Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.
Subscribe to receive Blog updates via email.
Behind the Scenes
Our first president had a significant impact on the nation and, while George Washington never actually graced the halls of the United States Capitol, his presence, influence and even his likeness, is everywhere. Approximately 35 pieces of art include Washington's likeness in the U.S. Capitol.
Every summer, dozens of skilled tradespeople and public service aspirants from around the country brave the Washington, D.C., humidity to come and intern for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Once they arrive, they're dispatched across the Capitol campus to every jurisdiction, where they take on special projects and assignments with their unique AOC teams.
For many people around the country, the start of the holiday season is marked by selecting and decorating a Christmas tree. Likewise, the holidays start on Capitol Hill when the Christmas tree arrives on the Capitol campus. A team of employees from the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) work seamlessly and tirelessly to ensure that the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is ready to spread holiday cheer to visitors from all over the country and around the world.
Nick Nelson combines diverse passions into a landscape architecture career.
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.
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.
An in-depth look at the most recent phase of the Capitol Building Paint Analysis and Plaster Repairs project.
From Project Mastery to People Skills, Women in Construction Build Up the AOC
Architect of the Capitol (AOC) employees have completed a new mural installation in the Longworth House Office Building.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.