Our Blog

Accessibility was a key component of the design of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, and we are proud to welcome visitors from all over the world. The AOC works to continually improve access to all, while maintaining and preserving the historic fabric and character of the campus.

Michael Dunn, Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) chief of photography, draws upon his many years of experience to share tips for photographing the U.S. Capitol grounds in fall.

The Architect of the Capitol employees who commute to the United States Capitol campus via bike have formed a group to promote cycling to fellow AOC employees. Read their thoughts and advice on commuting to work via bicycle, including bike safety.

One of the lead characters in the "Monuments Men" movie was inspired by Walker K. Hancock, an artist who contributed many works of art to the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress and the Supreme Court of the United States. Dig deeper in to this monument man's history.

Finding "the one" is pretty similar whether you're searching for true love or the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Follow along as AOC's Superintendent of the Capitol Grounds travels during the summer to Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana and selects the 2017 tree.

Courses taught by Architect of the Capitol employees help communicate business culture and expectations, as well as important skills that high school students can apply to future educational and occupational pursuits. The AOC's first venture with Phelps High School was in January 2009.

The Capitol Visitor Center runs educational programs for classes nearly 50 times between October and February, serving nearly 1,500 students.

While Architect's Notebook is often used to write about architectural features found on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., this time it's about Stephen Ayers' favorite and most important part of this organization: AOC employees! More specifically, their giving and generous spirit.

Every two years, citizens across the country elect or re-elect members of the House of Representatives, who then come to Washington, D.C., to move into their offices. The Architect of the Capitol moves thousands of boxes, supplies and unique items among the members' storerooms.

The mild and misty December air crackled with excitement as the Architect of the Capitol, members of Congress, congressional staff, Capitol Hill neighbors and tourists gathered on the West Front Lawn for the lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree.

Venture outside the U.S. Capitol to explore the U.S. Botanic Garden's Production Facility -- home to approximately 60,000 plants.

Georgia Shaw was the first woman hired by the AOC as a draftsman, leading to a fulfilling 29-year career with the agency. After Georgia passed, her daughter honored her mother’s legacy by including the AOC’s logo on the memorial plaque that marks her grave.

While most people can be blood donors, only five percent of the eligible population actually donates — making AOC's Kevin and Gloria true heroes, even if they don't consider their efforts extraordinary.

A special tool helps our stone masons repair and replace the mortar in the low stone walls lining Capitol Square.

Every fall, the AOC begins preparing snow equipment, procuring rock salt and ice melt supplies, and reviewing the emergency and essential personnel snow response plans for the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Find out more about this work and fun facts, like the coldest area of the Capitol campus.