WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court building is continuing regular public access on Wednesdays as part of its standard visitor schedule, allowing members of the public to enter the historic courthouse, attend certain public proceedings and view exhibits while the court conducts its judicial business, according to information published by the court in June.
The Supreme Court said the building is generally open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, including Wednesdays, except on federal holidays or when court operations require adjustments to public access. Court officials said visitors may enter through public entrances on the plaza level after passing security screening.
On Wednesday, the court's calendar indicated that the justices were scheduled to meet in private conference, a regular part of the court's operations during which they discuss previously argued cases and consider petitions seeking review. According to the court, the building remains open to the public on conference days even though the justices do not take the bench. Court information posted this week stated, “The building is open to the public but the Justices do not take the Bench.”
Visitors have access to portions of the building, including the Great Hall, public exhibitions and other educational displays, according to court guidance. The Supreme Court also offers courtroom lectures and self-guided visits when scheduling permits, officials said.
The court's visitor information states that public access can be affected by judicial business, security requirements or other operational considerations. Court officials advise visitors to check daily schedules before arriving, particularly during periods of high visitation. According to the court, visitor traffic is typically highest during the spring months and early summer.
Public access to the Supreme Court building has been the subject of periodic adjustments in recent years because of security concerns, health measures and court operations. However, current guidance published by the court indicates that regular weekday access has resumed, with visitor amenities, exhibitions and educational programs available on most days.
Legal observers note that public access to the courthouse is intended to provide transparency into the judicial system while preserving the court's security and operational requirements. The Supreme Court's public information materials emphasize that all visitors and their belongings are subject to screening before entering the building.
As of Wednesday, court officials had not announced any changes to regular visitor hours. The court's online schedule continued to list the building as open to the public during normal weekday operating hours while judicial conferences and other court business proceeded separately.
