Our Blog

This year has been one of many great moments at the Architect of the Capitol and on Capitol Hill. As 2015 comes to a close, relive some of the highlights through our photos.

The mild and misty December air crackled with excitement as the Architect of the Capitol, members of Congress, congressional staff, Capitol Hill neighbors and tourists gathered on the West Front Lawn for the lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree.

How do you pick a single tree from an area that stretches across all of south-central Alaska? AOC's Superintendent of the Capitol Grounds explores the Chugach National Forest for "the one."

Recognizing a few of the Monuments Men with accomplishments seen on Capitol Hill, from the outside of the buildings to the rooms and artwork within.

Multiple jurisdictions worked together to prepare for Pope Francis' historic arrival at the U.S. Capitol last month, treating it much like a rehearsal for the next presidential inauguration.

The Cannon Renewal team explores a new way of viewing drawings in the field, bringing a 21st-century approach to field coordination and quality control as a model for the future of construction.

The U.S. Capitol's rotunda is closed this month to prepare for restoration, but there are six other rotunda areas visitors should be sure to see.

Accessibility was a key component of the design of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, and we are proud to welcome visitors from all over the world.

Find out how our architects work the ADA into facilities on the U.S. Capitol campus, given they were built before accessibility needs were recognized. The Pickford Theater renovation in the Library of Congress Madison Building is a creative example of bringing accessibility to a historic building.

A look back at how life safety relates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and what has changed on the United States Capitol campus over the past 25 years. For example, fire alarms are now required to have flashing strobe lights, in addition to an audible sound.

When Visitor Guide John Claya encountered a guest with a visual disability near the Old Supreme Court Chamber, he used a creative tool to help her "see" the room.

The AOC's Facilities Planning and Programming Division incorporates seemingly small improvements into the design of our facilities and their outside environments, helping not only those with disabilities, but each one of us.

The U.S. Botanic Garden is committed to welcoming every visitor by providing accessible facilities and inclusive programming. Several efforts ensure that all can explore the USBG, including accessible routes, hand rails, all-terrain wheelchairs for loan, guides available in Braille and more.

The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center provides many accessibility services from shuttles, ramps and escalators to touchable objects and open captioning. We work closely with the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services on several fronts. Visitors may request wheelchairs at the North Coat Check.

The Cannon Renewal team is using ground penetrating radar to help workers see what's inside the concrete of the Cannon Building.