
In addition to the Courtroom, portions of the first and ground floors of the Supreme Court Building are open to the public. Visitors should be aware that the business of the Court may from time to time affect public access to the building or alter programming offered. Please check Today at the Court on the homepage for the Court's daily calendar.