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US Supreme Court

Capitol Hill, Washington DC

US Supreme Court building on a clear day

Monuments & Landmarks
Capitol Hill, Government Buildings, Washington DC

Sitting across the street from the US Capitol Building, the Supreme Court houses the judicial branch of the United States federal government. It’s in an appropriately grand building designed by Cass Gilbert, built in the mid-1930s, and fronted by imposing classical marble columns. The doors are cast in bronze, and statues representing Liberty, Order, and Authority guard the entrance.

Photos of the Supreme Court

07 copyright havecamerawilltravel com 678x1024 - US Supreme Court

US Supreme Court building on a clear day

Contemplation of Justice

Supreme Court Renovation Scaffolding Front from South Side

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Supreme Court Flag Pole Sculpture. 197-15500543

US Supreme Court building on a clear day

US Supreme Court Building Panorama

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Supreme Court Flag Pole Sculpture with Capitol Dome. 197-15501646

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US Supreme Court building

Getting Here

By far the best way to get the Supreme Court is by public transport–parking spots are in very short supply in the surrounding area. The nearest metro stations are Capitol South (Orange line; 0.5 miles) and Union Station (Red line; 0.5 miles).

Official Website

http://www.supremecourt.gov/

For Photographers

Cameras are allowed and photography is permitted inside the building but not in the Courtroom. The use of tripods is not allowed on the inside the building or on the plaza in front of the building; you can, however, use them on the sidewalk next to the street outside the bollards marking the grounds of the Supreme Court.

If you’re after something a bit more photojournalistic, it’s quite common for there to be protests on the plaza in front of the Supreme Court, especially when the court is in session. There’s no guarantee of when protesters will turn up. Your best bet is to keep an eye on the Washington Post‘s legal coverage to see when any particularly controversial topics come before the court or check the Supreme Court calendar.

Commercial shoots or filming require a permit.

Nearby & Related:

  • US Capitol Police Photography Permit
    Photography & Filming Permits & Permissions
  • Smithsonian Castle, Washington DC
    Smithsonian Castle
  • Robert Taft Memorial and Carillon in Washingotn DC
    Robert A. Taft Memorial and Carillon
  • United States Capitol building with reflection on water
    A Photographers' Guide to Washington DC
  • Pentagon Memorial with flowers
    Pentagon Memorial
  • Lafayette Park and the White House in Snow
    A Washington Winter Wonderland

Washington DC Visitor Guides

If you're coming in from out of town, here are some of the most popular guidebooks that can help you make the most of your visit.

Fodor's Washington D.C 25 Best 2021 (Full-color Travel Guide)
Fodor's Washington D.C 25 Best 2021 (Full-color Travel Guide)
  • Fodor’s Travel Guides (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
  • Fodor's Travel Guides (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
  • Fortier, Alison (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
  • Pratt, Meredith (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

And here are some interesting options for less traditional guidesbooks if you'd like an emphasis on exploring DC on foot or diving into some of the region's rich history.

National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
  • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
  • Kennedy, Barbara Noe (Author)
Check Price on Amazon
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
  • Fortier, Alison (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit.


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      # Monuments & Landmarks
      # Capitol Hill
      # Government Buildings
      # Washington DC



About David Coleman

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living.

I’m based in Washington, DC.

You can find more of my work at havecamerawilltravel.com.

And if you’re visiting DC in the spring, be sure to check out my DC Cherry Blossom Watch site.

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.

Licensing Images

Looking for travel stock photos or prints? I might be able to help. You can search my collection here:

If you already have a buyer account with Alamy and would prefer to use that, you can search my images directly here.

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Photos by David Coleman. Please contact me for licensing images.
All images are registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.


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