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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

Finding a Lasting Impression

By sarah davis | June 1, 2016

Meigs was notorious for seizing opportunities to get his name inscribed on any items related to these monumental projects that he could. Recently, another permanent signature was discovered.

Projects

Fire Egress at the Library of Congress

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.

From the Architect

Architect's Notebook: A Progression of the Imagination

By stephen t ayers | December 5, 2016

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.

History & Discoveries

Master Illusionists of Capitol Hill

By matt guilfoyle | August 31, 2012

The men and women who comprise the Architect of the Capitol painting craft across Capitol Hill are master illusionists ensuring the buildings inspire all who visit with their grandeur and beauty. Find out how our painters use tricks of the trade to turn wood into marble and metal into wood.

History & Discoveries

Congress' Role in Time

By matt ericson | March 21, 2018

Why change our clocks twice a year, spring forward and fall back? The idea of saving the daylight goes back centuries. The Capitol Visitor Center hosted a workshop to think about these issues and learn about Congress' role in time including the Standard Time Act of 1918 and the Uniform Time Act.

History & Discoveries

A "Slight" Capitol Contribution

By kristen frederick | May 13, 2013

Throughout the U.S. Capitol Building's more than 200 year history, many workers have labored in obscurity. Recently, we stumbled across a worker named Pringle Slight with an interesting (and largely forgotten) story.

History & Discoveries

Honoring Black History Month

By andrew dentamaro | February 10, 2016

Black History Month marks a time to celebrate and reflect upon the role that African Americans have played in shaping the course of the USA's history. The compelling account of physical places that are important in this history certainly includes Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Capitol in particular.

History & Discoveries

Cast in a New Light: The Capitol Bronze Shop (1855-1859)

By kate holder | February 8, 2019

At a critical time in the U.S. Capitol's evolution, there was a Capitol Bronze Shop established by Montgomery Meigs. From 1855 to 1859, the shop helped serve the needs of the Capitol Extension, a major expansion project to accommodate a growing Congress in Washington, D.C.

Behind the Scenes

Capturing the Seasons

By aoc curator | January 15, 2013

AOC Photographer Chuck Badal gives a behind the scenes look at how some of his favorite photos of the Capitol were captured — from the roof of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.

History & Discoveries

Profile in History: Job W. Angus

By franklin bradley | June 28, 2018

A profile story on Job W. Angus, who built multiple structures for ceremonies held for Abraham Lincoln's time as president in Washington, D.C. from his inauguration ballroom to the catafalque for his Lying in State.

From the Architect

Architect's Notebook: Signs of Respect

By stephen t ayers | October 11, 2017

The Architect of the Capitol believes that when making additions to historic buildings, especially on the U.S. Capitol campus, we are not to copy or try to match the historic building, but rather we are to differentiate the new features so we don't create a false sense of history.

History & Discoveries

Capitol Reflections: ADA and Historic Buildings

By laura condeluci | July 28, 2015

Find out how our architects work the ADA into facilities on the U.S. Capitol campus, given they were built before accessibility needs were recognized. The Pickford Theater renovation in the Library of Congress Madison Building is a creative example of bringing accessibility to a historic building.

Behind the Scenes

Let it Snow... We're Ready!

By erin courtney | January 6, 2016

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. Find out more about this work and fun facts, like the coldest area of the Capitol campus.

From the Architect

Architect's Notebook: What We Hold Precious

By stephen t ayers | July 12, 2017

Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers reflects on use of precious in decorative elements of the Library of Congress, including the Torch of Knowledge, Great Hall and Main Reading Room. Gold, copper, bronze and aluminum elements play an important role in the inspiration of the Jefferson Building.