Visit D.C.
Are you planning a visit to Washington, D.C.? Whether you're coming on a short business trip or an extended family vacation, consider some of these popular attractions in our nation's capital.
- Our Three Branches of Government
-
U.S. Capitol
The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., is a symbol of the American people and the meeting place of the nation's legislature. As well as being the site of many pivotal, historic events, the Capitol also houses a beautiful collection of American art and is an impressive architectural achievement. It is a working office building as well as a tourist attraction visited by millions every year. Tours of the Capitol may be arranged through the Capitol Visitor Center here or through a congressional office listed at the bottom of this page. More information for visitors can be found here.White House
The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States, also serving as their workspace and that of many of their staff. Completed in 1800, the White House has witnessed some of the most important events of our nation’s history, and contains magnificent examples of American art and architecture. Tours of the White House must be scheduled through congressional offices, and I encourage you to request a tour through a congressional office listed at the bottom of this page. More information for visitors can be found here.Supreme Court
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. More information for visitors can be found here. - The National Mall and Memorial Parks
-
Washington Monument
Built to honor George Washington, the United States' first president, the 555-foot marble obelisk towers over Washington, D.C. More information for visitors can be found here.Lincoln Memorial
"In this temple as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." Beneath these words, the 16th president of the United States sits immortalized in marble as an enduring symbol of unity, strength, and wisdom. More information for visitors can be found here.Jefferson Memorial
Dedicated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on April 13, 1943, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial stands in memory of Jefferson’s legacy as author of the Declaration of Independence, statesman and visionary for the founding of a nation. More information for visitors can be found here.Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
"Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, Freedom from Fear..." These words by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt ushered the United States into World War II and defined what it is to be an American. Stop by this secluded memorial and begin to understand the Roosevelt legacy. More information for visitors can be found here.Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
Through self-sacrifice, dedication, and belief in the American spirit, Dwight D. Eisenhower truly and positively shaped our nation in countless ways. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial tells the story of one of America's greatest leaders of the 20th century. More information for visitors can be found here.Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Located in downtown Washington, D.C., the memorial honors Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice. A prominent leader in the modern civil rights movement, Dr. King was a tireless advocate for racial equality, working class, and the oppressed around the world. More information for visitors can be found here.African American Civil War Memorial
Over 200,000 African-American soldiers and sailors served in the U.S. Army and Navy during the Civil War. Their service helped to end the war and free over four million slaves. The African American Civil War Memorial honors their service and sacrifice. More information for visitors can be found here.World War I Memorial
"We were young, they say. We died. Remember us." A grateful nation honors the service, valor, courage and sacrifice of the 4.7 million American sons and daughters who served in the Great War. More information for visitors can be found here.World War II Memorial
Through stone architecture and bronze sculptures, the World War II Memorial recognizes the ways Americans served, honors those who fell, and recognizes the victory they achieved to restore freedom and end tyranny around the globe. More information for visitors can be found here.Korean War Veterans Memorial
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is where our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met. More information for visitors can be found here.Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Honoring the men and women who served in the controversial Vietnam War, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial chronologically lists the names of 58,318 Americans who gave their lives in service to their country. More information for visitors can be found here.American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
Through juxtaposition of granite and glass, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial conveys a combination of strength and vulnerability, of loss and renewal as it bears witness to the experiences of war heroes who were disabled as a result of military service.More information for visitors can be found here.Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument
The epicenter of the struggle for women’s rights for more than 90 years, from this house in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, Alice Paul and the National Women’s Party developed innovative strategies and tactics to advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment and equality for women. More information for visitors can be found here.Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site
Discover how a nation handled grief and loss after President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, how everyday people experienced a national tragedy, and how we have remembered a fallen leader. More information for visitors can be found here. - Smithsonian Institution Museums, Galleries, and Zoo
-
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a place where all Americans can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives, and how it helped us shape this nation. More information for visitors can be found here.National Museum of African Art
The National Museum of African Art is the only national museum in the United States dedicated to the collection, exhibition, conservation, and study of the arts of Africa. On exhibit are the finest examples of traditional and contemporary art from the entire continent of Africa. More information for visitors can be found here.National Air and Space Museum
Launch into the history of flight by surrounding yourself with icons of air and space travel. The flagship building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C, exhibits aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, rockets, and other flight-related artifacts. More information for visitors can be found here.National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport is the companion facility to the museum in Washington, D.C. Hundreds of historically significant air- and spacecraft, along with thousands of small artifacts, are on display in an open, hangar-like setting. Other features an observation tower, IMAX theater, and restoration hanger, where visitors can watch museum specialists at work restoring artifacts. More information for visitors can be found here.Smithsonian American Art Museum
The nation’s first collection of American art offers an unparalleled record of the American experience, capturing the aspirations, character and imagination of the American people throughout three centuries. The museum is home to one of the largest and most inclusive collections of American art in the world, housed in one of the oldest public buildings constructed in early Washington. More information for visitors can be found here.National Museum of American History
Devoted to the scientific, cultural, social, technological, and political development of the United States, the museum traces the American experience from colonial times to the present. The American History Museum’s collection contains more than three million historical objects – including the famed Star-Spangled Banner – and documents that explore the evolution of the American identity. More information for visitors can be found here.National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian cares for one of the world’s most expansive collections of Native objects, photographs, and media, covering the entire Western Hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego. The architecture, landscaping, and exhibitions, all designed in collaboration with tribes and communities, combine to give visitors from around the world the sense and spirit of Native America. More information for visitors can be found here.Anacostia Community Museum
Located in the Anacostia neighborhood, this museum examines, documents, and interprets the impact of historical and contemporary social issues on urban communities. More information for visitors can be found here.Archives of American Art Lawrence A. Fleischman Gallery
In the Lawrence A. Fleischman Gallery, the Archives of American Art presents informative exhibitions highlighting some of its more than 20 million items documenting the history of visual arts in America. More information for visitors can be found here.Arts and Industries Building
The Arts and Industries Building (AIB) is the Smithsonian’s second oldest building, and opened in 1881 as the country’s first U.S. National Museum, an architectural icon in the heart of the National Mall. Over the years, AIB was the origin and incubator for almost every other Smithsonian museum, debuting everything from dinosaurs to rocket ships. Now, the building has been reimagined to renew its original purpose: to be an incubator for thinking about, and even solving, some of the biggest challenges we face today. More information for visitors can be found here.Freer Gallery of Art at the National Museum of Asian Art
The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art includes the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. The Freer Gallery houses one of the premier collections of Asian art, with objects dating from Neolithic times to the early 20th century, as well as the world's most important collection of works by James McNeill Whistler. More information for visitors can be found here.Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
The Hirshhorn features international modern and contemporary art in the celebrated Gordon Bunshaft designed cylindrical building, adjoining plaza, and sunken sculpture garden. The museum is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for the art and artists of our time. More information for visitors can be found here.National Museum of Natural History
The world's most popular natural history museum is dedicated to understanding the natural world and our place in it. Delve into the fascinating story of our planet and explore life on Earth through exhibitions and activities, collection objects, and research that happens in the lab and in the field. The museum is larger than 18 football fields and is home to the largest natural history collection in the world. More information for visitors can be found here.National Portrait Gallery
With visual arts, performing arts, and new media, the Portrait Gallery introduces you to the people who have shaped the country – poets, presidents, actors, activists, visionaries, villains... and everyone in between. Its collection weaves together story and biography from precolonial times to the present to tell the American story. More information for visitors can be found here.National Postal Museum
Located in the historic D.C. City Post Office next to the restored Union Station, the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum showcases the largest and most comprehensive collection of stamps and philatelic material in the world – including postal stationery, vehicles used to transport the mail, mailboxes, meters, cards and letters, and postal materials that predate the use of stamps. More information for visitors can be found here.Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
A branch of the Smithsonian American Art Museum located steps from the White House and dedicated to exhibiting American contemporary craft, the Renwick Gallery was designed by architect James Renwick Jr. in 1858 and was the first building in the United States built specifically to be an art museum. More information for visitors can be found here.S. Dillon Ripley Center
Entered from a copper domed kiosk on Jefferson Drive between the "Castle" and the Freer Gallery of Art, the S. Dillon Ripley Center houses the Smithsonian Associates, the Discovery Theater, and the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service. More information for visitors can be found here.Arthur M. Sackler Gallery at the National Museum of Asian Art
The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art includes the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. The Sackler Gallery features both permanent and temporary exhibitions from ancient times to the present. The museum is home to an incomparable collection of art, including some of the most important ancient Chinese jades and bronzes in the world. More information for visitors can be found here.Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)
Completed in 1855, the Castle is now home to the Smithsonian Visitor Center. As such, it makes a great starting point for your journey – here you can get a grasp of the scope and scale of the Smithsonian, see what’s going on today at all the museums, tour the Castle’s 19th-century architecture, see, and consult with in-house experts about what to see and do. More information for visitors can be found here.Smithsonian Gardens
The many gardens that surround the Smithsonian museums are a “museum without walls.” All have been designed to complement the museums they border and to enhance the overall museum experience of learning, appreciation, and enjoyment. More information for visitors can be found here.National Zoo
Founded in 1889, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park and is currently home to more than 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species. More information for visitors can be found here. - Other Federal Government Buildings
-
National Archives Museum
The National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C., is home to our nation’s founding documents – the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights – along with other exhibits celebrating our nation and democracy. More information for visitors can be found here.United States Botanic Garden
Steeped in history, rich with tradition, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a living plant museum that informs visitors about the importance, and often irreplaceable value, of plants to the well-being of humans and to earth's fragile ecosystems. More information for visitors can be found here.Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the Department of State
For more than half a century, the art of diplomacy has thrived in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms against a magnificent backdrop of art and architecture that illustrates the best of America through its history, its artistic accomplishments, and the inspiring values on which our nation was founded. More information for visitors can be found here.Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Located in the heart of the Nation's Capital, the BEP's Tour and Visitor Center is a great place to learn all about U.S. paper currency. See millions of dollars being printed as you walk along the gallery overlooking the production floor. More information for visitors can be found here.Historic Treasury Building at the Department of the Treasury
Begun in 1836 and completed in 1869, the Historic Treasury Building is a National Historic Landmark building which is the headquarters of the United States Department of the Treasury. Tours of the Historic Treasury Building must be scheduled through congressional offices, and I encourage you to request a tour through a congressional office listed at the bottom of this page. More information for visitors can be found here.Department of the Interior Museum
Since 1938, the Interior Museum’s mission has been to inspire and educate Departmental employees and the general public about the ongoing stewardship of the nation’s public lands, natural resources, and cultural heritage. More information for visitors can be found here.Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Headquarters
The FBI offers a self-guided tour of FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., which features interactive multimedia exhibits, content, and artifacts that help illustrate the importance of the Bureau’s work to protect the nation. Tours of FBI Headquarters must be scheduled through congressional offices, and I encourage you to request a tour through a congressional office listed at the bottom of this page. More information for visitors can be found here.Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its collections. The Library is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. More information for visitors can be found here.Pentagon
Located just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. in Arlington, VA, the Pentagon serves as a symbol of the strength of the American defense system. More information for visitors can be found here. - Other Attractions In and Around Washington, D.C.
-
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery serves as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of every individual laid to rest within its hallowed grounds. Rolling green hills are dotted with trees hundreds of years in age, complementing the gardens found throughout the cemetery's 639 acres, which provide a sense of beauty and peace for guests. More information for visitors can be found here.National Museum of the United States Army
The National Museum of the United States Army celebrates over 245 years of Army history and honors our nation’s soldiers – past, present and future – the regular Army, the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard. More information for visitors can be found here.ARTECHOUSE
At the crossroads of art, science and technology, ARTECHOUSE is pioneering the creation and curation of innovative art forms that redefine audience participation. More information for visitors can be found here.Museum of the Bible
The Museum of the Bible is a global, innovative, educational institution whose purpose is to invite all people to engage with the impact, narrative, and history of the Bible through interactive exhibits and cutting-edge technology. More information for visitors can be found here.Big Bus Tours
The Big Bus Washington DC tours travel through the history of this great city. Tourists can make the most of flexible tours by hopping on and off to visit legendary landmarks at your leisure, including the White House, Capitol Hill, Jefferson Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial. More information for visitors can be found here.National Bonsai and Penjing Museum
The U.S. National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is a free and public museum located on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. that promotes the art of bonsai, penjing, and related art forms to visitors through masterpiece displays and educational programs while fostering intercultural friendship and understanding. More information for visitors can be found here.National Building Museum
Since it was created in 1980 through an act of Congress, the National Building Museum has transformed the public’s understanding of the impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, construction, planning, and design. More information for visitors can be found here.Dumbarton House
Through the interpretation of its historic site and collections, the Dumbarton House Museum promotes the understanding of historic preservation and of the early history of our nation, so that the lives and ideals of early Americans inspire current and future generations. More information for visitors can be found here.National Geographic Museum
With a wide range of changing exhibitions, featuring everything from iconic photography and world-famous artifacts to interactive learning stations and behind-the-scenes stories, the National Geographic Museum is an ideal destination for curious people of all ages. More information for visitors can be found here.George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Once a vibrant plantation in the 18th century, George Washington's Mount Vernon estate is now one of the nation’s most visited historic sites. More information for visitors can be found here.United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is the United States' official memorial to the Holocaust. Adjacent to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Museum provides for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history. More information for visitors can be found here.International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is a private non-profit museum which documents the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage. It holds the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on public display. More information for visitors can be found here.America’s Islamic Heritage Museum and Cultural Center
A visit to America’s Islamic Heritage Museum begins in the 1500s and concludes in the 21st century, exploring the contributions of American Muslims and the legacies they have left behind, and continue to create every day. As a living museum, new exhibits are added on a frequent basis. More information for visitors can be found here.Capital Jewish Museum
The new Capital Jewish Museum will inspire visitors to connect across diverse communities, reflect on the relevance of the past, and act on behalf of their values. With its unconventional, experimental spirit, the Museum will explore the intersection of American Judaism and American democracy, and serve as a secular space for storytelling, connection, and dialogue across cultural communities in our city. More information for visitors can be found More information for visitors can be found here.National Museum of American Jewish Military History
Chartered by an act of Congress in 1958, the National Museum of American Jewish Military History documents and preserves the contributions of Jewish Americans to the peace and freedom of the United States, educates the public concerning the courage, heroism and sacrifices made by Jewish Americans who served in the armed forces, and works to combat anti-Semitism. More information for visitors can be found here.John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts
Dedicated to John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, the Kennedy Center is the nation’s busiest performing arts center, hosting upwards of 2,000 events in a typical year. More information for visitors can be found here.National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum
The National Law Enforcement Museum is dedicated to telling the story of American law enforcement by providing visitors a “walk in the shoes” experience. The Museum is working to expand and enrich the relationship shared by law enforcement and the community through educational journeys, immersive exhibitions, and insightful programs. More information for visitors can be found here.President Lincoln’s Cottage
President Lincoln’s Cottage is a historic site and museum located on a 250-acre campus in Northwest Washington, D.C. Here Abraham Lincoln made some of his most nation-changing decisions and developed the Emancipation Proclamation. More information for visitors can be found here.National Museum of the Marine Corps
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines – past, present, and future. The Museum's soaring design evokes the image of the flag-raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to this 120,000-square-foot structure, where world-class interactive exhibits surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action. More information for visitors can be found here.National Guard Memorial Museum
The National Guard Memorial Museum is the first and only national museum dedicated to telling the story of the National Guard. The museum covers over 375 years of Guard history, beginning with the first muster in 1636 and ending with the current foreign and domestic missions that Guardsmen carry out today, featuring uniforms, firearms, battle gear, and other artifacts throughout the exhibit space. More information for visitors can be found here.United States Navy Memorial
The United States Navy Memorial honors, recognizes, and celebrates the men and women of the Sea Services, past, present, and future, and informs the public about their service. More information for visitors can be found here.National Museum of the United States Navy
The National Museum of the United States Navy will be a new campus-style museum to honor the service of American Sailors and enhance the public understanding of the Navy’s vibrant history and heritage. More information for visitors can be found here.O Museum in the Mansion
The only museum of its kind, the O Street Museum is dedicated to exploring the creative process with a collection that rotates and changes daily. Exhibits include artist's letters, sports memorabilia and collectibles, music memorabilia, movie memorabilia, written manuscripts, rare photos, various genres of art; etchings, photography, pop-culture, signed guitars, and much more. More information for visitors can be found here.Phillips Collection
Founded by art collector and philanthropist Duncan Phillips in 1921, the Phillips Collection has been collecting modern and contemporary art for one hundred years and is now host to over 5,000 works. Following Phillips’s unconventional approach to exhibitions, galleries are frequently rearranged to facilitate new conversations between artworks and fresh experiences for visitors. More information for visitors can be found here.Planet Word Museum
Planet Word is an immersive language experience located at the historic Franklin School in Washington, D.C. Ideal for all ages, Planet Word is the world’s first voice-activated museum, and its interactive galleries and exhibits bring words and language to life. More information for visitors can be found here.Textile Museum at the George Washington University
Located at the George Washington University in the heart of Washington, D.C., the Textile Museum celebrates the creative achievements of local and global cultures from antiquity through today. Its collections include international textile art, and artifacts that trace the evolution of Washington, D.C. More information for visitors can be found here.Voice of America Studio
The Voice of America (VOA) Studio Tour is a behind-the-scenes look at live broadcasting in radio, television, and the Internet in several of VOA’s more than 40 languages. More information for visitors can be found here.Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral holds a unique place at the intersection of sacred and civic life. Completed in 1990 after 83 years of construction, the Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington, is the second-largest church building in the United States and host to over 270,000 visitors each year. More information for visitors can be found here.National Museum of Women in the Arts
The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts. With its collections, exhibitions, programs, and online content, the museum seeks to inspire dynamic exchanges about art and ideas. More information for visitors can be found here.
Tour Requests
Because I will be leaving office on January 2, 2023, my office is unable to accept tour requests. Instead, I encourage you to reach out to the offices of Senator Schumer or Senator Gillibrand.