A Walk Through the Power Complex inside Capitol Hill

Meet your guide at the Bartholdi Fountain, officially the Fountain of Light and Water. Created by Frédéric-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 Bartholdi’s work, the early planning of Washington, and the development of the federal city before beginning the walk through the Capitol complex.

Visit the nation’s 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 Breuer’s 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 Rosati’s 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 1838–1842 U.S. Exploring Expedition helped build its collections, see historic cycads, and experience the 1933 Conservatory’s soaring Tropics room and canopy walkway.

Holiday-season departures may also include the Garden’s annual festive displays and model train exhibit.

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

Step into Frederick Law Olmsted’s 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 America’s 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}

Inside, examine the building’s 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}

The visit also explores Chief Justice John Marshall and the development of judicial review through Marbury v. Madison, helping place the Court’s constitutional role in historical context.

Note: Interior access is subject to Supreme Court operating hours, security procedures, Court sessions and unscheduled closures.

Library of Congress — Thomas Jefferson Building
Approximately 25 minutes — Admission free; timed entry required

Enter the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building and explore the history, art and architecture of the Library of Congress. See the Great Hall, learn about Thomas Jefferson’s remarkable personal library and discover highlights from the Library’s extraordinary collections.

At 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.

Reading Room access is limited, first-come, first-served and cannot be guaranteed.

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center — Emancipation Hall
20 minutes — Admission free

Conclude 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 café, restrooms and shops before continuing independently or joining the official Capitol tour.

ENTRY 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.