Visitor Guidelines

Please be respectful to our staff and your fellow visitors. We want everyone to feel welcome at the U.S. Capitol.

We need everyone’s cooperation to help us preserve the building and its collections for future visitors. Adherence to security and safety requirements is important.

To ensure that everyone has an enjoyable visit to the Capitol, please share these guidelines with your group, including students and chaperones.

When Entering The Capitol Visitor Center

All carried items will be inspected upon entering the Capitol Visitor Center. We ask that students leave their backpacks or large bags and metal jewelry behind on the bus to help expedite the security check.
Food, beverages (including bottled water) are not allowed in the building. View the complete list of prohibited items in the Capitol.
The Capitol is a working office building. Please dress appropriately and behave in a respectful manner.

While In The Capitol Visitor Center And The Historic Capitol

As a courtesy to those around you, please silence your cell phones and other electronic devices.
Please use a quiet voice when walking through the Capitol and exploring the Capitol Visitor Center’s Exhibition Hall.
Please do not touch art objects including sculptures, statues, walls, and cases. The oils and acids, even in clean hands, can cause irreparable damage to works of art.
Refrain from leaning on the walls or using the walls, display cases, or pedestals for notetaking.
Do not sit on displays or sculptures.
Do not block doorways or aisles or sit on stairs or floors. Seating is provided throughout Capitol complex.
Stay together as a group. Be attentive to your guide’s instructions at all times and especially when moving from one area to another in the Capitol. Watch your step, always use handrails when on the stairs, and use escalators with caution.
Respect any areas that are roped off.

Please don’t run, push, shove, or take any other actions that may endanger other visitors, works of art or artifacts.