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Comments (3)
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The old treasure of the Capitol building has been rejuvenated with a new visitor center.
The most practical improvement is the center's enormous size. The public area is nearly half the size of the Capitol's dimensions—made possible by the fact that the structure is underground. Under the old system, visitors stood in long lines outdoors. Now citizens can stand indoors in a temperature-controlled climate.
The center's 530-seat cafeteria is also a welcome addition because the National Mall is notoriously short on affordable places for families to eat.
Additional security is another plus. Visitors are screened at a safe remove from the center itself.
[+] Enlarge image
A tip from the Washington Post: A small number of same-day passes will be handed out on what seems like a first-come, first-served basis at the information desk on the lower level of the center.
It's free to visit the Capitol Visitor Center or to take a 45-minute Capitol tour. Located on the side of the Capitol facing away from the National Mall, the center has its public entrance on First Street, roughly between the Union Station and Capitol subway stops. It's open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Monday through Saturday, except for major holidays. Tours can be reserved via visitthecapitol.gov.
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Where's "In God We Trust"?!? Where's the evidence in all the historical representation that we were founded as one nation under God, and have been the most blessed nation in the world because of it, in this facility? I am not happy that the tax dollars of the hard working people of this blessed nation have gone to a facility that has purposefully omitted the role of our faith in God in the depiction of our country's great history in this facility.
Posted By Dodi on December 11, 2008, 6:03 PM
Are you for real? I would be offended if tax dollars were spent on emblazoning "God" across a government building. What makes this "blessed nation" so great is that we're not forced to acknowledge any form of God if we so choose.
I don't deny that a belief in God played a substantial role in the founding of the country, but that doesn't mean that writing "In God We Trust" on every government-sanctioned surface is necessary to honor that. Besides, have you looked at any American currency lately? Or how about any number of other government buildings? Let's honor the cultural and religious diversity of our country by moving forward instead of looking backwards.
Posted By Adrianna on December 12, 2008, 2:07 PM
What a magnificent work of beauty and craftsmanship this genuine stone project is. For centuries, natural stone has stood as a testimony and served as monuments for nations and people. This is truly a work of art! Bravo!
Posted By Cathy on December 19, 2008, 11:04 AM