Windows of Capitol Hill
Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers reflects on the almost 600,000 square feet of windows – of all different shapes, size and age – cared for by the AOC.
Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.
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History & Discoveries
Displaying 16 - 30 of 277
By stephen t ayers | January 22, 2013
Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers reflects on the almost 600,000 square feet of windows – of all different shapes, size and age – cared for by the AOC.
By elizabeth yoder | July 8, 2020
The Senate Office Buildings jurisdiction recently completed a project to restore the hearing room for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (SR-253) in the Russell Senate Office Building.
By michele cohen | March 12, 2024
An in-depth look at the evolution of women in art at the U.S. Capitol. First appearing primarily as allegorical figures representing ideals, not individuals. Later, as women took on more prominent positions in society and won basic rights, greater opportunities and visibility have led to more.
By michele cohen | September 28, 2016
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!).
By franklin bradley | September 21, 2021
The Story of the U.S. Capitol's South Summerhouse
By kate holder | September 29, 2020
The Second Architect's Neoclassical Style Made a Lasting Impact
By sharon gang | March 19, 2014
Discover the meaning behind the Car of History Clock in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall. This marble sculpture, created in 1819, is among the oldest works of art in the Capitol. It depicts Clio, the muse of History, holding a book in which she records events as they unfold.
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 sharon gang | June 30, 2015
Few traditions associated with Senate furniture are as intriguing as the "candy desk" on the floor of the Senate.
By franklin bradley | February 10, 2021
President John Adams issued a letter to all federal agencies on May 15, 1800, directing the "removal of the public offices, clerks and papers" from the capital city of Philadelphia. In that single sentence, Adams started the final move of the U.S. government to its permanent home, the newly created city of Washington, in the District of Columbia.
By erin courtney | May 10, 2016
To answer this question, we travel to a brick building in Vienna, Virginia, where the hum of an industrial-sized machine is unmistakable. Littering the fenced-in courtyard of the building are massive slabs of stone of all shapes and colors.
By marty shore | March 6, 2018
Imagery of the lion is well-represented in the art and architectural details of the U.S. Capitol campus in Washington, D.C. Historically, lions were used in architectural ornamentation to provide a sense of strength, majesty and awe, especially on public buildings.
By matt guilfoyle | June 18, 2013
Too hot or too cold – there is no pleasing everyone when it comes to the right temperature in the office. While today the Architect of the Capitol provides a climate-controlled environment to the buildings of Capitol Hill, two centuries ago this wasn't the case.
By erin courtney | March 17, 2016
For Americans of Irish heritage, there is much to celebrate. Beginning with our Nation's founding, Irishmen risked their lives to establish what would become the United States of America.