The Rotunda
Under the dome.
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The seat of both houses of the United States Congress, on Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall, with white neoclassical facades and a huge dome. It is also the origin of the capital's street-numbering grid and its four quadrants. Its first sections were finished in 1800, when Congress first met here after the capital moved from Philadelphia. It was partly burned in 1814 and rebuilt, grew during the 19th century with wings for the House and the Senate, and its present dome was completed around 1866. Tours start at the underground Visitor Center and take in the Rotunda beneath the dome with its paintings and painted ceiling, and the old statuary hall, while the West Front looks down the whole Mall to the Lincoln Memorial. Tours are free Monday to Saturday between 8:40 and 15:20, and booking ahead on the Visitor Center website is recommended, with strict security screening and limits on bags and food, per the official site.
Under the dome.
Over the Mall.
Underground.
Capitol Hill, east end of the National Mall, Washington
United States Botanic GardenThe oldest continually operating botanic garden in the United States, at the foo5 minutes walk4.9
Library of CongressThe de facto national library of the United States and the research library of C5 minutes walk4.7
Washington Union StationA historic railway station, transport hub and shopping destination near Capitol 11 minutes walk4.4
National Air and Space MuseumThe Smithsonian museum of human flight and space exploration, whose main buildin12 minutes walk4.7
National Gallery of ArtOne of the foremost art museums in the United States, on the National Mall, foun12 minutes walk4.9Yes, free Monday to Saturday, and booking ahead on the official Visitor Center site is recommended.