Although it is underground, the hall is light and airy because it's covered with glass skylights that let sun in and provide views of the Capitol dome for those below.
From this hall, visitors can move to the exhibition hall, which features displays designed by Ralph Applebaum and Associates (designer of the exhibits at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum). Marking the entrance to this area is the Statue of Freedom, a 19-foot-high plaster figure that was the model for sculptor Thomas Crawford's figure atop the Capitol's dome. Tuesday is the 145th anniversary of the day the statue was placed atop the dome.
According to officials, the hall is the only place in the world dedicated to telling the story of the U.S. Congress and U.S. Capitol. Displays touch on subjects such as the different phases of construction of the Capitol, the evolution of the surrounding area, and the architectural features of the building.
In addition, visitors can learn about the members of Congress (including their own representatives), how the Capitol accommodates them, and many of the milestone actions they have taken over the years.
Carved into a marble wall in the exhibition hall are two phrases that had significance for the Capitol in its beginning and maintains importance for the visitor center today: E Pluribus Unum, which means "Out of Many, One."
"Our founding fathers selected these words to describe the coming together of the 13 Colonies into one, united country," Rouse said. "The Capitol is a place where many gather, and today, we share the Capitol ... in a new way. We hope to make every visit to the Capitol an educational and inspiring experience of a lifetime."
if you go
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center: Admission is free, but visitors need time-specific tickets to see the orientation film and to tour the Capitol itself. Tickets can be obtained in advance by going to visitthecapitol.gov or calling 202-226-8000. Tickets also can be obtained on-site the day of the tour, if still available. There are security restrictions on what can be brought into the building, so call or go online to see a list of prohibited items. Visitor center hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. The main entrance is near First Street and East Capitol Street Northeast, Washington. The center is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day.
