Art Walk - Inside the Historic Capitol

Our next Art Walk event, a tour of the historic Capitol, is a great opportunity for our participants to learn more about the history and architecture of the magnificent building that houses our Congress, while competing for the best photo for our Art Walk contest.

Art Walk event

Art Walk is our regular event series, where we walk through the different parts of DC, Maryland and Virginia, taking photos, as we explore art, architecture, culture and history while having a fun time outdoors.

Inside the Historic U.S. Capitol

We will start our Art Walk with a short walk outside the U.S. Capitol before heading to the Visitor Center for our guided tour. We will meet at the entrance of the U.S. Botanical Garden.

As we explore, the Capitol we will also take pictures for our Art Walk contest.

U.S. Capitol

The U.S. Capitol sits atop Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and is a place where the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S Senate have met for more than two centuries.

Today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and our system of representative democracy.

US Capitol in 1846 by John Plumbe

The original building was completed in 1800 and was subsequently expanded, particularly with the addition of the massive dome, and expanded chambers for the two different houses—the House of Representatives in the south wing and the Senate in the north wing.

Tour of the Historic U.S. Capitol

Our guided tour of the historic Capitol will begin at one of the Capitol Visitor Center’s orientation theaters with a 13-minute film, 'Out of Many, One,' which will take us on a journey through our country's struggle to establish the world's first truly representative democracy and introduce you to the magnificent building that houses our Congress.

Once inside the historic Capitol, we will see the Crypt, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall.

All tours begin and end at the Capitol Visitor Center.

Light Snacks and Drinks

Liquid, including water, food or beverages of any kind, including fruit and unopened packaged food are strictly prohibited in the Capitol.

After the event, we can break into smaller groups and get coffee, drinks or food depending on individual preferences.

Competition Rules

Take as many pictures as you would like but only upload two of your best photos for the Art Walk contest. Both the photos must be uploaded after completion of the Art Walk.

• Our judges, some who will be nominated from among our members will then judge the best photos and the overall winner. We will feature the best photos on our website and the winner will receive our award.
• The criteria for judging will be based on the artistic creativity, uniqueness of the photo composition and picture framing besides having a stimulating effect. The photo, must also capture the theme specified in the contest.
• A winner for the best photo will be announced three days after the Art Walk by our judges. The winner can pick the prize at any of our future Art Walk events.
• The winner will be invited as our guest, for our next Art Walk event.

During the event we will allocate a time frame for stopping at different locations before we continue with our walk.

Photography is more importantly an art of composing the story of an interesting moment and sharing your artistic creation with others.

The most important thing is to have fun enjoying the outdoors and the interesting company of our diverse group of participants.

Getting There

The easiest way to reach our meeting point which is the U.S. Botanical Garden, is by taking either the Orange, Blue, or Silver line to the Federal Center SW station.

U.S. Botanic Garden area map by usbg.gov

Exit the station, walk north (left) along Third Street SW for two blocks, cross Independence Avenue and continue one more block to Maryland Avenue. Look toward the Capitol and you will see the glass dome of the Conservatory. The Conservatory entrance is on Maryland Avenue.

If driving, metered street parking spaces are available within a few blocks of the U.S. Botanic Garden.

Prohibited Items

Please check the link below for the list of prohibited items at the Capitol. This includes any bag, larger than 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep.

List of Prohibited Items

Event Details

Event: Art Walk - Inside the Historic Capitol

Description: Guided tour of the U.S. Capitol as we compete for the best photo for our Art Walk contest.

Date/Time: Saturday March 17th, 2018 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Admission: $2 for covering the cost (Limited number of spots)

Meeting Place

1:00 pm - U.S. Botanic Garden(We will meet outside the main entrance)

100 Maryland Ave SW Washington, DC 20001

U.S. Botanic Garden

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There is no contest fee for veterans, firefighters and teachers who are an important part of our community. Grapes & Grains will cover the cost of their participation.

Article Category: Events