The Congressional Special Services Office offers accessible tours for visitors with disabilities. Barrier free tours are provided using ramps, elevators, sign language, FM systems, tactile and descriptive accommodations.Information on nearby tourist attractions is available in accessible formats.The office is located in the Crypt, on the first floor of the Capitol. It is open for tours Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.To schedule a Special Services Tour, or to obtain more information, please call or write your Senators or Representative. Phone numbers can be obtained by calling the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 (voice) or (202) 224-3091 (TDD-TTY).To contact the Congressional Special Services Office, call (202) 224-4048 (voice) or (202) 224-4049 (TDD-TTY), or write:Congressional Special Services OfficeCrypt of the CapitolU.S. Capitol BuildingWashington, D.C. 20510When the Senate and House are in session, passes are necessary for admission to the Senate and House Visitors Galleries. These passes may be obtained at your SenatorsÕ and RepresentativeÕs offices. Regulations are noted on the pass.The Capitol Police will provide wheelchairs upon request at the Document Door entrance located to the left of the East FrontÕs central stairs. The United States CapitolThe best recognized symbol of democratic government in the world, the United States Capitol has housed Congress since 1800.The site of the Capitol was selected by President George Washington and Pierre Charles LÕEnfant, the designer of the new Federal City. The president laid the cornerstone on September 18, 1793, and the north wing was first occupied by Congress in 1800. In 1807 the south wing was occupied. Both wings were burned by British Soldiers in 1814. Reconstruction of the wings was completed in 1819. The addition of the center section, topped by a low dome, signaled the completion of the original building in 1826.For nearly two centuries, the Capitol has grown along with the nation. The 19th century brought the additions of larger wings and the cast- iron dome. Contemporary changes have included the extension of the East Front, completed in 1962, as well as restoration work which has recently included the West Front and the Statue of Freedom.National Statuary HallThe House of Representatives met here from 1807 to 1857. Today this historic room is known as National Statuary Hall. In 1864 each state was invited to contribute two statues in marble or bronze of deceased citizens Òillustrious for their historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services.Ó By 1933 the statues had become so numerous that Congress determined that portions of the collection could be displayed in other parts of the Capitol.RotundaThe Rotunda was designed as the central ceremonial space of the Capitol. Rising over the Rotunda is one of the largest domes in the world. Made of cast iron and weighing about 9 million pounds, it was completed in 1863. In the canopy, 180 feet above the floor, is the fresco* ÒApotheosis of George Washington,Ó which was completed by Constantino Brumidi in 1865.Many prominent Americans have lain in state in this room, among them Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and the Unknown Soldiers. Visiting heads of state have been received in the Rotunda, and memorable individuals and events celebrated. The four large paintings by John Trumbull on the west side of the Rotunda illustrate scenes of the American Revolution. The other four paintings represent the discovery and colonization of America. Encircling the Rotunda is a frieze in fresco depicting over 400 years of American history, from Columbus to the Wright Brothers.Small Senate RotundaThe Small Senate Rotunda contains 16 columns with capitals of tobacco blossoms and leaves. The columns were designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe as part of the reconstruction of the Capitol after the War of 1812.Old Senate ChamberThe Senate met in this chamber from 1810 until 1859. This era was dominated by Senators Henry Clay, John Calhoun, and Daniel Webster, who fiercely debated the issues of slavery, territorial expansion, and economic policy affecting the new nation.Later, when the Senate moved to its present location, the room was occupied by the Supreme Court from 1860 to 1935. The Chamber has been restored to its mid-19th century appearance, when the Senate last met here. Old Supreme CourtOriginally the Senate Chamber, this room was later reconstructed for use by the Supreme Court. The Court met here from 1810 to 1860. Here Chief Justice John Marshall established the foundations of American constitutional law.The marble busts are of the first Chief Justices. In the lunette is a sculptural relief of ÒJustice.Ó The umbrella vault ceiling designed and constructed by Latrobe is considered a masterpiece. The room has been restored to its mid-19th century appearance.Brumidi CorridorsThe decoration of the first floor Senate wing corridors was designed by Constantino Brumidi in the style of ancient Roman and Renaissance wall painting. Brumidi himself painted the semicircular historical scenes over the doorways in fresco. He also executed the portraits of Revolutionary heroes. Other artists executed the multitude of North American flora and fauna on the walls and ceilings. Some blank spaces were filled in during this century with airplanes, a scene of the first moon landing, and a commemoration of the Challenger space shuttle astronauts. The floors are paved in many patterns with colorful Minton tile from England.Senate ChamberThe Senate Chamber was completed in 1859 and was renovated along with the House 90 years later. The SenatorsÕ desks include most of the 48 original mahogany desks made in 1819. With the addition of new states, similarly styled desks have been added. In the niches of the gallery are the busts of 20 vice presidents. In the ceiling is an interpretation of the Great Seal of the United States.Many long- standing traditions are respected by the Senate. The 100 Senators choose a desk location on the basis of seniority within parties. The President of the Senate - the Vice President of the United States - has the Republicans to his left and the Democrats to his right.House ChamberThe House Chamber, first occupied in 1857, underwent a complete remodeling and structural renovation between 1949 and 1951. The ceiling contains seals of the 50 states, four territories, and the District of Columbia, as well as a carved glass eagle outlined in bronze. Twenty-three noted lawgivers are depicted in sculptural relief above the gallery doors. On the walls at the sides of the SpeakerÕs rostrum are portraits of George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette.When the House is in session, the mace - the symbol of authority of the House - may be seen on the SpeakerÕs right. The 435 members of the House of Representatives and 5 delegates are not assigned individual seats, but traditionally Republicans sit on the SpeakerÕs left and Democrats on the right. First Floor House CorridorsThe Hall of Columns has 28 columns with capitals of tobacco leaves, flowers and thistles; it also houses a part of the National Statuary Hall collection. Three additional corridors are decorated with scenes designed by Allyn Cox. These are the Hall of Capitals, the Great Experiment Hall, and the Westward Expansion Hall. CryptA crypt is commonly acknowledged as an underground vault or burial chamber, although there is no one buried in the Capitol. The original intent was to inter the remains of George and Martha Washington under the center of this room, but they remain at their home in Mount Vernon, Virginia. This unusual space, with its 40 Doric columns of Virginia sandstone, supports the Rotunda above. Today, the Crypt houses sculpture, Capitol artifacts, and exhibits on the history of the building. ---------- United States SenateWASHINGTON, D.C. 20510Dear Visitors:Welcome to Washington and the United States Senate.The capital city represents the governmental and political hearth of our country. It is also a major cultural, historical and economic resource for AmericaÕs constituency. You will find great natural and monumental beauty in this modern metropolis, as well as a wealth of sights and activities to be enjoyed by all.Whether you are citizens of the United States or our international neighbors, you are welcome here. We hope this guide will be helpful during your visit. If we can be of further assistance to you, please feel free to call upon the Office of the Senate Sergeant at Arms. Sincerely, Bob Dole Majority Leader Thomas A. Daschle Democratic LeaderThe White HouseCompleted in 1800, the White House has been the home to every president and his family since John Adams. The home of the President attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year for a tour of such celebrated rooms as the East Room, the State Dining Room, the Red, Blue and Green Rooms, and the PresidentÕs Library.Tours are conducted from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon Tuesday through Saturday. From September through May tickets are not necessary. The tour entrance is located at the White House East Gate on East Executive Avenue. This is a continuous tour, and all who arrive by 12:00 noon are assured -admittance.Because of the popularity of this tour during the summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day), tickets are required. They may be obtained free of charge at ticket booths on the Ellipse just south of the White House, beginning at 8:00 am, Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis.Memorial WashingtonLincoln Memorial - West Potomac ParkOne of the most impressive sights in Washington is the memorial of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln Ñ especially under its dramatic night lighting.The giant seated figure of Lincoln overlooks the Reflecting Pool and faces the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building.Memorial walls are inscribed with passages from the Gettysburg and the Inaugural Addresses of President Lincoln.Jefferson Memorial - Tidal basinThe memorial to our third President, Thomas Jefferson, celebrates his architectural as well as his governmental influence in America. A 19-foot bronze figure of Jefferson dominates the interior and the walls are inscribed with his most famous writings, including excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. Paddle boats may be rented nearby for tours of the Tidal Basin.Arlington National Cemetery - Arlington, VirginiaHere is the final resting place of thousands of American soldiers, sailors, and airman Ñ from the grave of celebrated General John J. ÒBlack JackÓ Pershing to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its precision-drill honor guard. President John F. Kennedy is buried here, his grave adorned with an eternal flame.Arlington House, the home of Civil War General Robert E. Lee, is situated on the hill overlooking the Kennedy graves and is open to the public from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (open until 6:00 pm April 1 through October 1) daily.Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Constitution GardensThe Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the men and women of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam War. The names of more than 58,000 who gave their lives or remain missing are listed chronologically on the black granite panels. How to Get Aroundin WashingtonWashington has a subway system called Metro which can take you to all of WashingtonÕs major tourist attractions for a -reasonable fare. Trains arrive in each Metro station every five minutes during rush hours (6-9:30 am - 3-6:30 pm) and every ten -minutes the rest of the day. For information call (202) 637-7000, or (202) 638-3780 (TDD).The Metro bus system is another inexpensive and reliable means of transportation. Even taxicabs are reasonable because fares are based on established zones, not on - metered mileage. For example, the large downtown area between the Capitol and the White House is all included in one zone.Useful Phone NumbersTime (202) 844-2525Weather (202) 936-1212Police Emergency 911Police Department (Non-Emergency) (202) 727-1010Motor Vehicle Bureau (202) 727-6680Travelers Aid Society of Washington (202) 546-3120Arlington National Cemetery (703) 697-2131Capital ChildrenÕs Museum (202) 543-8600National Park ServiceÊCapitol Parks (202) 619-7222ÊSpecial Events (202) 619-7225National Zoological Park (202) 673-4800Performing Arts/Special EventsÊArena Stage and Kreeger Theater (202) 488-3300ÊArmory Starplex/RFK Stadium (202) 547-9077ÊUSAir Arena (formerly the Capital Center) (301) 350-3400ÊFolgerÕs Shakespeare Theater (202) 544-4600ÊFordÕs Theater (202) 347-4833ÊJohn F. Kennedy Center for theÊÊPerforming Arts (202) 467-4600ÊNational Theater (202) 628-6161ÊWarner Theater (703) 783-4000Wolf Trap Farm Park for theÊÊPerforming Arts (703) 255-1860Smithsonian InstitutionÊÊGeneral Information (202) 357-2700ÊÊDial-a-Museum (202) 357-2020The U.S. Capitol (202) 224-3121The White House (202) 456-7041Ticket Master Phone Charge (202) 432-7328Visitor Information ServiceÊInformation Center forÊÊHandicapped Individuals (202) 966-8081ÊInternational VisitorsÊÊInformation Service (202) 939-5566ÊWashington Area ConventionÊÊand Visitors Bureau (202) 789-7000Produced bySergeant at ArmsFebruary 1995ÊThe Tourmobile shuttle bus is an ideal way to see major attractions. The Tourmobile makes scheduled stops at all points of -interest on the National Mall and in Arlington -National Cemetary. On the Tourmobile, you pay once, get off everywhere you want, and reboard for free. Red and white Tourmobile signs mark designated stops. For more information on routes, hours and fares call (202) 554-7950.The United States Capitol BuildingThe Capitol Guide Service provides free tours every day from 9:00 am to 3:45 pm, originating in the Rotunda at the center of the Capitol Building. Tours may include visits to the Senate and House Galleries overlooking the chambers where AmericaÕs law-makers debate and vote on legislation.Gallery passes are available through the offices of your home-state Senators and Representatives. International visitors may obtain special passes to the Senate gallery from the Senate Appointment Desk located at the North Door. International passes to the House gallery may be obtained from the Office of the Doorkeeper, Room H-154 in the Capitol.Senate and House Office BuildingsCongress is composed of 535 voting Members.The Richard Brevard RussellÊÊ,the Everett McKinley DirksenÊÊÊ, and the Phillip Aloysius Hart Senate Office Buildings house the offices of all 100 Senators and the standing and special committees of the Senate.Each of the three House of Representatives Office Buildings is named for a former Speaker of the House - Joseph CannonÊÊÊ, Nicholas LongworthÊÊÊ, and Sam Rayburn .Take time to visit the offices of your Senators and Representative.The Library of CongressÒAmericaÕs LibraryÓ now contains more than 75 million volumes and is a world-renowned research -center of scholars. Special exhibits, including a permanent display of the Gutenberg Bible (the first book printed with movable type) make the Library a favorite tourist attraction. Free 45-minute tours leave on the hour from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm from the ground floor of the Jefferson Building.The United States Supreme CourtCourt sessions begin the first Monday in October and continue two weeks per month through May. Courtroom seats are available to visitors on a first- come, first-served basis when court is in session. Guided tours are available when the court is not in session.The National Botanic GardenLocated at the foot of Capitol Hill, this con-servatory features more than 8,000 varieties of exotic flowers, fruits and plants. Winter hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; summer hours are 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.National Air and Space MuseumThis museum traces the history of American aviation and includes the original Wright BrothersÕ plane, LindberghÕs ÒSpirit of St. LouisÓ, and the Apollo 11 Lunar Excursion Module. The simulated bridge of an aircraft carrier offers a true-to-life look at a sea-and-air military operation.Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture GardenHome of the extensive Joseph Hirshhorn collection of 19th and 20th century American and European art, this museum displays important pieces by Rodin, Picasso and many other noted artists.The CastleThe original Smithsonian Institution building, known as the ÒCastle,Ó houses the Visitor Information and AssociatesÕ Reception Center and exhibits relating to the history of the Institution. Hours of operation are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.Freer Gallery of ArtThe galleryÕs American Collection includes works of the famed artist Whistler. Also featured are exquisite examples of Far Eastern and Near Eastern art, jade, ceramics and manuscripts.Washington MonumentThis monument, recognized by its obelisk shape, was built in honor of AmericaÕs first President. Towering 555 feet, it is the tallest structure in the NationÕs capital and will remain so by law. For a spectacular view of the city, ride the elevator to the top.National Museum of American HistoryThis museum features exhibitions ranging from the original 42-foot Star Spangled Banner (the American flag which in 1814 inspired Francis Scott KeyÕs lyrics for our national anthem) to artifacts from community life and popular cultures in the United States.National Museum of Natural HistoryThis museum features a 12-ton elephant and the 45.5-carat Hope Diamond as well as major presentations on American Indian and Eskimo life.National ArchivesThe original Declaration of Independence, as well as other famous documents in American history are on display. Find your ÒrootsÓ in the extensive genea-logical and census files.National Gallery of ArtMasterpieces from medieval times to the present adorn the National Gallery, including major works by Botticelli, Cezanne, de Vinci, Raphael, Renoir, and many other renowned artists.National Gallery of Art - East WingThis building, designed by I.M. Pei, houses contemporary art. Works by Matisse, Calder and other outstanding modern artists are on display.Other Area Museumsand Galleries of InterestArts and Industries BuildingArthur M. Sackler GalleryMuseum of African Art