May 2-8: Public Service Recognition Week—Help us thank our staff for all they do. Watch our video.
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Behind the Scenes
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Take a look back at some popular moments of 2014 through the Architect of the Capitol's Instagram and Flickr images below. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments. Instagram April's squirrel week Looking up at the protective canopy of the Dome Set-up for May's National Memorial Day
Programs & Events
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Early on this beautiful September morning, a group of Instagrammers came together to explore and celebrate the U.S. Capitol during our second Instagram Meetup (InstaMeet). The event offered a unique perspective on the building and grounds through their photography. Thanks to all who joined us! See
History & Discoveries
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John Adams was born on October 30, 1735, in Massachusetts. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress, a diplomat in Europe and would go on to become the first vice president, and second president, of the United States of America. Similar to many other Founding Fathers, Adams appears in several
History & Discoveries
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Summer officially starts this week and the weather in Washington, D.C., is getting warmer. While water features on the U.S. Capitol campus look cool and refreshing, they aren't designed for humans to play in. These small areas of urban "blue space" may provide other benefits though, including mental
History & Discoveries
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This has been a year of many great moments at the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) and on Capitol Hill. Before we dive into 2018, here's a look back at some of this year's highlights. Inauguration The presidential inaugural platform on the U.S. Capitol's West Front had its chance to shine on January
History & Discoveries
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Celebrated annually on the last Friday in April, National Arbor Day highlights the importance of trees, their planting and their care. Architect of the Capitol employees are involved in comprehensive tree care on this day, and every day throughout the year. It all started in 1874 with Frederick Law
Programs & Events
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Things don't slow down just because it's winter. Below are five reasons to explore the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) this season, including tropical flowers like the Epicatanthe Volcano Trick Orange Fire orchid above. 1. See chocolate in its rawest form Cross section of a cacao (chococlate) pod. When
History & Discoveries
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With its prominent mane, the lion has long been a symbol in art and architecture representing royalty, stateliness and bravery. Through these appearances in paintings, sculpture and ornamental adornment to buildings, the "king of the jungle" often finds itself out of the wild and in more urban areas
History & Discoveries
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All eyes will be on the clocks tonight as we countdown to the New Year. Many of the clocks around the Capitol campus also get plenty of attention throughout the rest of the year. The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) cares for most of the historic and modern clocks here. Our electronic mechanics go to
Behind the Scenes
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This year has been one of many great moments at the Architect of the Capitol and on Capitol Hill. As 2015 comes to a close, relive some of the highlights through our blog stories, Instagram, Flickr and YouTube media below. January: Snowy view of the Grant Memorial and National Mall February
History & Discoveries
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This past year has been filled with many sweet moments around the Capitol campus. From big events and projects (like Capitol exterior preservation above) to behind-the-scenes stories and fun celebrations, below are 10 that stand out to me. Winter Storm Jonas Snow removal on the West Front of the
History & Discoveries
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There are more than 20 water features that Architect of the Capitol employees care for. Spanning across the Capitol campus, each of the House office buildings, Senate office buildings, Library of Congress buildings, Supreme Court buildings and the U.S. Botanic Garden have some type of fountain or
History & Discoveries
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Montgomery C. Meigs played a critical role in building a number of well-known landmarks in D.C. To ensure his credit would be preserved in history, Meigs was notorious for seizing opportunities to get his name inscribed on any items related to these monumental projects that he could. Meigs' name on
History & Discoveries
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High in the sky, about 50 feet above the roof, a crane is peeking out of the Cannon House Office Building. This tower crane is part of the Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) 10-year renewal project to improve and preserve the Cannon Building, which has not received a comprehensive systems upgrade
History & Discoveries
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Beginning in 1855, Constantino Brumidi decorated many walls and ceilings in the U.S. Capitol, most prominently in the Capitol Rotunda and the corridors of the Senate wing.
Doing Good
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What started as a boy's after-school project request has turned into a man's mission.
History & Discoveries
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Since that time nearly 150 years ago, while the Union was restored, multiple forces have been unrelenting in their attack on the Capitol—time, weather, and nature. Today, a small unit of men has the task of protecting and preserving this most important American icon. Led by Bryan Glotfelty and
History & Discoveries
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A "rotunda" – featured in Classical and Neoclassical architecture – is a circular building or room covered by a dome. The U.S. Capitol's Rotunda is among the most recognizable and hallowed spaces within all of America's public buildings. This "Grand Vestibule" is home to many sculptures and historic
Behind the Scenes
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The Architect of the Capitol continues to evaluate how best to keep our employees safe. One of the important ways we're advancing our safety efforts is through self-inspections, which are part of the agency's Strategic Plan.
Projects
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Like most beloved national treasures from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Statue of Liberty, the U.S. Capitol Building roof requires continuous care.
Behind the Scenes
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It generates temperatures of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit or more and accelerates to nearly the speed of sound.
Behind the Scenes
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Seven quick questions with the newest Architect of the Capitol discussing his priorities, style of leadership and interests.
Programs & Events
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The Architect of the Capitol selects the annual U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in consultation with the United States Forest Service.
History & Discoveries
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Colonel Charles De Witt's career extended far beyond his home county, including being named as delegate to the Continental Congress.
Programs & Events
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The new U.S. Capitol Materials Cart Program showcases a variety of AOC trades, including masonry, sheet metal, paint and wood-crafting.
History & Discoveries
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During a recent renovation, members of the Architect of the Capitol uncovered a long-forgotten painting of the famous horse, Blackjack.
Behind the Scenes
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The men and women who carry out the mission of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to serve, preserve and inspire are frequently in full view of the public. And then there are the staff that work behind the scenes, in corridors, crawlspaces and nooks that resemble secret passageways. These hidden
Behind the Scenes
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After 12 years of service with the Virginia Army National Guard and two tours in Iraq, Anderson Alleyne began his career with the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) in 2013. He was hired as a night shift laborer in the Capitol Building jurisdiction and was responsible for maintaining the building's
History & Discoveries
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Have you seen the skylights in National Statuary Hall? Did you know that Thomas Jefferson was the inspiration behind them? If you haven't seen them, you didn't miss them — the skylights haven't been in Statuary Hall, the former House of Representatives Chamber, for over 200 years. So long, in fact
Behind the Scenes
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Under a bright blue cloudless sky, Ronnie Pfiffer, Capitol Grounds and Arboretum pipefitter, stood on the West Front looking down with the focus and concentration of a Jedi. In his hands, he held not a lightsaber but a RIDGID SeekTech SR-60 Locator. The black and gold underground utility locator