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Self-Guided Tours on Capitol Hill
Visitors can tour many highlights on Capitol Hill without registering.
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Benjamin Henry Latrobe
Benjamin Henry Latrobe was hired by President Jefferson in 1803 to fill the...
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A Welcoming Morning at the U.S. Botanic Garden
The U.S. Botanic Garden's "Morning at the Museum" program provides museum...
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Our Blog

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

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Preparing for the Moment Opportunity Knocks

By Erin Nelson

Employee spotlight on an AOC elevator mechanic who started as a night shift laborer in the U.S. Capitol and has continued to rise through the ranks.
Paul Miller (left) and Anderson Alleyne (right) are two AOC employees that embody its mission to serve, preserve and inspire.
Haunted Halls of Congress: 5 Creepy Capitol Legends
October 21, 2016
Buildings & Grounds, History
Given that the United States Capitol was once expected to be the final resting place for George Washington, replete with a crypt, should we be surprised that multiple Capitol-related ghost stories exist? Discover the myths, mysteries and folklore of this historic American building.More »
Capitol Discovery
October 7, 2016
Art, History
See how Columbus' 15th century journey was depicted by 19th century artists in art throughout the Capitol.More »
New Perspective, New Discoveries: A Close-up Look at Crawford's Progress of Civilization
September 28, 2016
Art
We have made some interesting discoveries about the details of the sculptures and the sources of some of the depicted figures; we discovered and solved a few puzzles, and we also came across a few mysteries that we're still working on (and we'd welcome your help!).More »
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 »

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