Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.
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History & Discoveries
This month we celebrate our national tree: the oak. Oaks often live for hundreds of years and are considered a keystone species with entire ecosystems depending on them for survival and habitat.
The U.S. Capitol Grounds is an officially accredited arboretum full of thousands of trees, beneficial insects, native plants and even a hidden retreat.
Artists throughout American history have portrayed the Declaration of Independence in a wide variety of mediums, from frescoes to sculptures.
From blocks of ice and wooden fans to modern air conditioning systems, the Architect of the Capitol has been doing what it takes to cool Congress for over 135 years.
The AOC Curator Division maintains a small collection of objects related to Cox's work, representing project material left during his design and painting of the House corridors in the 1970s.
Our Curator, Dr. Michele Cohen, is in the Capitol Crypt for the Magna Carta's anniversary. This entire display was made in England by artist Louis Osman, who had also crafted the crown for the investiture of Prince Charles.
Our Curator takes a deeper look at the four large history paintings by John Trumbull in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, which depict pivotal moments before, during and after the Revolutionary War.
The Architect of the Capitol's Urban Forester takes us on an adventure around the U.S. Capitol Grounds to search for its biggest tree.
Our Curator, Dr. Michele Cohen, is in the Rotunda for #WorldBookDay with the statue that started it all! This statue of Thomas Jefferson was the first full-length portrait statue placed in the U.S Capitol Building.
Careful observation of portrait statues on view in the U.S. Capitol can help us understand what elements contribute to a powerful and enduring statue.
To celebrate 75 years of Engineers Week, we are highlighting art in the U.S. Capitol that honors Fulton (1765-1815), an American engineer and inventor, plus the innovation he is most associated with: steam power.
Today, one cannot go far at the U.S. Capitol without seeing a likeness or connection to President Abraham Lincoln and the tumultuous period he served in Congress and the White House.
When walking across the U.S. Capitol Grounds there is one critter that can consistently be seen out and about – the squirrel. When did squirrels first come to Washington, D.C., and how did they end up here? Take a look through the AOC's historical records to investigate the history of the squirrel at the Capitol.
Benjamin Franklin remains one of the most celebrated figures in American history. The many pieces of art in the United States Capitol Building that include his image reflect his immense impact on our nation's development.
All eyes are on the clocks as we countdown to the New Year. These clocks around the Capitol campus also get plenty of attention throughout the rest of the year.