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.

Tholos Magazine, Volume 18, Special Edition.

Public Notice

Special Issue of Tholos Magazine Now Available

A new special edition of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) employee magazine, Tholos, is now available.

A member of the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team at work in the park above the House office buildings garage.

Behind the Scenes

New Pesticide Recertification Program

Recertifications during the COVID-19 pandemic required a new approach.

Map illustration of John Adam's route: 1. Philadelphia 2. Downingtown 3. Lancaster 4. York 5. Frederick 6. Rockville 7. Georgetown *. Final Destination: Washington, D.C.

History & Discoveries

John Adams' Carriage Ride to Washington D.C., in 1800

President John Adams issued a letter to all federal agencies on May 15, 1800, directing the "removal of the public offices, clerks and papers" from the capital city of Philadelphia. In that single sentence, Adams started the final move of the U.S. government to its permanent home, the newly created city of Washington, in the District of Columbia.