This program is sold out.

Iconic Capitol Hill

In-Person Program

Weekend Tour

Saturday, June 14, 2025 - 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET

Code: 1CWC05

Location:

Tour meets inside the Main Hall of
Union Station (under big clock)
50 Massachusetts Ave NE
Washington, DC

Registration

$45

Member

$55

Gen. Admission

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Capitol Hill Historic District (MaxGiglePhoto/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Hill is rich in political and architectural history. Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, leads a tour of the iconic neighborhood. Hear stories about the original city plan by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the tumultuous construction of the U.S. Capitol, the rise of the magnificent Beaux Arts Library of Congress, and the backstory of the imposing Supreme Court building. Learn about the influence of prolific designers like Thomas Jefferson, Robert Mills, Frederick Law Olmsted, and Daniel Burnham.

Begin in the massive Main Hall of Union Station. This gateway to the nation’s capital has hosted inaugural balls, parties, protests, and even a runaway train. After exploring the heights and depths of Union Station, proceed past the Freedom Bell and Columbus Fountain to the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court. Then walk to the east façade (the original front) of the U.S. Capitol and go inside the breathtaking Library of Congress. Finally, take an underground tunnel to finish up at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, where you can join a free tour of the building’s interior (depending upon timing and availability).

Know Before You Go

Tour participants meet inside the Main Hall of Union Station, under the big clock (50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC), and ends inside the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.
Sturdy walking shoes, bottled water, and comfortable clothes are recommended.
The tour involves 1 mile of walking and is 2 hours in length.

Additional Date Options for this Tour

General Information

Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Friday, June 13, 2025.
Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
For additional tour information: