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

Subscribe to receive Blog updates via email.

Programs & Events

Capturing Autumn

Michael Dunn, Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) chief of photography, draws upon his many years of experience to share tips for photographing the U.S. Capitol Grounds in fall.
Background Image
History & Discoveries

Windows of Capitol Hill

By Stephen T Ayers, 11th Architect of the Capitol | January 22, 2013

Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers reflects on the almost 600,000 square feet of windows – of all different shapes, size and age – cared for by the AOC.

Behind the Scenes

Capturing the Seasons

By Curator Division | January 15, 2013

AOC Photographer Chuck Badal gives a behind the scenes look at how some of his favorite photos of the Capitol were captured — from the roof of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.

Behind the Scenes

A Legacy of Service

By Sharon Gang | December 17, 2012

Sharon Gang, Communications & Marketing Manager for the Capitol Visitor Center, reflects back on her first job on Capitol Hill, and how the lessons learned there stick with her to this day.

History & Discoveries

Deciphering the Calendar Stone in the Capitol Rotunda

By Matt Guilfoyle | December 12, 2012

The Mayan Calendar has drawn a lot of attention lately, largely surrounded by myth and misunderstanding. This story investigates a lesser-known scene in "The Frieze of American History" by Constantino Brumidi in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Behind the Scenes

Capturing Bartholdi's Fountain

By Curator Division | November 26, 2012

Architect of the Capitol (AOC) photographer Susanne Bledsoe walks us through a shot of the "Fountain of Light and Water" in Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens on the U.S. Capitol Grounds.

Programs & Events

Capturing Autumn

By Curator Division | October 24, 2012

Michael Dunn, Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) chief of photography, draws upon his many years of experience to share tips for photographing the U.S. Capitol Grounds in fall.

Behind the Scenes

While You Were Sleeping – AOC Masons at Work

By Lori Taylor | October 18, 2012

Masons working at the Architect of the Capitol get the campus ready for another day before the rest of the employees on Capitol Hill even wake. They have a small window of time very early in the day to complete any tasks that may interfere with visitors or the work of staff.

Behind the Scenes

One Team, One Mission, One Day

By Sharon Gang | September 28, 2012

Presidential inaugural ceremonies at the United States Capitol take a team effort to pull together, and planning for the event begins as soon as the previous Inauguration ends. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the AOC's role in this event.

Behind the Scenes

Saving Life & Limb: AOC Arborists

By Franklin Bradley | September 25, 2012

AOC's Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team cares for more than 4,500 trees that fill the U.S. Capitol Grounds with shade and shelter for wildlife and that frame the U.S. Capitol as part of Olmsted’s master plan.

Behind the Scenes

Master Illusionists of Capitol Hill

By Matt Guilfoyle | August 31, 2012

The men and women who comprise the Architect of the Capitol painting craft across Capitol Hill are master illusionists ensuring the buildings inspire all who visit with their grandeur and beauty. Find out how our painters use tricks of the trade to turn wood into marble and metal into wood.

History & Discoveries

Path to Capitol During the Civil War

By Matt Guilfoyle | August 28, 2012

Those commuting to Washington, D.C., via the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) traverse places forever connected by events that occurred more than 150 years ago during the Civil War. Follow the path into the city beginning with the Battle of Kettle Run at Bristoe Station.

History & Discoveries

Meeting a Capitol Artist

By Sharon Gang | August 14, 2012

Sharon Gang, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Capitol Visitor Center, describes her experience meeting Jimilu Mason, an American artist with works on display at the U.S. Capitol building.

Behind the Scenes

In Pictures: A Green Roof Comes Alive

By Curator Division | August 6, 2012

What had previously been an unusable outdoor tennis court on the Dirksen Senate Office Building roof has been transformed by plantings, drought-resistant and stays green all year long. View photos of the steps along the way and the final aerial image which shows a special design the pathways make.

History & Discoveries

AOC Trailblazer: Georgia Shaw

By Kristen Frederick | July 12, 2012

Georgia Shaw was the first woman hired by the AOC as a draftsman, leading to a fulfilling 29-year career with the agency. After Georgia passed, her daughter honored her mother’s legacy by including the AOC’s logo on the memorial plaque that marks her grave.