Touring the United States Capitol

Perhaps the only thing you know of the United States capitol building is that it is the scene for each year's State of the Union Address. If so, you will be amazed and inspired to find that the House of Representatives chamber in which that speech is held is only one of the many architecturally stunning components to the enormous Capitol.

Although the original design for the Capitol was impressive enough, it has since gone through several renovations, making it perhaps the most magnificent government building in the nation. Powerful architecture, beautiful design and artistry, and rich, detailed history all come together in this most famous of workplaces.

After all, that is what the Capitol building is, first and foremost – the office for each state's Senators and Representatives to congress, the setting for their committees, debates, and other legislative duties. Visitors to the Capitol will very likely wish their own workplace could be so awe-inspiring.

There are over one thousand designs within the brilliant tile throughout the Capitol. The high ceilings and spacious halls and rotundas are supported by beautiful columns. Ornate frescoes dramatize the walls and often domed ceilings. Rich fabrics and artistic details from the Victorian era and its equally beautiful predecessors grace the historically refurbished chambers which then blend artistically into the modern color schemes throughout.

The Capitol is open year-round except on Sundays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Free tour tickets are available at the Capitol Guide service kiosk located along the curving sidewalk southwest of the Capitol building itself. Your group should allow one to two hours to tour this beautiful complex. And consider security: Don't try to take with you any more than necessary as many items, such as bottles and bags, will not be allowed. Fortunately for your scrap-book, cameras are.

There are several prominent architectural spaces in this famous building. Of course, on the second floor, visitors will find the current chambers for the House of Representatives and the Senate. The third floor contains access to the galleries for observing our legislative branch in action. But there is so much more to this building than these.

History permeates every aspect of this, one of the most important buildings in our nation. Both the old House of Representatives Chamber and the one for the Senate have been set up as museum spaces. The Old Senate Chamber was refurbished to its original appearance. This was done in preparation for the bicentennial in 1976. The old chamber for the House of Representatives was commissioned as the National Statuary Hall. Besides amazing architecture, inside you will find statues provided by several states and donated in honor of prominent residents. Two statues were allowed from each state, and the many donations now spill outside of the Statuary throughout the rest of the Capitol.

Further history comes alive in the Old Supreme Court. The third and second branches of our government shared the United States Capitol on a temporary basis that lasted more than one hundred years. Like the Old Senate Chamber, the Old Supreme Court has been largely restored to its original appearance.

Like many capitol buildings, the US Capitol is best recognized by its large, architecturally impressive dome. The one seen today was added at a time when the capitol was being expanded. The current dome sits in more perfect proportion to the massive building than did its predecessor. Beneath the dome on the second floor of the building, visitors will find the famous rotunda, or round room, displaying presidential busts and other sculptures. The walls and frieze, or area between the walls and crown molding, contain brilliant artistry extending even to the ceiling of the magnificent dome.

Small rotundas display further architectural beauty in other parts of the Capitol. Marble staircases and spacious pillared halls connect the spaces to one another, completing the majestic interior.

The grounds of Capitol Hill are designed and maintained to complement the building itself, framing it for the viewer. Its park-like setting, fountains, and sculptures further inspire its visitors. There are several great photo opportunities to commemorate the awe-inspiring tour, and with advanced planning groups may even be able to arrange a meeting with their own representative.

Perhaps the greatest beauty in our government is the way in which we all get to play a part. Similarly, a visit to the US Capitol allows us to be truly awakened to our government and the men and women who serve us there. It is an irreplaceable experience for any Washington D.C. tour.