The Supreme Court of the United States sits at 1 First St NE on Capitol Hill, across from the Capitol and close to the Library of Congress. Its white-marble exterior, Corinthian columns and broad steps make a striking first stop; inside, public areas include a grand hall, a spiral staircase, exhibits and a film about the Court. Entry is free. Check the Court’s calendar for courtroom lectures and oral arguments, which give visitors a closer look at the building and the work of the nation’s highest court.
A court building with its own history
The Supreme Court did not always have a permanent home. Before this building was completed in 1935, the justices met in rooms elsewhere in the Capitol and, for a time, in a tavern. William Howard Taft, who served as both president and chief justice, helped secure a dedicated building, though he died before its completion.
Architect Cass Gilbert designed a white-marble building with a neoclassical profile. The Corinthian columns and sculpted details give the exterior a formal presence on Capitol Hill. Above the main entrance, the words “Equal Justice Under Law” state the Court’s responsibility in a concise phrase.
Inside the public areas
Public spaces extend beyond the courtroom. The Great Hall is lined with busts of former justices, while marble corridors, exhibitions and a film introduce the institution and its history. Displays include a section honoring the first woman to serve as chief justice. The spiral staircase is another notable feature of the interior.
Visitors can explore two floors, with an elevator available. The building also has restrooms, a cafeteria and a gift shop. The exhibits and film provide context for a self-guided visit, while a courtroom lecture gives a closer look at the room where the Court hears cases. Lecture schedules are listed on the Court’s calendar.
Lectures and oral arguments
Courtroom lectures and oral arguments are different ways to understand the Court’s work. Lectures explain the institution, the building and the courtroom. When the Court is in session, members of the public may be able to watch oral arguments from the gallery. The sessions take place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the October-to-April term, but the calendar should be checked before planning around one.
Seats for arguments are free and limited, so arrive early if you hope to enter the gallery. Security screening is required, and photography is not permitted inside the courtroom. Public access and scheduled events can change, so confirm the day’s information on the official Court website before setting out. The Capitol and Library of Congress are across the street, making it easy to combine the visit with other Capitol Hill landmarks.
Perguntas frequentes
Is the Supreme Court free to visit?
Yes. Entry to the public areas is free, and no ticket is needed to enter the building.
Can the public watch oral arguments?
Yes, when the Court is in session, gallery seats are available to the public. They are limited, so arrive early and check the official calendar first.
When are oral arguments held?
The supplied schedule places arguments on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from October through April. Confirm the Court’s calendar before your visit.
Can you take photos inside the courtroom?
No. Photography is not permitted inside the courtroom.
