Federal Bureau of Investigation Tours and Information

The FBI Experience

The FBI Experience is a self-guided tour at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Open to the public, the tour features interactive multimedia exhibits, content, and artifacts—including a number of items from notable cases on display for the very first time—that help illustrate the importance of the Bureau's work to protect the nation.

The FBI tour became the public face of the FBI in 1937, when FBI Headquarters was located in the Department of Justice building in Washington, D.C. After the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building opened in 1975, the tour quickly became a highlight for visitors to the nation's capital. However, due to security concerns following the events of September 11, 2001, the tour was closed.

Repurposing artifacts and information from the old tour, the FBI opened the Education Center in 2008 to provide an opportunity for new employees and law enforcement partners to learn more about the Bureau and its work. In 2014, the FBI launched a pilot program that opened the Education Center to the public. This allowed the Bureau the opportunity to tell its story—including its history, capabilities, and ideas for the future—to a wider audience.

The Education Center closed in 2016 so the FBI could make way for a new, revitalized tour that explores the FBI and its mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. The FBI Experience opened its doors to the American people on July 10, 2017 and has quickly become a popular site for visitors to Washington, D.C.

Visitors to The FBI Experience will learn how the Bureau operates in the field, at Headquarters, and within communities across the country. They will also gain a rare look inside the organization's investigative divisions, laboratory resources, professional occupations, and more. The rich experience tells the story of the FBI's internal operations and history, as well as how its cooperation with local, state, federal, and international partners helps further its unique role in national security and law enforcement.

What do you need to know?

All visitors to The FBI Experience must be U.S. citizens or valid green card holders (permanent residents).

Operating hours are Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays.

You can schedule a visit to The FBI Experience up to five months in advance but no later than four weeks prior to the desired visit date.

All visitors age 16 and older must present a government-issued photo ID upon entrance. School IDs will also be accepted.

No storage facilities are available at FBI Headquarters. Individuals who arrive with prohibited items will not be permitted to enter.

Prohibited Items:
 Bags larger than 8 ½" x 11"
 Point-and-shoot cameras, SLR cameras, video recorders, and iPads
 Strollers
 Food or beverages of any kind
 Tobacco products
 Aerosol containers
 Guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, knives, or any pointed objects
 Permitted Items:
 Wallets, cell phones, car keys, and umbrellas
 Purses and bags that are sized 8 ½" x 11" or smaller
 Any items required for medical purposes (e.g. wheelchairs, electric scooters, glucose tablets, EpiPens, etc.)

How do I get scheduled for a tour?

Click here to visit the official Federal Bureau of Investigation's website.