Capitol Collaboration Restores a Corridor to Its Period of Significance
A passageway in the Senate wing now looks more like it did in the 1850s thanks to the ongoing Capitol Building Paint Analysis and Plaster Repairs project.
Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.
Subscribe to receive Blog updates via email.
History & Discoveries
Displaying 1 - 15 of 28
By Madeleine Lucchetti | May 18, 2026
A passageway in the Senate wing now looks more like it did in the 1850s thanks to the ongoing Capitol Building Paint Analysis and Plaster Repairs project.
By Aimee Jorjani | May 12, 2026
The historic relationship between the Cannon Building and its landscape has been restored with a central green space usable for the first time since the 1950s.
By Madeleine Lucchetti | November 15, 2024
If you've ever toured a historic building, you might have thought — or heard your tour guide remark — "Wow, if only these walls could talk!" In one Rayburn House Office Building hearing room, they can.
By Justin Kieffer | May 28, 2024
More than 140 years later, the Architect of the Capitol's Summerhouse still offers visitors respite. Recent maintenance efforts will help keep the site around for repeat visitors and first timers alike.
By Justin Kieffer | September 26, 2023
An in-depth look at the most recent phase of the Capitol Building Paint Analysis and Plaster Repairs project.
By Justin Kieffer | March 21, 2023
The Russell Senate Office Building courtyard was recently restored as a supplement to the Russell Exterior Envelope Project.
By Aimee Jorjani | September 27, 2022
While light fixtures are like jewelry to a room, they can also set a tone for the significance of the space. Naturally, they also provide illumination to enable work and safe movement.
By Devin Dotson | February 15, 2022
Several U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) employees recently led projects inside the Conservatory to improve the growing spaces and showcase more of the permanent plant collection.
By Justin Kieffer | January 31, 2022
The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) has a deep bench of talented employees that continue to complete critical projects across the Capitol campus year after year.
By Justin Kieffer | June 24, 2021
While most people have one structure to take care of, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is hard at work on multiple projects to care for the buildings across Capitol Hill.
By Kate Holder | February 4, 2021
The large bronze and glass lanterns are located just off Garfield Circle and Peace Circle.
By Laura Condeluci | March 25, 2020
Like most beloved national treasures from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Statue of Liberty, the U.S. Capitol Building roof requires continuous care. Once a section has been replaced, it is regularly inspected as part of preventive maintenance.
By Erin Nelson | September 3, 2019
The Architect of the Capitol's Construction Division with the support of the AOC Library Buildings and Grounds jurisdiction worked together to complete the Fire Door Improvements project in the Thomas Jefferson Building, improving fire safety within this historic space.
By Kristen Frederick | February 12, 2019
The preservation of the Cannon House Office Building's historic windows and doors allows the building to retain much of its original character and charm, while increasing the building's functionality for those who work and visit within its walls. Learn more about the process.
By Justin Kieffer | January 11, 2018
All around the U.S. Capitol campus, there is something that you cannot avoid seeing as you look at the historic buildings: stone. Stone preservation will continue to be a priority of the Architect of the Capitol as the best way to maintain these buildings is to constantly monitor them.