Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.

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View of a walkway and benches on the U.S. Capitol Grounds.

History & Discoveries

Top 5 Spots to Enjoy Spring on the Capitol Campus

Spring in Washington, D.C., is one of the most beautiful times to visit the nation's capital. Learn about five beautiful, and less known spots, to enjoy the warm weather near the U.S. Capitol.
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History & Discoveries

Windows of Capitol Hill

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.

History & Discoveries

Evolution of Women in Art at the U.S. Capitol

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.

History & Discoveries

Inspiration from History

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.

Projects

Continuous Care of the U.S. Capitol Roof

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.

History & Discoveries

The Candy Desk

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.

History & Discoveries

John Adams' Carriage Ride to Washington D.C., in 1800

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.

Projects

What's Happening Behind the Capitol Scaffolding?

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.

History & Discoveries

Symbolism Roars to Life on Capitol Hill

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.

History & Discoveries

Constructing the Capitol: The Oven

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.

History & Discoveries

Celebrating Irish-American Heritage Month

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.