FEDERAL BUILDINGS
White House Visitor Center
The White House Visitor Center, located in 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue, provides tourists a glimpse of the White House and lives of its former and present occupants. This museum-grade guest experience features interactive displays and exhibits on permanent and temporary galleries containing around 100 artifacts related to the men who once occupied the highest seat in the land. It also displays a large-scale model of the White House complex, interpretive panels, and looping presentations of photos and archival videos. Visitors who were not able to secure a tour of the White House itself will be able to experience an interactive virtual tour of the president’s home at the visitor center. The center also houses the White House Historical Association retail store where one can find the perfect keepsake of their tour of D.C.
National Archives
Instituted in 1926 with the mission to store, protect, and preserve the most significant written records in United States history, the National Archives play an important task in safeguarding the nation's legacy for forthcoming generations. In its possession are some of the most vital texts, artifacts, and manuscripts in US history. Perhaps the most precious of these are the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. These documents are proudly displayed at the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. Beyond the Rotunda is the Public Vaults which contains numerous artifacts, photographs, telegrams, letters, and other historic items. The archives also allow researchers access to some of its collections through the Research Rooms.
Library of Congress
Established in 1800 primarily as a reference library for legislation, the Library of Congress is the oldest federal cultural institution of the United States. Recognized as the largest and most comprehensive library in the world, it houses more than 164 million volumes of reference materials in more than 450 languages that transcend origins, formats, and subjects. All of the three buildings of the library in Capitol Hill are open to the public which allows tours, research, or simply recreational reading. Aside from extensive books and materials, the monumental structure of its buildings and awe-inspiring interiors of its halls and reading rooms are already worth a visit.
US Supreme Court Building
Being the highest court of the land and a co-equal branch of government, the US Supreme Court building matches the magnificence and grandeur of the nearby Congressional and Executive buildings. This awe-inspiring neoclassical structure was built in 1935 to become the permanent home of the highest court of the judiciary after 145 years of not having its building. Upon entering the Great Hall of the court, visitors are welcomed by busts of all the former chief justices of the Supreme Court and two self-supporting marble staircases. Grand law-and-justice-themed statues are scattered around the lawn and grounds of the court. Guests, especially students of law and government, may take advantage of various educational programs such as Courtroom Lectures, film showings, and court-related exhibitions. Sessions of the court are also open to the public with seats on a first-come-first, served basis.
US Capitol Building and Capitol Visitor Center
Dominating the National Mall skyline with its massive dome and elegant grandeur, the United States Capitol building symbolizes the nation's freedom and democracy. Undeniably the most renowned and recognizable US architecture, the building houses the country’s two chambers of Congress. As the building where the representatives of the people meet and where the highest official of the land takes his oath, it is America’s long-standing symbol of democracy. First occupied by Congress in 1800, the Capitol building has witnessed most of the country’s history. It is where the many laws that shaped the nation were made. Tourists, families, and students are allowed to tour the Capitol building through the US Capitol Visitor Center. Located at the lower levels of the Capitol building, the visitor center houses temporary exhibitions about the history of Congress and some landmark laws it has passed throughout the country’s history. When Congress is not in session, the visitor center also arranges tours inside the galleries of the Senate and House of Representatives.
White House
The White House is probably one of the most recognizable homes of head-of-state in the world. Similar to the Congress and Supreme Court buildings, the presidential home was built in a combination of neoclassical and Palladian styles. The structure is also said to draw influence from the Leinster House in Ireland and the Chateau de Rastignac in France. The White House has been the home of all the US presidents since John Adams in 1800. Many important decisions that shaped the US and world history were made inside its walls. Tours are allowed inside the White House, however, prior arrangement must be made through a Member of Congress or a foreign embassy in Washington D.C. up to three months but not later than 21 days before the planned schedule. Tours inside the White House allow access to the public rooms of the East Wing - including the Blue Room, the Red Room, the Green Room, the State Dining Room, the China Room, and a view of the famed White House Rose Garden.