News & Notices

Live Theater Returns to the U.S. Botanic Garden

Sep 26, 2016

Following last year's exciting launch of the Kennedy Center's partnership with the U.S. Botanic Garden, Flowers Stink is back by popular demand after two Helen Hayes Award nominations, including Outstanding Theater for Young Audiences production! When struggling to write a nature-themed poem for school, a middle-school girl gives up and tweets: "#natureisboring #flowersstink." Suddenly, two zany and loveable plants magically come to life, encouraging her to open her eyes, ears and mind to the beauty all around her. Enjoy plenty of singing, dancing, folk, bluegrass, blues and gospel, all set...

First Nail Ceremony Commences Inauguration Construction

Sep 21, 2016

Photo of the First Nail ceremony on September 21, 2016.

Today, Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP, joined members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies to drive in the "First Nail" marking the beginning of construction of the 2017 Presidential Inaugural platform. Ayers opened the event by saying, "The Architect of the Capitol has supported Presidential Inaugurations for more than 150 years to make the event more accessible to the public. One of the strengths of our republic is this peaceful transition of power. And it happens right here in the shadow of America's symbol of democracy, the Capitol Dome....

Preservation Day Celebration at the U.S. Capitol

Sep 19, 2016

Preservation Day - Save the Date! Friday, September 23, 2016

When the 89th United States Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, it changed the way America views, treats, and shares its history. Join us for a fun-filled observation of this anniversary, and learn how the "People's House" — the Capitol — is preserved for all! Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers and ACHP Expert Member Robert G. Stanton explain the significance of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 Meet with the experts who research, conserve, and document the history of the Capitol Dome Tour the varied and spectacular art of the Brumidi...

Explore the Capitol Visitor Center's Newest Exhibit

Sep 14, 2016

What did Congress pour down the drain? To find out the answer to this question and learn more about Congress and the Progressive Era, visit Exhibition Hall after your tour of the U.S. Capitol.

Taxes, national defense spending, and voting rights—today's legislative agenda or issues Congress debated during the Progressive Era? You can decide after visiting the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center's newest exhibit—part two of Congress and the Progressive Era—on display in Exhibition Hall from September 14, 2016, to March 13, 2017. From the 1890s to the 1920s, a period known as the Progressive Era, the United States experienced dramatic social, cultural, and political change. Confronted with domestic and international challenges, Congress reexamined the government's role in the economy and the...

Rotunda Reopens to the Public

Sep 06, 2016

Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers greets the first tour group in the Rotunda.

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is pleased to reopen the Capitol Rotunda following the successful completion of its restoration. Preserving the historic Rotunda is a priority for the AOC. Water leaking through the Capitol Dome and into the building caused more than a 1,000 cracks, damaging paint, cast iron, stone and decorative elements in the Rotunda. Beginning in July 2015, and throughout the restoration process, the AOC repaired ironwork, upgraded electrical and mechanical systems, installed new lighting, removed hazardous materials and returned the paint scheme to more historically...

Rotunda Closure for Final Restoration Phase

Jul 12, 2016

In the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, looking up towards the Apotheosis of Washington.

The Dome and Rotunda restoration projects mark important milestones in our ongoing efforts to preserve our infrastructure, enhance the beauty of our historic buildings and improve safety and security for all employees and visitors. We are pleased to report that work to restore the U.S. Capitol Rotunda is in the final phase. In order to facilitate the project's completion, the Rotunda will be temporarily closed following the final tour on Saturday, July 23, to safely remove scaffolding. We anticipate public and staff-led tours to the Rotunda will resume on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. The...

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