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Federal Office Building No. 8, now known as the O’Neill House Office Building, under original construction. Photo courtesy of the FDA.
History & Discoveries

Article

Then & Now: O'Neill House Office Building

By Erin Nelson
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The O'Neill House Office Building was constructed in the early 1960s. Originally known as Federal Office Building No. 8, 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. Federal Office Building No. 8 was the Food
Placement of elements of scaffold that will reach, and eventually cover, the entire Capitol Dome enabling restoration work on Dome.

Project

Dome Restoration Project

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The United States Capitol Dome, symbol of American democracy and world-renowned architectural icon, was constructed of cast iron more than 150 years ago. The restoration project consisted of repairing more than 1,000 cracks to make the Dome watertight and included the restoration and replacement of
Capitol Visitor Center architecture that borrows from historic Capitol Building architecture.
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: Signs of Respect

By Stephen T. Ayers
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Many of our monumental buildings on Capitol Hill were designed and constructed using classical orders of architecture. When designing and constructing the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC), we were challenged to design and construct a building using modern materials and technology that is a
Construction work continues in the Cannon Building's west wing.

Project

Cannon Renewal

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The Cannon Renewal Project provides an effective workplace for the next century to serve the needs of the U.S. House of Representatives and support Congressional operations.
Bill Burns, an Architect of the Capitol Woodcrafter Supervisor in the Planning and Project Management's Construction Division.
Doing Good

Article

A Series of Compassionate Events

By Justin Kieffer
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One person's small act of compassion can start a chain reaction of kindness. Such is the story of a 16-year-old girl named Brittney James, who saw a commercial on TV and decided to sponsor a three-year-old Kenyan named Newton. Brittney hoped to one day meet Newton, but three years later she was
Three corpse flower blooms at the U.S. Botanic Garden.
Public Notice

Article

Three Corpse Flowers to Bloom at U.S. Botanic Garden

By USBG Staff
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For the first time in the history of the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG), three corpse flowers ( Amorphophallus titanum) are about to bloom at the USBG Conservatory. The plants went on display Tuesday, August 8. One of the plants is the first corpse flower to bloom that the USBG has grown from seed. The
The deburring tool used to remove sharp edges from sheet metal.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Two Thumbs Up for Taking the Edge Off

By Franklin Bradley
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A small and seemingly simple tool used by the Architect of the Capitol sheet metal mechanics reduces injuries by saving hands, which is why we give it two thumbs up as a cool tool. This deburring tool removes sharp edges from metal which must be custom fit to unique spaces.
The bronze Amateis Doors are on display in the House Wing of the U.S. Capitol, across from the Bulfinch stairway near the Memorial Door entrance.
History & Discoveries

Article

The Doors to Nowhere

By Erin Nelson
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In 1901, Congress passed legislation to appropriate funds for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to submit plans for reconstructing the center of the U.S. Capitol, a project that included refacing the West Front in marble. As plans were being developed, Superintendent of the U.S. Capitol and Grounds

Project

Inaugural Platform Construction

By
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The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) has completed construction related to the 2025 Inaugural Ceremonies.
Group photo of the Architect of the Capitol high-voltage electricians on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.
Behind the Scenes

Article

High-Voltage Team Powers the Powerful

By Franklin Bradley
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Learn how the AOC's High-Voltage team keeps the campus running.
A skylight allows natural light to fill the hallway once occupied by a courtyard at the U.S. Capitol.
History & Discoveries

Article

Then & Now: U.S. Capitol Courtyards

By Erin Nelson
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There is always a story waiting to be uncovered in the U.S. Capitol — not of politics or policy, but of the building itself. A building of such prominence and formal tradition would seem unlikely to have undergone so many changes over the decades, but our iconic U.S. Capitol continues to change to
The gilded Torch of Knowledge above the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: What We Hold Precious

By Stephen T. Ayers
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Walking through the Capitol campus, I frequently come across ornamentation in our buildings made from various metals. I was recently taking in the splendor of the gilded Torch of Knowledge above the Thomas Jefferson Building when my mind began wandering through the many additional decorative
A view of the Capitol after the British burning on the 24th August 1814.
History & Discoveries

Article

Fires, Flight, Flag: The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner

By Franklin Bradley
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When British troops burned the U.S. Capitol and White House during the War of 1812, three lesser-known elements of American history came together.
Updated Children's Garden opens at U.S. Botanic Garden.
Public Notice

Article

Updated Children's Garden opens at U.S. Botanic Garden

By USBG Staff
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The United States Botanic Garden announces the reopening of the Children's Garden in the Conservatory. Families can enjoy the updated space, where children can explore and grow their imaginations. The garden features multiple updates including: a new platform discovery structure — a series of
Exterior view of a building.

Project

Supreme Court Façade Restoration - West

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The building, designed by architect Cass Gilbert, was constructed between 1929 and 1935. The classically detailed exterior is clad with white Vermont Imperial Danby marble with bronze windows and ornamental bronze doors, railings and light fixtures. In December 2005, a modillion from the pediment
Elliott Woods, 6th Architect of the Capitol
Behind the Scenes

Article

Elliott Woods: Superintendent, Experimenter, Operatic Composer... Kazoo Player?

By Kristen Frederick
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How did Elliott Woods, someone with only a high school education, become the sixth Architect of the Capitol? Described during his lifetime as hardworking and humble, Elliott Woods can be considered an American success story. Born in 1865 during his parents' overseas trip in England, Woods began his
Up-close view of a statue's face.

Project

Statue of Freedom Conservation

By
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The Statue of Freedom is regularly maintained to keep it in good condition.
Smokestacks, flowers, fountain.

Project

Cogeneration at the Capitol Power Plant

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At the Capitol Power Plant we are planning for the future. Through rigorous analysis of various energy technologies and broad consultation with leading experts, we explored options for achieving future energy savings, reducing environmental impacts and maintaining a reliable source of chilled water
An Architect of the Capitol employee holds radishes in front of a War Garden sign.
Public Notice

Article

War Garden at the Library of Congress

By AOC Staff
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To mark this year's centennial of America entering the Great War, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) recreated a War Garden as it would have been during World War I. These gardens, also referred to as Victory Gardens, were vegetable, fruit and herb gardens planted at private residences, public parks
Ducklings using the special duck ramps at the Capitol Reflecting Pool.
History & Discoveries

Article

Three Quacks for Union Square Duck Ramps

By Erin Courtney
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Since its completion, the Capitol Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C, has been a popular attraction – for ducks and humans! See the ramps developed to safely and effectively assist its ducklings.
Group accepting the 2017 John Russell Pope Award for Historic Preservation.
Public Notice

Article

2017 John Russell Pope Award

By AOC Staff
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The Architect of the Capitol was recently awarded a 2017 John Russell Pope Award for Historic Preservation for the Dome Restoration Project. Augustine Angba, Tom Nowell and Chuck Badal accepted the award with employees of Historical Arts and Casting, the company responsible for recasting pieces of
Behind the Scenes

Article

Family Connections at the Capitol

By Wayne Kehoe
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Being at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., can be a family affair, literally! A volunteer at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center describes two pieces of U.S. Capitol art that he has a connection to through his ancestors - William Brewster and Johnathan Trumbull.
AOC's Joel Evans standing with the Supreme Court Building in the background.
Doing Good

Article

A Supreme Choice for Developing Area Youth

By Sarah Davis
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What started as a boy's after-school project request has turned into a man's mission.
Senate Park Fountain
History & Discoveries

Article

By the Numbers: Senate Fountain

By Andrew Dentamaro
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One of the overlooked gems on Capitol Hill, the Senate fountain, is nestled between Union Station and the U.S. Capitol, atop the Senate upper park. A hexagonal granite monolith with high jets of water spouting from its center, the Architect of the Capitol received authorization for its construction
James Madison Memorial Building
History & Discoveries

Article

Then & Now: Madison Building

By Franklin Bradley
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For $75 a month, you could rent a Capitol Hill apartment across the street from the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building in a quiet neighborhood with tree-lined brick sidewalks, broad alleys and neighbors who could be laborers, lawyers or congressmen. At least, you could 60 years ago. A view of the
Preparation for spring on Capitol grounds.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Falling Into Spring

By Erin Courtney
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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.
One of 330 Capitol Hill elevators maintained by the AOC.
History & Discoveries

Article

Historic Firsts: Capitol Hill Elevators

By Erin Nelson
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Before I started my research for this article, I had already outlined it in my head. An introduction highlighting the 160th birthday of the passenger elevator followed by a short summary of our own first passenger elevator. As I explored the history of the first Capitol Hill elevator, I soon
Blue heron carved in stone at the focal point, the central fountain, in the perimeter wall surrounding Capitol Square.
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: Design with Purpose

By Stephen T. Ayers
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Stephen Ayers, 11th Architect of the Capitol, describes his love of birds and their role in the focal point of Capitol Square's perimeter wall. As one approaches the central Olmsted fountain, it's easy to sense that this is both a great place and a place of greats.
Portrait of a person standing.
Behind the Scenes

Article

A Woman's Perspective: Turning Challenges into Opportunities and Personal Growth

By Deatra Trinidad
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The AOC's Deputy Facility Manager at the United States Supreme Court Building began her engineering career path from a love of roller coasters. Now, in an effort to give back to the community, she volunteers with school robotics competitions and at STEM type expositions.
Women are integral members of the Dome Restoration Project
Behind the Scenes

Article

Women's History Month: Christine A. Merdon

By Erin Courtney
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As the mother of a teenager, Christine Merdon is, to say the least, busy. Coaching her daughter's Odyssey of the Mind Team, traveling to basketball games, planning birthday parties and more occupy her nights and weekends. During the day, she fulfills a lifelong dream of working at the Architect of