United States Capitol Visitor Center, America Building Project, U.S. Design News, Property
United States Capitol Washington DC Visitor Center
United States Capitol Visitor Center design by RTKL Architects, USA
post updated April 15, 2025
Location: Washington, D.C., United States of America
Date built: 2009
Design: RTKL
photo © RTKL.com/David Whitcomb
Jul 30, 2009
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
As the seat of the nation’s legislative branch, the U.S. Capitol is one of the most recognizable and visited historic buildings in the world. RTKL was commissioned to design a 580,000 SF multi-function facility, the largest single building effort constructed on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. While officially called the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, it encompasses not only visitor screening and orientation functions, but also several other components critical for the operations of the U.S. Capitol.
With knowledge garnered from a dozen years of work with the Architect of the Capitol, RTKL designed a facility that enhances visitor reception experience and education, strengthens building security and the U.S. Capitol’s functionality while preserving an atmosphere of free public access for the more than three million visitors who tour the U.S. Capitol annually.
photographs © RTKL.com/David Whitcomb
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center – Building Information
Project: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
Location: Washington D.C., USA
Services: Architecture, Structural Engineering, Telecommunications, MEP Engineering, interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, Environmental Graphic Design, Audio-Visual, Security Design
photos © Maxwell MacKenzie
About RTKL:
RTKL is a worldwide architecture, engineering, planning and creative services organization. Part of the ARCADIS global network since 2007, RTKL specializes in providing its multi-disciplinary services across the full development cycle to create places of distinction and designs of lasting value. RTKL works with commercial, workplace, public and healthcare clients on projects around the globe.
photographs © RTKL.com/David Whitcomb
Location: U.S. Capitol, Washington DC, United States of America
United States Capitol Architectural Influences:
Architecture in Washington DC
Washington DC Architecture – selection
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Charles River Associates Washington, D.C. Office
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National Museum of African American History and Culture : Designs
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Newseum Washington DC, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
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Smithsonian Institute Redevelopment – Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard
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Swiss Embassy Washington DC building
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Architecture in USA
Neighbouring State/Country Architecture to Washington DC
Comments / photos for the United States Capitol Visitor Center – American Architecture design by RTKL Architects page welcome
Website: www.visitthecapitol.gov
