What Are the People's House Hours
The people's house hours refer to the times the U.S. Capitol and its public spaces are open for visitors. The Capitol Visitor Center and Capitol grounds have specific opening and closing times that allow the public to tour, attend events, and access congressional offices. Hours can change for holidays, recesses, and special security needs.
Typical Public Access Times
Generally, the Capitol Visitor Center opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon, with tours running throughout the day. The Capitol dome and some areas may have different access rules. On most days, visitors can enter through security checkpoints during the published people's house hours. Always check the official schedule before visiting.
How to Plan Your Visit
To make the most of the people's house hours, plan ahead and arrive early. Tours are often free but may require passes or reservations. Security screening is required, and large bags are not allowed. For the latest hours and visitor information, visit the official U.S. Capitol Visitor Center page at https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/.
