Getting ready for a field trip means planning both the logistics of the trip as well as preparing students for what they will see and do. In order to foster your students’ curiosity while taking full advantage of your time in the building, see the information below for tips on planning your visit.
To help bring educational activities to life, either in your classroom or onsite during a Supreme Court visit, please see Activities for Students & Families. You may also wish to review the educational resources offered by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and visit the iCivics page. To learn more about Constitution Day activities for students, visit the Library of Congress and
National Archives.
Building Hours
The Supreme Court Building is open Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The building is closed on all federal holidays. Visitors should be aware that the business of the Court may affect public access to the building and visitor programs. Please check Today at the Court on the homepage for the Court’s daily calendar.
Transportation
The Supreme Court is not accessible by private bus or passenger van. Please view the map to see designated bus routes and restrictions. The closest Metro stops are Capitol South (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines) and Union Station (Red Line).
Entering the Building
Before entering the Supreme Court Building, all visitors are screened by a magnetometer and all personal belongings are screened by an x-ray machine. To enter the building efficiently, please ask students to carry as little as possible on the day of their visit (backpacks, bags, etc.). To ensure the safety of visitors and staff and to preserve the collections, facilities, and historic building and grounds, please see the list of items strictly prohibited inside the building and in the Courtroom while Court is in session.
Avoiding Crowds
The best time to plan a school visit is during the fall and winter months (September–February). If you plan to visit during the spring months (March–May), please allow additional time for your visit.
Visitor Etiquette
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, please review the following rules with your students and chaperones:
- Please tour the building quietly, as working offices are adjacent to all public hallways
- No photography or audio/video recording is allowed inside the Courtroom
- Consumption of food and beverages is permitted only in the Supreme Court Café and vending machine alcove
- Touching of portraits, busts, or other artifacts on exhibit is strictly prohibited
- A chaperone is suggested for every 10 students
Visitors unable to maintain proper behavior will be asked to leave the building by the Supreme Court Police.
Café & Vending Machines
The Supreme Court Café, located on the ground floor across from the gift shop, offers a variety of breakfast selections,
hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, soup, salads, pizzas, grab-n-go meals, snacks, and beverages, including Starbucks® hand-crafted beverages. The cafe is open to the public from 9 a.m. until
3 p.m., Monday ‐ Friday. Vending machines serving snacks, beverages, and grab-n-go food are also available on the ground floor during regular hours of operation. Please
contact Supreme Court Café for information about arranging lunch for your group.