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Self-Guided Tours on Capitol Hill
Visitors can tour many highlights on Capitol Hill without registering.
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History of the Architect of the Capitol
The Architect of the Capitol has a legacy and ancestry that is rooted in the...
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Mentoring Comes Full Circle
Volunteering at Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School...
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Preserving Historic Windows and Doors

By Kristen Frederick

Preservation allows the building to retain much of its original character and charm, while increasing the building's functionality for those who work and visit within its walls.
Restoring the windows of the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C.

Our Blog

Read about the art, architecture and work on the Capitol Hill written by AOC's experts.

Black and white photo of Genius of America pediment.
Letters and Numbers Abound
September 1, 2016
Art, Buildings & Grounds
A variety of letters and numbers appear on buildings or in art work on Capitol Hill.More »
Help Plants Beat the Heat
July 27, 2016
Buildings & Grounds
Just like us, plants need special care in the extreme heat. Following these tips from the U.S. Botanic Garden will help protect your plants during the hottest days of summer. More »
Conserving the Grant Memorial
July 18, 2016
Buildings & Grounds, Projects
When work on the bronze components and marble pedestals is completed this fall, viewers will again see the subtle details of the original sculpture.More »
Meigs' Miniatures: The Story of the Tiny Doors in the U.S. Capitol
July 14, 2016
Buildings & Grounds, History
Guesses for what is behind the Capitol Building's smallest doors are as varied as the architectural details that encompass the Capitol campus. The correct explanation for their existence involves Christmas Eve, the Library of Congress and engineer Montgomery Meigs.More »
Artfully Yours, Alexander Hamilton
July 11, 2016
Art
With the recent Kennedy Center announcement that the award-winning musical "Hamilton" is coming to Washington, D.C., the options to explore and experience one of our Founding Fathers in our nation's capital has never been better.More »
5 Original Olmsted Trees
July 7, 2016
Buildings & Grounds
Some of the most majestic and unmistakable trees on campus were planted during the Olmsted period.More »
Keeping Your Cool at the Capitol
July 6, 2016
Buildings & Grounds
If you live, work or visit Capitol Hill, stay alert for signs that you, a colleague or a loved one is too hot.More »
AOC's John Lamberton, Assistant Supervisor, selects the proper copper pipe size for a job.
The Library's HVAC Aces
July 1, 2016
Who We Are
While the most frequent calls from building occupants are related to climate, being successful in this line of work is about more than overcoming hot and cold conditions.More »
USBG National Garden Turns 10
June 21, 2016
Buildings & Grounds
Opened to the public on October 1, 2006, the National Garden is a key element of the USBG, along with the Conservatory and Bartholdi Park.More »
Cool Tools: On the Cutting Edge
June 17, 2016
Who We Are
The U.S. Capitol Building Sheet Metal Shop has introduced a new auto brake machine which offers an unprecedented capacity to bend metal that is integral to the many renowned projects around the U.S. Capitol.More »
Bridging the Gap
June 13, 2016
Who We Are
Millions of Americans volunteer every year, but few feel compelled to form their own organization. This doing good story is of an Architect of the Capitol employee who saw a problem in his community that had no solution, so he created one by starting his own non-profit.More »
Architect's Notebook: Influences at Work and Play
June 7, 2016
Buildings & Grounds
We are all an assembly of parts, pieces and life experiences, and we bring those experiences to the things we do every day.More »
One Team, One Energy Reduction Mission
June 2, 2016
Buildings & Grounds, Who We Are
A 30 percent reduction in energy consumption is a major accomplishment. Take a look back at how we got there, and find out where we're going.More »
Meigs' name visible on tie rod nuts in the Dome's boilerplate plenum.
Finding a Lasting Impression
June 1, 2016
Buildings & Grounds, History
Meigs was notorious for seizing opportunities to get his name inscribed on any items related to these monumental projects that he could. Recently, another permanent signature was discovered.More »
A Passion for Pedaling
May 18, 2016
Who We Are
This passionate group of AOC employees aims to improve biking conditions around the U.S. Capitol campus.More »

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