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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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Behind the Scenes

Meet the Team: AOC University

By Carol Campos | October 18, 2023

The AOC University team has a clear sense of purpose to make learning fun, increase employee engagement, encourage retention of valued talent and attract the next generation of AOC leaders.

History & Discoveries

How Two Tiny "Houses" Ended Up on the National Mall

By Madeleine Lucchetti | October 10, 2023

The pencil-like shape of the Washington Monument, the grand pediment of the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol Dome are all emblematic shapes of Washington, D.C. But in addition to these architectural juggernauts, two smaller, more understated buildings on the National Mall often draw the eye.

Behind the Scenes

Built to Last

By Madeleine Lucchetti | September 20, 2023

From Project Mastery to People Skills, Women in Construction Build Up the AOC

History & Discoveries

A Most Magnificent Ruin: The Burning of the Capitol during the War of 1812

By Curator Division | August 1, 2023

In retaliation for Americans burning the Canadian capital at York (Toronto) on April 27, 1813, British troops would later descend on Washington, D.C., setting fire to much of the city. Follow the path the British took in 1814 to burn the U.S. Capitol and learn more about damage done to this historic building.

Programs & Events

Christmas in July in Wonderful West Virginia

By Jim Kaufmann | July 25, 2023

To most, July in Washington, D.C., means hot weather and Independence Day celebrations. At the Architect of the Capitol it also means it's time to go Christmas tree hunting!

Behind the Scenes

Employee Spotlight: Honoring 50 Years of Historic Service

By Erin Nelson | May 9, 2023

In today's fast-paced, instant culture, few things seem to last, including career tenures. Perhaps it's the charm of the historic campus or the weight of the symbolism it carries around the world, but at the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), it's not hard to find an employee who has spent their entire career serving this treasured institution.

Behind the Scenes

Beyond the Dome: Fort Meade

By Erin Nelson | May 4, 2023

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is responsible for managing the buildings and grounds on Capitol Hill, but it also maintains several facilities across the National Capital Region, including facilities in Fort Meade, Maryland.

History & Discoveries

Leaves of Green: Capitol's Mature Trees Offer Big Payouts

By Madeleine Lucchetti | April 28, 2023

This Arbor Day, we celebrate the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team's continued efforts to preserve and protect Olmsted's legacy — one of longstanding stewardship that's paying off every day.

Behind the Scenes

Arboretum in the City

By Carol Campos | April 26, 2023

Walking around the U.S. Capitol Grounds you can't help but be in awe of the impressive buildings and their historic meaning, what you probably don't know is that the U.S. Capitol Building is surrounded by an arboretum.

Programs & Events

Long-Time Partnership Yields Beautiful Results

By Devin Dotson | April 21, 2023

In February 2023, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) opened the 27th annual joint orchid exhibit in partnership with Smithsonian Gardens.