Terrie Rouse is CEO for visitor services for the 580,000-square-foot Capitol Visitor Center, the $680 million underground gateway to the U.S. Capitol that is expected to open to the public later this year. She previously was with Kansas City’s Union Station, serving as the executive vice president and director of museums.
This is quite a change from running Kansas City’s Union Station.
A little different from Kansas. I’ve spent a good deal of my 29 years in the museum field, and I’ve developed an unusual skill set of being able to do turnaround work and startup work. I’m going to get it open and make it fabulous. Not only do we have a historic building and landscape, but also our role is to help people understand the legislative process, to remind people of their role in the people’s house.
What kind of programs will be offered?
There’san exhibition that will be installed called “Out of Many, One.” We have touch screens for kids. There’ll be two theaters for the House and the Senate, so you can immerse yourself in the subject if you want to. Or you can quickly come in and get a taste of it. We’ll have air conditioning and restrooms. It’ll be comfortable. We won’t have people passing out in long lines anymore.
Do you expect the CVC to drive up the number of visitors to the Capitol?
I think the estimates are 3 million. With the Library of Congress across the street also opening their visitor center, between the two of us there’ll be about 4 million people. These are people coming for the Capitol Hill experience.
Can you say when the center will open?
We’re going to be getting ready for whatever date Congress decides. We will be there to welcome the people.
