Welcome to the U.S. Senate Online Visitors Center

The United States Capitol is a monument, a working legislative building, and one of the most recognizable symbols of Democracy in the world.  The online Visitor's Center is designed to provide you with the latest information on planning your trip to the Senate and accessibility found within.  Also provided for your convenience are the most current maps for visitors and information on events and attractions of Washington, D.C.     

The general visiting hours of the Senate and Capitol are:

Monday through Saturday

9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Because visitation guidelines will change due to security concerns as well as Capitol Visitor Center construction progress, we encourage you to call the Capitol Guide Service Recorded Information Line for the latest tour information before your visit.  That number is 202-225-6827, and we update the information on it as frequently as necessary.

Capitol Visitor Center

Artist's rendition of the Capitol Visitor Center

You are planning your visit to the Capitol during a time of great growth, as we have now started construction of a Capitol Visitor Center.  When finished in 2006, the Capitol Visitor Center – located under the East Front Plaza – will provide a dramatically improved educational experience for all visitors: an experience enhanced through exhibits, displays of historic documents, and documentary presentations.  You will also be visiting the Capitol during a period of heightened awareness of security and safety.  This concern is not simply for the security of Members of Congress and staff, but the security and safety of everyone who visits here.

When built, the Capitol Visitor Center will enhance the educational experience of visitors to the Capitol, as well as help provide continued high security for the Capitol.  For more information, go to the Architect of the Capitol website.

Senate Employment

The Placement Office assists Senators and Senate Committees with filling entry-level through professional staff vacancies by providing, upon request, resumes of qualified candidates. The Placement Office also publishes the weekly Senate Employment Bulletin job listing for offices wishing to advertise vacancies.

Each Senate office is an independent employer with independent job requirements, salaries and conditions of employment. The Placement Office has no hiring authority nor does it control salaries or job requirements. It is nonpartisan and funded by the United States Senate. Please consult the Placement Brochure for information regarding the walk-in application process and the Employment Bulletin to review advertised vacancies.

The United States Senate is an equal opportunity employer.