The following is the most recent updates from the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. If you do not have a reservation or this planned in your itinerary it becomes very challenging to just drop in on these venues with a group.
For your information:
Library of Congress – tunnel to Capitol Visitor Center remains Closed - No current plans to reopen.
Supreme Court – Info current 1/31 –
Lectures are now back but very limited and the schedule is only released 30 days out. The time frames listed rarely work in our schedules and with not knowing until 30 days out it becomes very hard to plan for.
The Court will hear all scheduled oral arguments for the Term in the Courtroom. Seating for the oral argument sessions will be provided to the public, members of the Supreme Court Bar, and press. The three-minute line is temporarily suspended. The Supreme Court Building will otherwise be closed to the public on days when the Court is in session. On days when the Court is not in session, the building will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., excluding weekends and federal holidays. Courtroom lectures are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visitors may view ground floor exhibits and portions of the first floor on a self-guided basis. The cafeteria and gift shop are open to the public.
Courtroom Lectures
Trained volunteer docents lead these 25-minute programs, which take place entirely within the Courtroom. Courtroom Lectures are designed to introduce visitors of all ages to the judicial functions of the Supreme Court, the history of the building, and the architecture of the Courtroom.
On days when the Court is not in session, lectures are available Monday through Friday (federal holidays excepted) on a first-come, first-served basis and are free of charge. Lectures are generally scheduled at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. Lectures are subject to cancellation due to Court business and are subject to volunteer docent availability.
A line forms in the Great Hall on the first floor before each lecture. It is advisable to join the line at least 15 minutes prior to the lecture’s start time. Please be on time for the lectures, as late entries cannot be accommodated.