Q: What is the Capitol Visitor Center?
A: The Capitol Visitor Center is a newly opened, free-of- charge, informative place that now serves as the secure and seamless gateway to the United States Capitol. Iowans young and old, whether they have never visited Washington or have been there 100 times, will be delighted to see the newest historical treasure available in the nation's capital city. Iowans can begin their journey through the Capitol in the three story Capitol Visitor Center, which is roughly 75 percent of the size of the Capitol itself at 580,000 square feet. The size of the Capitol Visitor Center allows for approximately 4,000 tourists to comfortably roam its exhibits while waiting for Capitol tours – a stark contrast to waiting outside in long lines for tickets. The Capitol Visitor Center offers Iowans touring the Capitol many necessary amenities that were previously not offered or were in short supply. The Capitol Visitor Center also features a 530-seat restaurant, 26 bathrooms, two gift shops and many educational opportunities.
Q: What are some of the educational opportunities provided at the Capitol Visitor Center?
A: The Capitol Visitor Center is completely underground, but large skylights from the open area of the center provide an amazing view looking up at the Capitol. Emancipation Hall is an interesting and large part of the Capitol Visitor Center. It houses the plaster model of "Freedom," which was used to cast the statue that sits on top of the Capitol Dome. There are two 250-seat orientation theatres, each decorated to resemble the Senate and House chambers respectively, that provide a 13-minute informational video to tourists before they visit the Capitol. The exhibition hall offers interactive displays for visitors to learn about the workings of the U.S. Congress and the architecture and history of the Capitol. With ongoing lectures, special events, informative programs and changing exhibits, the Capitol Visitor Center is designed to enhance the experience of visiting the U.S. Capitol. On the east lawn of the Capitol, just outside the Capitol Visitor Center, are the trees dedicated to the Five Sullivan Brothers of Iowa. During construction of the Capitol Visitor Center, I posted three video webcasts on my website for Iowans to get a sneak peak of what they would see on their visit. Visit http://grassley.senate.gov to see the videos, or visit http://visitthecaptiol.gov for more information about the Capitol Visitors Center.
Q: Will your office still provide Capitol tours with the Capitol Visitor Center?
A: Of course, my office is very interested in making Iowans' trips to the nation's capital the best they can possibly be, and offering a Capitol tour led by my staff members is one of the ways we accomplish that. Anyone interested in a tour can visit my website, http://grassley.senate.gov, to fill out a tour form online. Or call my Washington office at 202-224-3744 to schedule a tour of the Capitol and the Capitol Visitor Center.