Capitol Visitor Center - Another Delay
For years, DC visitors wishing to tour the U.S. Capitol Building have been forced to wait outdoors in at times, long lines during DC’s humid summers and cold, windy winters. Unfortunately, last week, the Washington Post reported that tourists will have to wait a bit longer for the new visitor center – at least until next summer. The new Capitol Visitor Center’s opening has been delayed for over three years, plagued by delays.
In planning since 1998 and under construction since 2000, the three-level underground visitor center is the largest and most extensive renovation or construction project of the Capitol Building since the days of President Lincoln. It’s also the most expensive – as in $600 million.
The Center’s Great Hall will hold up to 8,000 visitors. It will also boast two theaters and exhibition space for historical artifacts, as well as a 600-seat cafeteria and the ever-present gift shop.
Some of the more notable artifacts will include a Reveolutionary-era George Washington letter to Congress and the original FDR “Day of Infamy” speech delivered on December 8th, 1941, the day after the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor and other U.S. installations.
Photo credits: all Center photos courtesy of The Architech of the Capitol
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POSTED IN: City History & Information
2 opinions for Capitol Visitor Center - Another Delay
GILBERT YSAIS
Apr 22, 2007 at 4:02 pm
WHEN IS THE CENTER OPENING UP???
OPENING DAY??????
Jon
Apr 23, 2007 at 8:08 am
No firm opening date has beeen scheduled, as there have been many delays. The earliest date I read was next summer.
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