U.S. Capitol - Visitor Center

Create a Bill Friend

handmade toy on a light blue background; the toy is a stuffed white sock tied off at the top and adorned with googly eyes, black pom-pom nose, Sharpie-drawn eyebrows and smile, pipe cleaner arms and legs, and a red, white, and blue striped ribbon with the word “BILL” tied around it

Capitol Conversations - Lying-In-State: The Beginning Of A Capitol Tradition

Henry Clay was the first person to lie in state in the Rotunda. Learn more about this ceremony and the establishment of a solemn tradition at the Capitol.

Capitol Conversations - The Grant Memorial: Restoration Of A National Treasure

Curator for the Architect of the Capitol Dr. Michele Cohen will provide an overview of the memorial's recent conservation.

Capitol Conversations - National Holidays: Flag Day

Congress has created many federal holidays celebrating different people and events in American history. Learn about one of June's holidays, Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the flag of the United States.

Capitol Conversations - Congress And The War Of 1812: Art And History In The U.S. Capitol

In June 1812, Congress declared war on England. This conflict created defining moments for a young country. Learn more about the war and its commemoration in the U.S. Capitol.

Create Capitol Symbols

handmade eagle and Union Shield on a teal background; the eagle is crafted from white and brown construction paper and a popsicle stick and its wings are open around either side of the shield

Design the Capitol Grounds

handmade model of the U.S. Capitol crafted from white clay; the model is sitting on top of a piece of green construction paper adorned with slightly darker green construction paper pieces representing grass and crumpled paper strips to represent bushes on a bright blue background

Build a Model of the U.S. Capitol

handmade model of the U.S. Capitol crafted from white clay on a purple background

Outdoor Tour of the Capitol Grounds

Did you know that the Capitol Grounds is a certified arboretum with more than 100 species of plants? Explore the 58 acres surrounding the Capitol and learn about the development of Capitol Hill and the Capitol’s architecture. See how renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted transformed the area around the Capitol to a park-like setting. The tour begins outside the north entrance of the Capitol Visitor Center. No passes are required.

Capitol Conversations - Congress & Arlington National Cemetery

Learn about the creation of Arlington National Cemetery and how Congress has worked to honor the men and women who have fought for the United States.

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