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Washington, D.C. offers many historical and cultural resources for visitors. The numerous museums, galleries, memorials, theaters, parks and gardens offer something for every visitor.

Senator Shaheen's office may be able to help coordinate tours for your group at the following locations:

  • The White House
  • The Capitol and the Capitol Visitor's Center
  • The Library of Congress
  • The Supreme Court
  • The Pentagon
  • The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
  • The Department of Treasury

Due to health and safety concerns amid the ongoing pandemic, some locations have suspended tours or limited the number of tours they are offering. Please click on the names of the attractions you are interested in viewing for more information on their current tour procedures.  

Please note: While every effort will be made to accommodate your tour request, due to limited availability and heightened security, you should notify Senator Shaheen's office of your trip AT LEAST three months in advance of your arrival.

The White House

What: Self-guided tour

When: We can request a self-guided tour slot for you 3 weeks to 3 months in advance of your visit. In order to maximize the likelihood of your request being granted, please let us know as close to 3 months before your visit as possible. The White House is open for tours Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8 AM to 12:30 PM. Please arrive 15 minutes early for your tour in order to check in and go through security. All visitors 15 years of age and older must present photo identification.

Where: Groups enter on the south side of East Executive Avenue near the Southeast gate. Park Rangers are available at 15th and E Street NW for assistance. The closest Metro stop to the White House is McPherson Square on the Orange line.

Prohibited Items: Purses, backpacks, food and beverages, strollers, cameras, tobacco products, personal grooming items (make-up, hand lotion, etc.), pointed objects (including pens/pencils). For a complete list, please visit the White House website. Please note that any medications must be identified. There is no storage facility provided so please plan accordingly.

Permitted Items: Umbrellas, wallets, cell phones, car keys.

Other: For additional information on the White House, the White House Visitor Center is located at the intersection of 15th and E Street, NW and is open 7 days a week from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. No reservations are necessary for the Visitor Center, which provides various programming and information about the White House.

U.S. Capitol
and Visitor Center

East Capitol Street and First Street, NE

What: 45 to 60 minute tour

When: The Capitol Visitor Center is conducting limited in-person tours. Due to a high demand for tours, our office will fill tours on first-come, first-served basis to constituents who submit requests through our website. The tour policies in the Capitol are evolving rapidly, so we appreciate your patience and will be in touch if any additional changes to guidelines are made.

Where: On the day of your tour, please enter the Capitol Visitor Center using the entrance at East Capitol and First Street NE. It can take some time to get through security, so please plan to reach the Visitor Center approximately 15-20 minutes before your tour start time. Once your tour is confirmed, you will receive specific instructions for how to join your tour.

Prohibited Items: Upon confirmation of your tour, you will receive PDF including your confirmation number as well as important information on Capitol security measures and a list of prohibited items. Please make sure to review the information before arriving at the CVC and leave all prohibited items at home.

Other: The Senate gallery is now open to those with gallery passes. Please let us know if you are interested in procuring gallery passes for your visit. If you are a resident of New Hampshire and would like to visit the gallery but are not participating in a staff-led Capitol tour, please call our front office at (202) 224-2841.

Library of Congress

What: Timed entry passes

When: The Library of Congress has temporarily halted all guided tours, but does allow individuals to reserve timed entry passes for self-guided tours. Timed passes are available at 15-minute intervals from 10 AM to 4:30 PM on Tuesday through Saturday, with late entry until 8 PM on Thursday. Passes are released online 30 days in advance.

Where: The Jefferson Building should be entered through the driveway level entrance facing 1st Street, SE.

U.S. Supreme Court

1st Street and East Capitol Street, NE

What: 25 minute Courtroom Lecture

When: On days the Supreme Court is not in session, Congressional offices are eligible to reserve seating in the 12:30 PM Courtroom Lecture. We are limited to six guests per lecture and seating will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where: To access the Great Hall, please enter the building through the door located on the left side of the main steps located on First Street. An accessible ramp is located along Maryland Avenue on the left side of the building.

Prohibited Items: Food or beverages of any kind, any bag larger than 18” wide x 14” high x 8.5” deep, aerosol containers, firearms, and any pointed objects (including pens/pencils). Before entering the Supreme Court Building, all visitors are screened by a magnetometer and all personal belongings are screened by an x-ray machine. Please find a complete list of prohibited items here: Prohibited Items

Other: Please note that because lectures take place in the Courtroom, they are subject to cancellation due to Court business. In addition to the Lecture Program, visitors may explore the public spaces of the building on their own, where they will find exhibitions, a gift shop, and a cafeteria. For more information on planning a visit to the Supreme Court, please visit the Court’s website at www.supremecourt.gov/visiting

The Pentagon

General Information: (703) 697-1776

What: 60 minute guided tour

When: Pentagon tours are available on a limited basis for U.S. citizens on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 AM and 1 PM. Pentagon tour guides will conduct tours for up to 20 people during each time slot. U.S. citizens who would like to tour the Pentagon must register at least two weeks in advance and will require clearance to enter the Pentagon by the Pentagon Forces Protection Agency. Tours are scheduled on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Security information is required in advance and must be approved for assigned group tours. Group tour check-in is at the Pentagon Metro Station entrance off the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s subway line. The tour window is on the left – just inside the entrance in the visitor waiting area.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

What: 45 minute guided tour

When: In addition to their walk up tour ticket program, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing offers limited reservations for Congressional Offices. Congressionally organized tours take place Monday through Friday at 8:15 AM and 8:45 AM and can be reserved up to six months in advance.