Supreme Court of the United States

About Supreme Court of the United States

The Supreme Court Building, completed in 1935 and designed by architect Cass Gilbert, has housed the highest court in the United States judicial branch since its construction; before then, the Court met in various spaces within the Capitol. Its grand marble facade, inscribed with 'Equal Justice Under Law,' and monumental front steps have become iconic symbols of American law. Visitors can view the Great Hall, courtroom (when not in session), and exhibitions on the Court's history and justices on a self-guided basis, and attend free Courtroom Lectures on weekdays given by trained docents, as well as a 24-minute film about the building and Court. When the Court is in session, oral arguments are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, offering a rare chance to watch the justices at work. Admission is always free.

Location

1 First St NE, Washington, DC 20543

Nearby attractions

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  National Mall

  A vast open-air national park stretching between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, lined with iconic monuments and Smithsonian museums.

• 

  Washington Monument

  A 555-foot marble obelisk honoring George Washington, offering sweeping views of DC from its observation level.

• 

  Thomas Jefferson Memorial

  A domed neoclassical monument on the Tidal Basin honoring Thomas Jefferson, surrounded by famous cherry blossom trees.

• 

  Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

  A granite memorial on the Tidal Basin featuring a colossal carved likeness of Dr. King emerging from a 'Stone of Hope.'

• 

  Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

  A sprawling outdoor memorial along the Tidal Basin divided into four outdoor 'rooms' representing FDR's four terms in office.

• 

  Vietnam Veterans Memorial

  A stark black granite wall inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 U.S. service members who died or went missing in the Vietnam War.

Nearby restaurants

• Zaytinya

  Mediterranean · $$$ · Downtown / Penn Quarter

• Ben's Chili Bowl

  American / Comfort Food · $ · U Street

• Mi Vida

  Mexican · $$ · Navy Yard / Waterfront

• Ambar Capitol Hill

  Balkan · $$ · Capitol Hill

• Centrolina

  Italian · $$$ · Downtown / Penn Quarter

• Maketto

  Cambodian / Taiwanese · $$ · Capitol Hill