No visit to Washington, D.C., would be complete without a tour of this magnificent building. Most tours begin in the 180-ft-/55-m-high Rotunda. The House and Senate chambers can only be viewed when Congress is in session. Statuary Hall, which features statues of notable dignitaries, was the original House of Representatives chamber. If you stand in the right spot, you can eavesdrop on a conversation on the other side of the room, which is one reason that the House no longer convenes there. The Old Supreme Court Chamber has been restored to its early-19th-century grandeur. Visitors obtain free, timed-entry tickets for tours (first-come, first-served) at the Capitol Guide Service kiosk on the southwest corner of the Capitol (near the Botanical Gardens). Ticket distribution begins at 9 am. Each visitor—adult or child—must pick up his or her own ticket. Group tours run Monday-Saturday beginning every half-hour 9 am-3:30 pm. Arrive early, as tickets run out quickly. U.S. citizens can contact their senators or representatives for VIP-tour information. Call ahead, as tour procedures are constantly changing. (Metro: Federal Center Southwest). Phone 202-225-6827. http://www.aoc.gov/cc/visit.
