Plan Your Visit
The National Shrine, also known as Mary’s Shrine, receives nearly one million visitors annually and has been visited by Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, Saint Pope John Paul II, and Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, among others. We hope that you can join us in person and are here to help you as you learn more about the Basilica – America’s Catholic Church!
Don’t know what to do? Let us help you.
Please enter the date of your visit to view events on or after the date of your choice:
Events Search and Views Navigation
List of Events
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
We invite you to join us in celebrating the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage
The Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage is a full-day, national event celebrating Our Lady and the Rosary in Washington, D.C., led by…
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
We invite you to join us in celebrating the Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Diocese of Wilmington Pilgrimage
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, the faithful of the Diocese of Wilmington are invited to join the Most Reverend William…
Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
We invite you to join us in celebrating the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Anniversary of the Shrine’s Elevation to the Rank of a Minor Basilica
We invite you to join us Thursday, October 12, as we celebrate the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time and the…
There are a multiple ways to tour the National Shrine.
Guided Tour
If you desire to tour the Shrine, we offer guided tours that last just under one hour. Guided tours include visits to chapels on both levels, and include information about the background of the Shrine, the architecture, and the sacred artwork.
Suggested Itineraries
Whether you are just stopping by for an introductory self-tour, are part of a School or Church Group Pilgrimage, or a one-day Diocesan Pilgrimage, view our sample schedules to ensure that your visit is a valuable spiritual experience.
Virtual Tour
Take our 360° Virtual Tours to see the Basilica’s Great Upper Church, the Great Upper Church Sanctuary, the Crypt Church and the Memorial Hall. With the click of your mouse, you can view the inside of the National Shrine!
What To Do & See
Learn more about the Basilica as you prepare for your next visit.
Hours & Location
We look forward to your next visit to the Basilica.
Plan to visit the Basilica?
The Basilica is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America and is among the ten largest churches in the world. Review our hours and location details to help plan your next trip.
Interactive Map
Learn more about the Basilica’s architecture and sacred art.
Cafeteria
View cafeteria hours and make group arrangements.
Bookstore
View bookstore hours and search for resources online.
Gift Shop
Plan your visit to the National Shrine Shops and shop online.