Supreme Court of the United States

The marble temple of the highest court, completed in 1935 across the street from the Capitol, with Equal Justice Under Law carved over the columns. The building is open to visitors on weekdays with free courtroom lectures when the court is not sitting; during the October to June term the public can watch oral arguments for a few minutes from a rotating gallery line. The ground floor has exhibits and a short film. Even from outside, the steps are a Washington icon, the site of countless protests and every major ruling announcement. Closed on weekends. Allow 30 to 45 minutes inside.