A Capitol Improvement: Capitol Visitor Center Opens

GOLDEN EARRINGS IN THE SHAPE of eagles beckon from a display case. A framed replica of the Declaration of Independence (with accompanying quill) hangs from a wall. A woven scene of U.S. Capitol on a blanket, dubbed the "Capitol Comforter," lies neatly folded in a corner. It's American patriot heaven. And that's just what's in one of the Capitol Visitor Center's two gift shops.

The 580,000 square-foot facility, which opened to the public yesterday, is dazzling. As visitors descend two escalators to the central Emancipation Hall, the underground level's sparkling marble grandeur is offset by a bright glass ceiling showcasing views of the Capitol dome. An indoor replica of the dome's Statue of Freedom — an exhibit focal point — is a commanding presence in itself, but it's not the only statue that will catch your eye. There are 24 state statues speckled throughout the center, and while all pay tribute to significant Americans, don't expect them all to be made of the same ole white marble.

Colorado's John L. "Jack" Swigert Jr. replica has the Apollo 13 astronaut rocking a replica NASA suit and holding a space helmet, while Wyoming's bronze depiction of Chief Washakie features the Shoshone tribe spokesman in feathered headdress, a spear in his right hand and peace pipe in his left.

The Emancipation Hall is just a taste of what the center has to offer. The real gems are just beyond the Statue of Freedom in the center's Exhibition Hall.

The room uses low lighting due to the plethora of precious American artifacts it holds, like a copy of George Washington's inaugural address in 1789. Also inside are women's suffrage pins from the Alice Paul days of the 1910s as well as a ceremonial copy of the 13th Amendment signed by President Lincoln in 1865. And in these recession-stricken times, one can't help but chuckle at the irony of a $3,000 Bank of the United States Note dating back to 1840. Four years earlier, President Andrew Jackson had opted not to renew the federal institution's charter — so the treasury was operating as a private business. (How about that Mr. Paulson?!)

Yet even more disturbing, and fascinating, are the eerie transcripts from the 1912 Senate hearings on the Titantic's sinking.
[Senator Burton: How soon after you telephoned the bridge did you strike the 'berg?
Mr. Fleet: I do not know.
Senator Burton: Was it one minute or two minutes?
Mr. Fleet: I could not tell you.
Senator Burton: What did you do in the meanwhile?
Mr. Fleet: We just kept a look out.
Senator Burton: As you came near and nearer to it?
Mr. Fleet: Yes, sir.]

There's such a wealth of historical information available, it can be a tad overwhelming (in a good way, of course). Those who need a brain break can kick back on a plush bench and watch large-screen displays to learn all of the ins and outs of Senate and House procedures. And 20 touch-screen displays will appease the iPhone set with interactive experiences ranging from congressional quizzes ("Who wrote the Bill of Rights?") to virtual Capitol tours (it's the Senate without the crowds!).

D.C. resident Joe Grano, 63, gave the new visitor center a gander and approved.

"They've come up with the best arrangement they can come up with to adhere to the dignity of the building," he said. I'm satisfied. I think my taxpayer money was well spent."

We couldn't agree more. Now excuse us while we head to the in-house restaurant to order a $9.95 pulled pork sandwich. Now that's the taste of freedom.

» U.S. Capitol, East Capitol and First streets; Mon.-Sat., 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m; free, 202-225-6827 (Capitol South)