A Walk Through the Power Complex inside Capitol Hill

Overview

Itinerary

• Meet your guide at the Bartholdi Fountain, officially the Fountain of Light and Water. Created by Fru00e9du00e9ric-Auguste Bartholdi for the 1876 Centennial Exposition, the monumental cast-iron fountain offers a striking introduction to Capitol Hill. From here, your guide will connect Bartholdiu2019s work, the early planning of Washington, and the development of the federal city before beginning the walk through the Capitol complex.

• Visit the nationu2019s first permanent memorial dedicated solely to disabled veterans. Explore its powerful symbolism of strength and vulnerability through granite, glass, water, flame and resilient plantings, and hear the remarkable story behind its creation.

• Pass Marcel Breueru2019s dramatic Brutalist HHS headquarters, engineered above the I-395 tunnel with upper floors suspended from massive steel trusses. Hear about Hubert Humphrey, his role in civil-rights legislation, and James Rosatiu2019s striking Heroic Shore Points sculpture.

• Step inside the U.S. Botanic Garden, envisioned as a living collection of useful plants for the young nation. Hear how the 1838u20131842 U.S. Exploring Expedition helped build its collections, see historic cycads, and experience the 1933 Conservatoryu2019s soaring Tropics room and canopy walkway. nnHoliday-season departures may also include the Gardenu2019s annual festive displays and model train exhibit.

• Walk the U.S. Capitolu2019s dramatic West Front, shaped by Frederick Law Olmstedu2019s monumental terraces, then explore the 252-foot Ulysses S. Grant Memorial. Hear how Henry Merwin Shrady used cavalry, artillery and Grantu2019s stillness to portray the chaos and command of the Civil War.

• Step into Frederick Law Olmstedu2019s secluded 19th-century Summerhouse, created as a shaded resting place for visitors climbing Capitol Hill. Explore its unusual brick geometry, grotto-like fountain, ironwork and clever integration into the surrounding landscape while hearing how Olmsted reshaped the Capitol grounds.

• Pause at the Robert A. Taft Memorial, a striking marble bell tower rising above Senate Park. Hear about its 27-bell carillon, architectural details and its place within the Senate landscape, then discover the remarkable Capitol subway system operating beneath this part of Capitol Hill.

• Spend approximately 45 minutes inside the U.S. Supreme Court, exploring the history, architecture and traditions of Americau2019s highest court. Learn how the Court spent more than a century without a permanent home before Chief Justice William Howard Taft helped secure authorization for the present building, designed by Cass Gilbert and completed in 1935. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}nnInside, examine the buildingu2019s marble interiors and symbolic classical design, then hear about enduring Court traditions including the white quill pens placed at counsel tables and the longstanding judicial handshake. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}nnThe visit also explores Chief Justice John Marshall and the development of judicial review through Marbury v. Madison, helping place the Courtu2019s constitutional role in historical context. nnNote: Interior access is subject to Supreme Court operating hours, security procedures, Court sessions and unscheduled closures.

• Library of Congress u2014 Thomas Jefferson BuildingnApproximately 25 minutes u2014 Admission free; timed entry requirednnEnter the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building and explore the history, art and architecture of the Library of Congress. See the Great Hall, learn about Thomas Jeffersonu2019s remarkable personal library and discover highlights from the Libraryu2019s extraordinary collections.nnAt the end of the guided visit, guests may continue with their guide to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center or remain at the Library independently for the 2:00 p.m. Main Reading Room walk-through, when offered. nnReading Room access is limited, first-come, first-served and cannot be guaranteed.

• U.S. Capitol Visitor Center u2014 Emancipation Halln20 minutes u2014 Admission freennConclude in Emancipation Hall, where your guide will introduce the original plaster model for the Statue of Freedom and orient you to the Capitol Visitor Center. Learn what to see in Exhibition Hall and where to find the cafu00e9, restrooms and shops before continuing independently or joining the official Capitol tour. nnENTRY TO THE US CAPITOL IS SUBJECT TO SECURITY SCREENING, VISITOR VOLUME AND FEDERAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. WAIT TIMES AND INTERIOR ACCESS CAN VARY AND ARE BEYOND TOUR OPERATOR'S CONTROL. IF ACCESS IS LIMITED OR UNAVAILABLE, YOUR GUIDE WILL ADJUST THE ITINERARY TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF YOUR TIME. IF WE LEARN IN ADVANCE THAT THE U.S. CAPITOL, SUPREME COURT OR LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WILL BE CLOSED, WE WILL CONTACT YOU TO DISCUSS YOUR OPTIONS, INCLUDING RESCHEDULING. THIS TOUR RUNS TUES-FRIDAY WHEN ALL 3 SITES ARE TYPICALLY OPEN TO VISITORS.

Good to know

• Wheelchair accessible

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

• Service animals allowed

• Public transportation options are available nearby

• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

• NO HEALTH RESTRICTIONS

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.