Architect of the Capitol

Our Work

A Tradition of Ingenuity

Our work inspires a nation. We are the artisans, historians, and craftspeople who preserve and maintain the landmark buildings, monuments, art and grounds of the Capitol campus.

Buildings & Grounds

The Capitol campus is made up of more than 18.4 million square feet of facilities, and 570 acres of grounds.

Discover the Buildings and Grounds

Projects

We must ensure every visitor to Capitol Hill experiences the grandeur of these historic treasures at their very best.

Our Projects

Art & Artists

We are responsible for the care of thousands of works of historical art.

View the Collection

Stories

New & Noteworthy

Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds that make up the Capitol.

Graphic for Architect of the Capitol Family Resources: Home Activities, Virtual Tours, Videos.

Public Notice

AOC Offers Family Resources for Distance Learning and Virtual Visits

The Architect of the Capitol is delivering virtual Capitol experiences to those unable to visit because of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Resources for students and families learning from home are grouped into elementary, middle school and high school levels. There are also virtual field trips and online exhibits.

View of the north congressional stand under construction for the 2021 inauguration.

Behind the Scenes

By the Numbers: Presidential Inauguration 2021

Every four years Americans cast their vote for president in November and watch as the newly elected president takes the oath of office the following January. Architect of the Capitol (AOC) staff also spend these months preparing for the inauguration at the U.S. Capitol.

Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

History & Discoveries

Honoring the U.S. Capitol Guides Buried in Congressional Cemetery

Several of the men who first led tours through the U.S. Capitol are buried in Congressional Cemetery. In December 2019, a group from the Capitol Visitor Center Social Committee gathered at the cemetery to place markers on the graves of these guides and learn more about their lives.

Public Notice

Fall 2020 Issue of Tholos Magazine Now Available

Article themes and highlights include Beyond the Dome at Congressional Cemetery, Spotlight on Safety, Doing Good, a project update on the Olmsted lanterns and By the Numbers for Presidential Inauguration 2021.