Explore the Capitol Campus | Architect of the Capitol

Our mission centers on our stewardship of the structures and grounds of the nation's Capitol. We ensure every visitor to the campus experiences the grandeur of these historic treasures at their very best.

Art

Explore the Capitol collection of thousands of unique works of art and historic objects.

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Buildings & Grounds

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

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Capitol Hill Facts

Answers to frequently asked questions about the campus art, buildings and grounds.

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Aerial view of the U.S. Capitol campus in Washington, D.C.

Map Of The CapitOl

Capitol Campus Map

An interactive map to help you navigate the Capitol campus, find out about projects, spot landmarks and locate accessible entrances.

Map Of The Capitol

Noteworthy Updates

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.

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.

Benjamin Henry Latrobe was the second Architect of the Capitol, first hired in 1803 by President Thomas Jefferson.

History & Discoveries

Benjamin Henry Latrobe's Capitol Contributions

September 2020 marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the second Arc

This 1873 photograph shows how the USBG's first Conservatory had grown from a single Victorian greenhouse to this large, five-part Conservatory with 14 support greenhouses.

History & Discoveries

U.S. Botanic Garden at 200: Deeply Rooted, Branching Outward

For 200 years, the U.S. Botanic Garden has been showcasing plants to visitors from around the globe. Originally proposed by George Washington to establish a place for Americans to learn about useful and engaging plants.

What is the largest statue in the National Statuary Hall Collection?

The statue of King Kamehameha I, donated by the state of Hawaii. The bronze statue is 9'-10" tall and stands on a 3'-6" granite base; their combined weight is approximately 15,000 pounds.

A visitor guide shows a tour group through the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

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Visitor Resources

Helpful information to maximize your time at the U.S. Capitol campus.

Visitor Resources