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View of a walkway and benches on the U.S. Capitol Grounds.

History & Discoveries

Top 5 Spots to Enjoy Spring on the Capitol Campus

Spring in Washington, D.C., is one of the most beautiful times to visit the nation's capital. Learn about five beautiful, and less known spots, to enjoy the warm weather near the U.S. Capitol.
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History & Discoveries

Capitol Lyrics: "America the Beautiful"

By sarah davis | July 3, 2023

The lyrics of this patriotic song are found easily at the U.S. Capitol. Once inside the building, a portion of "America the Beautiful" by Katharine Lee Bates can be found written in the Cox Corridors of the south wing. It is also played every July 4th from the Taft Memorial and Carillon.

Behind the Scenes

Meet the Team: Photography and Technical Imaging Branch

By aoc staff | May 12, 2023

The Photography and Technical Imaging Branch (PTIB) is responsible for the documentation of the historical buildings and grounds under the care of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) and capturing the historic events within those spaces.

Behind the Scenes

Employee Spotlight: Honoring 50 Years of Historic Service

By erin nelson | May 9, 2023

In today's fast-paced, instant culture, few things seem to last, including career tenures. 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

Beyond the Dome: Fort Meade

By erin nelson | May 4, 2023

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

Leaves of Green: Capitol's Mature Trees Offer Big Payouts

By Madeleine Lucchetti | April 28, 2023

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

Arboretum in the City

By carol campos | April 26, 2023

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

Long-Time Partnership Yields Beautiful Results

By devin dotson | April 21, 2023

In February 2023, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) opened the 27th annual joint orchid exhibit in partnership with Smithsonian Gardens.

Behind the Scenes

Q&A With the House Floor Care Division

By aoc staff | January 12, 2023

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

In the Senate Office Buildings, Maintenance Collaboration Is a Clean Sweep

By Madeleine Lucchetti | January 5, 2023

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

Meigs' Miniatures: The Story of the Tiny Doors in the U.S. Capitol

By erin nelson | December 23, 2022

Guesses for what is behind the Capitol Building's smallest doors are as varied as the architectural details that encompass the Capitol campus. The correct explanation for their existence involves Christmas Eve, the Library of Congress and engineer Montgomery Meigs.

Programs & Events

Poinsettias Flourish at the U.S. Botanic Garden

By devin dotson | December 20, 2022

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.