Tourists no longer a need to brave the elements while waiting for a tour of the Capitol. The $621 million U.S. Capitol Visitor Center opens today with an invitation-only morning ceremony, a speech by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and a public opening at 1 p.m. In vast marble halls, visitors can study documents pertaining to key events in U.S. history, see scale models of the Capitol over its 215-year history, and circle a plaster model of the Statue of Freedom (the bronze statue that sits atop the dome). The centerpiece of the 580,000-square-foot subterranean building, lit by two 30- by 70-foot skylights, is Emancipation Hall, which is flanked by 24 statues from the Capitol's collection.
In addition, there are two orientation theaters, a 530-seat cafeteria, and 26 restrooms—a perk that is in big demand near the National Mall. A number of meeting rooms in the facility can be booked for groups by a member of Congress. (Restrictions apply: For example, the member must be present at the event.) The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, except some major holidays.
