The United States Capitol will begin formally reopening to visitors and tourists on Monday, after being closed to the public for about two years because of the coronavirus pandemic and security concerns after the Jan. 6 riot.
A limited reopening will start March 28 with lawmaker-led tours and staff-led tours of up to 15 people as well as a limited number of school tours, according to a memo from William J. Walker, the House sergeant-at-arms, and Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician. Tours of the Capitol Dome for up to eight people will begin April 25, and the Capitol Visitors Center will fully open at the end of May.
“We appreciate your continued patience and cooperation as we work together to resume public tours of the Capitol for the American people in a way that protects the health and safety of visitors and institutional staff alike,” Mr. Walker and Dr. Monahan wrote in the memo.
The two men said the phased reopening was coordinated with congressional leadership, the U.S. Capitol Police Board, the Capitol Police and other leaders.