Passing the Torch
The Curator Division's commitment to building knowledge continues to thrive under new leadership.
Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.
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History & Discoveries
Displaying 76 - 90 of 277
By erin courtney | March 16, 2016
The Curator Division's commitment to building knowledge continues to thrive under new leadership.
By devin dotson | February 21, 2018
Found on every continent except Antarctica, orchids showcase a wide spectrum of diversity in color, shape, size, habitat, scent and many other aspects.
By erin nelson | October 18, 2017
A brief history of the O'Neill House Office Building. Originally known as Federal Office Building No. 8, and once home of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. House of Representatives voted to name the building after the late former Speaker of the House Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill in 2012.
By kristen frederick | January 3, 2019
During the process of renewing the Cannon House Office Building, workers have found hidden treasures that had been lost or discarded by the laborers who constructed the building more than 100 years ago. Here's a small sampling of what has been discovered since the start of the project.
By andrew dentamaro | May 13, 2016
It wasn't planned at the time, but the 1793 cornerstone laying event was the first of what has become a time-honored tradition of incorporating music to mark celebratory and honorary occasions in the Nation's Capital.
By sarah davis | March 1, 2016
The lion, with its prominent mane, is a popular symbol in art and architecture on the U.S. Capitol campus. Here are six areas where you'll find this type of cat on the Capitol campus, including a few located inside for those days when March "comes in like a lion" with cold and unpleasant weather.
By erin nelson | September 19, 2022
The mission of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) continues year-round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our buildings never sleep, and the work never stops. This is especially true for the dedicated workers at the Capitol Power Plant.
By justin kieffer | January 31, 2022
The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) has a deep bench of talented employees that continue to complete critical projects across the Capitol campus year after year.
By franklin bradley | December 15, 2016
Time has taken its toll on the United State Capitol's stone, but our preservation effort will restore even the finer details, hand-carved by artisans. The more complex items are being recreated by a stone carver on-site, who is carving from the same stone blocks the original craftsmen worked.
By erin courtney | March 16, 2016
To celebrate the birthday of our nation's fourth president, we are highlighting the art featuring or including James Madison on the Capitol campus.
By matt guilfoyle | June 26, 2015
The restoration of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will ensure this hallowed space will be enjoyed by generations for years to come. Work includes removing hazardous materials, restoring ironwork, upgrading electrical and mechanical systems, installing new lighting and repainting.
By aoc curator | August 6, 2012
What had previously been an unusable outdoor tennis court on the Dirksen Senate Office Building roof has been transformed by plantings, drought-resistant and stays green all year long. View photos of the steps along the way and the final aerial image which shows a special design the pathways make.
By kate holder | July 15, 2020
The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) mission cannot be fulfilled without its employees possessing the skills required to meet the AOC's deep commitment to maintaining the historic buildings of Capitol Hill.
By laura trivers | June 21, 2018
The Capitol Visitor Center serves as the main entrance for visitors to the U.S. Capitol. It is a facility rich with informational exhibits, two gift shops, a cafe and two orientation theaters. Find out more about the age of the facility, its hours and the number of people who have entered.
By jim kaufmann | November 6, 2019
The Architect of the Capitol selects the annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in consultation with the United States Forest Service. Follow along as our Director of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum travels to the Carson National Forest in New Mexico to select the 2019 tree.