The U. S. Supreme Court, the highest body of the judiciary arm of the federal government, is housed in the Supreme Court Building, designed of Corinthian marble in a style to match other congressional buildings, and constructed in 1935. Before that time, the Supreme Court operated out of the Capitol Building. On the front stairway are two statues, the Contemplation of Justice and the Guardian or Authority of Law. Along the corridor leading to the Courtroom, known as the Great Hall, are busts of all former Chief Justices.
The Supreme Court is made up of a chief justice and eight associate justices, nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Their governing authority is the Constitution, and they hear approximately 100 cases each year.
Attraction Information
- Visiting Hours and Availability:
- The Supreme Court is in session October through April and visitors may view sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Seating is limited and given on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- The Supreme Court Building is open throughout the year from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visitors can participate in a variety of educational programs, explore exhibits and see a 25-minute film on the Supreme Court. Lectures in the Courtroom are given every hour on the half-hour, on days that the Court is not in session.
- Admission:
- Free
- Metro Stop:
- Redline to the Union Station Stop
- Exit near Massachusetts Ave Ne
- Start out going East on Massachusetts Ave Ne towards Columbus Cir Ne
- Turn right onto Columbus Cir Ne
- Turn left onto 1st St Ne
- View Metro Map
- Contact:
- Location: Capitol Hill at First Street and Maryland Avenue, Washington, DC 20543
- Phone: 202-479-3000
- Map: www.supremecourtus.gov
