History & Discoveries
Article
Follow the path the British took in 1814 to burn the U.S. Capitol and learn more about damage done to this historic building.
Displaying 61 - 90 of 421 Clear
Basic page
The regular practice of displaying a Christmas tree on the U.S. Capitol grounds is relatively recent. Records at the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) show correspondence from 1919 indicate that a Christmas tree was purchased that year. However, it was not until 1964 that a definite procedure was
Programs & Events
Article
To most, July in Washington, D.C., means hot weather and Independence Day celebrations. At the Architect of the Capitol it also means it's time to go Christmas tree hunting!
History & Discoveries
Article
The lyrics of this patriotic song are found easily at the U.S. Capitol.
Public Notice
Article
Located in Capitol Square on Northwest Drive near the Summerhouse.
Basic page
This list includes works in the collections under the care of the Architect of the Capitol, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, and is not exhaustive.
Public Notice
Article
Located near Northeast Drive, across from the Senate wing of the U.S. Capitol Building.
Behind the Scenes
Article
Perhaps it's the charm of the historic campus or the weight of the symbolism it carries around the world, but at the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), it's not hard to find an employee who has spent their entire career serving this treasured institution.
Behind the Scenes
Article
The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is responsible for managing the buildings and grounds on Capitol Hill, but it also maintains several facilities across the National Capital Region, including facilities in Fort Meade, Maryland.
History & Discoveries
Article
This Arbor Day, we celebrate the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team's continued efforts to preserve and protect Olmsted's legacy — one of longstanding stewardship that's paying off every day.
Behind the Scenes
Article
Walking around the U.S. Capitol Grounds you can't help but be in awe of the impressive buildings and their historic meaning, what you probably don't know is that the U.S. Capitol Building is surrounded by an arboretum.
Programs & Events
Article
In February 2023, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) opened the 27th annual joint orchid exhibit in partnership with Smithsonian Gardens.
Public Notice
Article
Articles include spotlights on the U.S. Capitol Grounds, U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG), sustainability and more.
Behind the Scenes
Article
The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Capitol Grounds and Arboretum staff are busy preparing for the upcoming growing season.
Public Notice
Article
The AOC's top priorities for the coming fiscal year are safety, security and accountability.
Projects
Article
The Russell Senate Office Building courtyard was recently restored as a supplement to the Russell Exterior Envelope Project.
Basic page
Examples of African American artists with works featured in the United States Capitol and congressional office buildings.
History & Discoveries
Article
John F. N. Wilkinson, who served as the Assistant Law Librarian, was known for his memory of over 80,000 books that enabled him to retrieve the correct one with "the precision of a Swiss bell-ringer."
Basic page
Accomplishing these initiatives is critical to laying the foundation for the Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) long-term success and providing a governance framework that supports effective management. Each strategic objective aligns with multiple strategic goals.
History & Discoveries
Article
From the time all of its pieces arrived in America in 1859, the 15,000-pound plaster Statue of Freedom has relied on many skilled hands over many generations to preserve it. But before each restoration effort, the beautiful plaster figure had to be cut into pieces. Repeatedly.
Behind the Scenes
Article
The dedicated Architect of the Capitol (AOC) employees of the House Office Buildings Floor Care Division work tirelessly to ensure the Capitol campus is ready to welcome Members of Congress, staff and the visiting public.
Behind the Scenes
Article
Hours before the sun rises each morning, Zamboni-like scrubbing machines scuttle through the halls of the Senate office buildings. Each is operated by a dedicated team of Architect of the Capitol (AOC) specialists who spend hours ensuring the marble flooring sparkles.
History & Discoveries
Article
Guesses for what is behind the Capitol Building's smallest doors are as varied as the architectural details that encompass the Capitol campus.
Programs & Events
Article
Our gardeners have grown almost 2,000 poinsettia plants to brighten up the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) Conservatory's annual holiday exhibit "Season's Greenings." An expert team at USBG cares for the annual poinsettia crop with daily attentiveness starting in July.
History & Discoveries
Article
Is anyone buried in the U.S. Capitol? The term "crypt" has long referred to a space beneath the main floor of a church or a chamber in a mausoleum. For many of us it suggests somber, stony silence and perhaps dusty coffins. The Capitol Crypt, however, is a different thing altogether.
Basic page
The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) annual Performance and Accountability Report (PAR) provides the results of the AOC's financial performance each fiscal year (FY). It demonstrates the AOC's commitment to the accomplishment of its mission and accountability for its financial resources to the
Programs & Events
Article
This year the Capitol Christmas Tree hails from Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina; it is extra special because of the forest's historical ties with U.S. Capitol Grounds landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
History & Discoveries
Article
Discover the myths, mysteries and folklore of this historic American building.
Projects
Article
While light fixtures are like jewelry to a room, they can also set a tone for the significance of the space. Naturally, they also provide illumination to enable work and safe movement.
Behind the Scenes
Article
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.