Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.

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Section, Revised Dome Design for U.S. Capitol. Pen, Ink and watercolor by Thomas U. Walter, 1859.

History & Discoveries

Dancing by Dawn's Early Light

Did you know that the 15,000-pound bronze Statue of Freedom, standing atop the 9 million pounds of cast iron of the U.S. Capitol Dome, dances every day?
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History & Discoveries

Capitol Lyrics: "America the Beautiful"

By Sarah Davis | July 1, 2025

The lyrics of this patriotic song are found easily at the U.S. Capitol. Once inside the building, a portion of it can be found painted in the Cox Corridors of the south wing.

Behind the Scenes

The People's Gardens

By AOC Staff | April 14, 2025

Blooming Beauty Around the Capitol Campus

Behind the Scenes

Photography and Technical Imaging Branch Marks 75th Anniversary

By Michael Dunn | December 5, 2024

Recent historical research has confirmed that the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is home to the first federal government photography office, what is today called the AOC Photography and Technical Imaging Branch (PTIB).

Projects

House Hearing Room Renovation

By Madeleine Lucchetti | November 15, 2024

If you've ever toured a historic building, you might have thought — or heard your tour guide remark — "Wow, if only these walls could talk!" In one Rayburn House Office Building hearing room, they can.

History & Discoveries

Unearthing Capitol Hill's Buried History

By Kristen Frederick | October 18, 2024

Visit Congressional Cemetery and discover the many connections the Architect of the Capitol has to this hallowed ground.

Behind the Scenes

Meet the Team: Photography and Technical Imaging Branch

By AOC Staff | September 24, 2024

The Photography and Technical Imaging Branch (PTIB) is responsible for the documentation of the historical buildings and grounds under the care of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) and capturing the historic events within those spaces.

Programs & Events

Branching Out: A Search for Christmas in Alaska's Rainforest

By Jim Kaufmann | August 14, 2024

While record setting heat and humidity engulfed the nation's capital this summer, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) celebrated Christmas in July by embarking on an adventure to select the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

History & Discoveries

The Liberty Cap: Symbol of American Freedom

By AOC Staff | July 26, 2024

The 2024 Olympic mascot is a conical cap, the Phryge, a French symbol of freedom, but it symbolized freedom in the United States before the French adopted it.

Behind the Scenes

Leading by Example

By Erin Nelson | July 8, 2024

Charles "Doc" Wheatley, Assistant Supervisor of the Capitol Building Plumbing Shop's evening shift, has been a constant presence on the Capitol campus since 1987. That's when he accepted his first government position and began a decades-long career serving this treasured institution.