DC Federal Court Building Opens to Public Today for 250th Anniversary

The Federal Court Building in Washington D.C. is now open to the public, a change from its previous restricted access. This marks a significant shift in how citizens can engage with the judicial system.
By Newsroom | Government, Washington D.C. |

The Howard T. Markey National Courts Building in Washington, D.C., opens its doors to the general public today, April 7, 2026. This initiative by the Federal Circuit Center for Innovation & Law marks a pivot in access policies for the complex, which houses the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

  • Visitors are granted entry to participate in mock trials and engage with historical exhibits.

  • The facility includes the Dolley Madison House, a site tied to early American governance and the genesis of the national space program.

"I think public confidence in our democracy is only improved with transparency, and so if we can bring people, adults and children here and show them both the courthouse, the history, what we do, and how we do it, it'll help restore confidence in our democracy, restore confidence in the judiciary, demystify some of that." — Kimberly Moore, Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals.

FeatureDetail
Location717 Madison Place, NW, Washington, DC
Hours8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET)
SignificanceFormer NASA HQ; Judicial Center

Institutional Background and Shifts

The structure, historically known as the National Courts Building, was renamed in 1998 to honor Howard T. Markey, the first chief judge of the Federal Circuit. The building’s heritage extends beyond the judiciary; it served as the original headquarters for NASA. It was there in April 1959 that the Mercury Seven astronauts were first presented to the public.

Access to the complex has been restrictive for years. Following administrative orders initiated in July 2021—largely spurred by the global health environment—the courthouse restricted entry to litigants, witnesses, and authorized staff. Today's public opening signifies a return to civilian accessibility for the space, which recently incorporated a NASA moon rock loan into its new exhibit on space exploration and legal innovation.

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The move is framed by officials as a mechanism to "demystify" judicial processes in alignment with the broader America 250 observations.

Core Signal: Judicial institutions are shifting from restricted administrative zones toward public-facing pedagogical hubs in an effort to regain institutional trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Howard T. Markey National Courts Building opening to the public on April 7, 2026?
The building is opening to the public today, April 7, 2026, to celebrate the 250th anniversary and to increase transparency in the judicial system. Visitors can explore historical exhibits and participate in mock trials.
Q: What can people do at the Federal Court Building now that it is open?
Visitors can now enter the building to see historical exhibits, including items related to NASA's early space program, and take part in mock trials. The building houses important courts like the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Q: What was the Federal Court Building like before it opened to the public?
Access to the building was limited for several years, especially after July 2021, mainly allowing entry only for people involved in court cases or authorized staff. This opening marks a return to wider public access.
Q: What is the historical importance of the Howard T. Markey National Courts Building?
This building, located at 717 Madison Place, NW, Washington, DC, was once the headquarters for NASA, where the Mercury Seven astronauts were first introduced in 1959. It also has ties to early American governance through the Dolley Madison House.