Visit the Wilson Building
The historic John A. Wilson Building serves as the seat of the District of Columbia government, housing the Executive Office of the Mayor and the Council of the District of Columbia. As the statehouse and city hall for the District of Columbia, the Wilson Building is open to the public. We welcome District residents and visitors to tour this landmark building and observe the legislative process firsthand.
Location
John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Wilson Building is located directly across from Freedom Plaza at the corner of 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Closed on holidays
Council Operations
The Council of the District of Columbia operates on a hybrid work schedule. Councilmembers and staff are available via email and phone during regular business hours. We recommend contacting individual offices in advance to confirm their in-person availability.
Legislative Meetings and Committee of the Whole Sessions are convened in a hybrid format. Both councilmembers and the public may attend either in-person in the Council Chamber or remotely via Zoom.
For in-person attendance, seating is available in the Council Chamber on a first-come, first-served basis. For remote attendance, please register for the specific meeting you wish to observe.
Hearings, roundtables, and committee mark-ups may be convened in either hybrid or fully remote formats. Each committee determines the format for its proceedings. Access and participation instructions are provided in the hearing or roundtable notice available on the Council Calendar. Committee chairs will determine witness guidelines, such as witness testimony length and deadlines for testimony submissions.
Building Access and Security
Entry Requirements
All visitors must pass through security screening upon entry. Please bring a valid form of identification, as security personnel may request ID. All visitors will be required to sign in at security checkpoints. All visitors will pass through a magnetometer, and all bags and belongings will be screened by x-ray.
Prohibited Items
For the safety of all building occupants, the following items are strictly prohibited:
- Bags larger than 14″ wide x 13″ high x 4″ deep
- Aerosol containers and non-aerosol sprays (except prescribed medications)
- Pointed objects such as knitting needles or letter openers (pens and pencils are permitted)
- Cans and bottles
- Weapons of any kind, including guns, replica guns, ammunition, stun guns, martial arts weapons, knives, mace, and pepper spray
- Razors and box cutters
- Food or beverages
- Fireworks
Health and Safety
Please do not enter the building if you are experiencing illness. Individual offices may implement additional protocols for visitors, such as requiring appointments or other safety measures. We respect the choice of those who wish to wear masks in public areas.
Building Policies
The Wilson Building is committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all visitors.
Anti-Discrimination
Discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, disability, matriculation, familial status, source of income, genetic information, or place of residence or business is illegal and strictly prohibited.
Smoke-Free Building
All areas of the Wilson Building are smoke-free.
Family-Friendly
Strollers are permitted throughout the building.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcomed in all public areas.
Historic Preservation
The Wilson Building houses historic statues and works of art. We invite you to enjoy viewing these pieces, but please refrain from touching them to help preserve them for future generations.
Accessibility
The Wilson Building is fully accessible to all visitors.
Physical Accessibility
- Handicapped-accessible entrances on both Pennsylvania Avenue and D Street
- Wheelchair-accessible doors on each floor in main hallways
- ADA-compliant restrooms with accessible stalls and doors throughout the building
Assistive Listening Services
- Hearing Room 500: FM System available
- Hearing Rooms 412, 120, and 123: Audio induction loop service available
- All hearing rooms: Closed captioning provided for all official Council proceedings
Language Services
Sign language and interpretation services are available upon request for hearings, roundtables, or meetings with Council staff. Please submit your request at least five (5) business days prior to your visit to ensure availability.
Parking and Transportation
Parking
Public parking is not available at the Wilson Building. Several commercial parking garages are located nearby, with the closest facility at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, located next door to the Wilson Building.
Public Transportation (Recommended)
Metro is the most convenient way to reach the Wilson Building:
- Federal Triangle Station (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines)
- Metro Center Station (Red, Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines)
Both stations are within easy walking distance of the building.
Public Amenities
The Wilson Building offers the following amenities for public use:
- ATM (located near the D Street entrance)
- Vending machines (Ground, 2nd, and 4th floor lounges)
- Mamava lactation pod for nursing mothers (app-accessible)
- BiKeep bicycle rack (app-accessible)
- Open bicycle racks at the rear of the building
Testifying Before the Council
Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the legislative process by testifying at Council hearings and roundtables. Please visit the Calendar for more information.
For detailed information about the testimony process, including how to register, prepare your testimony, and what to expect, please visit: https://dccouncil.gov/how-to-testify-before-the-council/
Virtual Tour
Experience the beauty and history of the John A. Wilson Building from anywhere. Thanks to Google Maps, you can take a virtual tour of the building’s public spaces.
Explore these highlighted locations:
Hearing Room 412; Hearing Room 120; Hearing Room 123
Historic angels and architectural details in the Chamber
Access the full virtual tour at:
https://www.dccouncil.us/take-mind-blowing-360-tour-wilson-building-phone-desk/
We look forward to welcoming you to the John A. Wilson Building. Your engagement in District government strengthens our democracy and our community.