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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

Falling Into Spring

By erin courtney | March 29, 2017

Spring is the season of new beginnings when the Earth seems to come to life again. But it is the year-round planning, preparation and hard work of the Capitol Grounds team that ensures buds bloom, vibrant colors delight and fragrant flowers excite the senses on Capitol Hill.

Programs & Events

Northern Lights Twinkle on the West Front Lawn

By erin courtney | December 2, 2015

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.

Behind the Scenes

Energy Savings Performance Contracts Help AOC Exceed Energy Goal

By erin courtney | April 18, 2016

Energy Savings Performance Contracts have assisted the Architect of the Capitol in completing several conservation measures around the U.S. Capitol, House office buildings and Senate office buildings. These ESPCs were an important element in our strategy to reduce energy consumption by 30 percent.

Behind the Scenes

Cool Tools: Squaring Off With History

By franklin bradley | December 1, 2016

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

Behind the Scenes

A Passion for Pedaling

By jamie herr | May 18, 2016

This passionate group of Architect of the Capitol employees aims to improve biking conditions around the U.S. Capitol campus in Washington, D.C. Recently, their efforts led to the League of American Bicyclists designating AOC as a Bronze level Bicycle Friendly Business.

Doing Good

A Veteran Helping Veterans

By sharon gang | March 29, 2016

This doing good story is of an AOC electrician who volunteers with Heroes on the Water, a national organization that helps veterans from all branches of the United States military unwind using the therapeutic qualities of fishing from kayaks.

History & Discoveries

A Sweet 2016

By sarah davis | December 29, 2016

This past year has been filled with many sweet moments around the Capitol campus. Here are 10 that stand out.

Behind the Scenes

Cool Tools: On the Cutting Edge

By lisa maltbie | June 17, 2016

The U.S. Capitol jurisdiction has introduced a new auto brake machine which offers an unprecedented capacity to bend metal. Electronically stored diagrams also save precious time that was previously spent sorting through hundreds of paper copies and manually recalling historical diagrams.

Behind the Scenes

Papal Preparation Takes Teamwork

By erin courtney | October 14, 2015

Multiple jurisdictions worked together to prepare for Pope Francis' historic arrival at the U.S. Capitol last month, treating it much like a rehearsal for the next presidential inauguration.

Behind the Scenes

AOC Bike Commuters: In Their Own Words

By kristen frederick | October 1, 2014

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.

Behind the Scenes

AOC Moves the House Office Buildings Storerooms

By franklin bradley | October 14, 2014

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.

Projects

Stopple Valve System

By r c vaughn | April 5, 2016

A new technology now allows waterlines to remain filled while workers install a new valve. By deploying this construction best practice, the Cannon Renewal Project will save a tremendous amount of natural resources, require less manpower and result in savings to the American taxpayer.

Behind the Scenes

We Dig Technology

By erin courtney | March 26, 2019

There's a cool tool that enables the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to quickly respond to requests to dig on the U.S. Capitol grounds. It has eight receiving antennas making it easier for the person operating the locator to get a signal from buried utility lines as deep as 15 feet.

History & Discoveries

Capitol Reflections: ADA and the Visitor Experience

By laura condeluci | July 29, 2015

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.