Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.
History & Discoveries
The Capitol Building's Insulation Division is as "behind the scenes" as you can get, often working within containments to ensure the safety of those who visit and work on the U.S. Capitol campus. In addition to insulation, the shop also performs dust control and hazardous materials abatement.
The entry sequence and progression through spaces are carefully thought out by architects as buildings are designed. Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers describes how we can experience Capitol Hill's magnificent national treasures the way they were originally imagined.
A special tool helps our stone masons repair and replace the mortar in the low stone walls lining Capitol Square.
Each one of us has the ability to learn a new skill that we are passionate about and then use that gift in ways that can help others.Each one of us has the ability to learn a new skill that we are passionate about and then use that gift in ways that can help others. This doing good story is of an AOC employee who volunteers with Angel Flight Soars, working to transport cancer patients and others to treatment centers.
It can be hard to find a tree in the forest that meets all of the Capitol Christmas Tree criteria, but the Superintendent of Capitol Grounds has done it again.
Given that the United States Capitol was once expected to be the final resting place for George Washington, replete with a crypt, should we be surprised that multiple Capitol-related ghost stories exist? Discover the myths, mysteries and folklore of this historic American building.
It's been more than 500 years since Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue. See how his 15th century journey was depicted by 19th century artists in art throughout the U.S. Capitol, including frescoes by Brumidi, a sandstone relief and the bronze the Columbus Doors by Randolph Rogers.
We have made some interesting discoveries about the details of the sculptures and the sources of some of the depicted figures; we discovered and solved a few puzzles, and we also came across a few mysteries that we're still working on (and we'd welcome your help!).
A variety of letters and numbers appear on buildings or in art work on Capitol Hill.
Just like us, plants need special care in the extreme heat. Follow these tips from the United States Botanic Garden, including finding your own location on U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) plant hardiness zones map, to help protect your plants during the hottest days of summer.
The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Curator for the Architect of the Capitol describes the restoration work on the bronze components and marble pedestals. When completed viewers will again see the subtle details of the original sculpture.
Guesses for what is behind the Capitol Building's smallest doors are as varied as the architectural details that encompass the Capitol campus. The correct explanation for their existence involves Christmas Eve, the Library of Congress and engineer Montgomery Meigs.
With the recent Kennedy Center announcement that the award-winning musical "Hamilton" is coming to Washington, D.C., the options to explore and experience one of our Founding Fathers in our nation's capital has never been better.
There are currently about 890 trees surrounding the immediate Capitol Building on Capitol Square and more than 4,300 trees throughout the entire 274-acre Capitol Grounds. Some of the most majestic and unmistakable trees on campus were planted during the Frederick Law Olmsted period.
On average, July is the hottest month in Washington, D.C. Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you live on, work or visit Capitol Hill during the summer, stay alert for signs that you, a colleague or a loved one is too hot.