For years, DC visitors wishing to tour the U.S. Capitol Building have been forced to wait outdoors in at times, long lines during DCa??s humid summers and cold, windy winters. Unfortunately, last week, the Washington Post reported that tourists will have to wait a bit longerA for the new visitor centerA a?? at least until next summer.A The new Capitol Visitor Centera??s opening has been delayed for over three years, plagued by delays. In planning since 1998 and under construction since 2000, the three-level underground visitor center is the largest and most extensive renovation or construction project of the Capitol Building since the days of President Lincoln. Ita??s also the most expensive a?? as in $600 million. A A A The Centera??s Great Hall will hold up to 8,000 visitors.A It will also boast two theaters and exhibition space for historical artifacts, as well as a 600-seat cafeteria and the ever-present gift shop. A A A A A A A A Some of the more notable artifacts will include a Reveolutionary-era George Washington letter to Congress and the original FDR a??Day of Infamya?? speech delivered on December 8th, 1941, the day after the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor and other U.S.A installations. Photo credits: all Center photos courtesy of The Architech of the Capitol __________________________________________________________ A

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