Public Notice

U.S. Capitol Grounds is Now an Accredited Arboretum

February 10, 2017

The U.S. Capitol Grounds was recently named an accredited arboretum. The grounds are now listed in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a comprehensive list of arboreta and public gardens that have a substantial focus on woody plants for the benefit of the public, science and conservation.

Public Notice

Capitol Dome Successfully Restored

November 15, 2016

This morning, Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP, announced that the first comprehensive restoration of the Capitol Dome in more than half a century is complete. 

Public Notice

First Nail Ceremony Commences Inauguration Construction

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.

Public Notice

Rotunda Reopens to the Public

September 6, 2016

The Architect of the Capitol is pleased to reopen the U.S. Capitol's Rotunda following the successful completion of its restoration. Tradesmen and experts from historic preservation officers to engineers, craftsmen and painters worked day and night to restore this hallowed space.

Public Notice

The Big Dig

January 25, 2016

Less than 48 hours after Winter Storm Jonas began dumping snow from the skies over Washington, D.C., Architect of the Capitol crews successfully removed snow to make ​miles of sidewalks, streets and drives and 20 acres of plazas and parking lots accessible for the U.S. Capitol community.

Public Notice

A Welcoming Morning at the U.S. Botanic Garden

December 17, 2015

The U.S. Botanic Garden's "Morning at the Museum" program provides museum access for individuals with cognitive and sensory-processing disabilities by providing pre-visit preparation materials, a calmer visitation period for registered participants and a welcoming quiet "take-a-break" space.

Public Notice

Gold Environmental Excellence Award for Packard Campus

November 19, 2015

The Library of Congress' Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation facility (Packard Campus) located in Culpeper, Virginia, recently received the Virginia Water Environment Association's (VWEA) Gold Environmental Excellence Award for Industrial Waste and Pretreatment.

Public Notice

Hart Solar Panel System Celebrated

October 26, 2015

The recently dedicated Hart Senate Office Building solar panel system is one of the largest federal systems in the Washington, D.C. area. The system furthers the Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) commitment to sustainable and cost-efficient energy reduction measures.

Public Notice

Put the Rotunda in Your Pocket

July 31, 2015

​Knowing that the U.S. Capitol Rotunda would be closed to visitors to prepare for restoration, the Capitol Visitor Center have developed a Rotunda app that offers a virtual tour.