The 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will arrive Friday, 11/22. Lighting Ceremony 12/3. Details.
Architect of the Capitol employees are responsible for the care and preservation of more than 300 works of art, architectural elements, landscape features and more.
Browse our pieces below or learn more about the artists, collections and subjects.
The Albany Congress, 1754
In 1754 the British government asked colonial representatives to meet in Albany, New York, to develop a treaty with Native Americans and plan the defense of the colonies against France.
The Birth of Aviation
The first flight at Kitty Hawk (December 17, 1903) is depicted, with Orville Wright in the Flyer, which has just left the ground, and Wilbur running alongside to steady the wing. In the background stand Leonardo da Vinci, Samuel Pierpont Langley, and Octave Chanute; each holds a model of his earlier design for a flying machine. An eagle with an olive branch in its talons emphasizes this flight as a great American achievement and closes this last scene. (1903)
The Constitutional Convention, 1787
Following the Revolutionary War, the new American government was first organized under the Articles of Confederation, but that document gave the federal government too little authority to be effect
The Declaration of Independence, 1776
In June 1776 five delegates to the Second Continental Congress drafted the Declaration of Independence.
The First Continental Congress, 1774
Delegates from twelve colonies met in 1774 in Philadelphia to discuss responses to increased British oppression.
The First Federal Congress, 1789
Meeting in New York at Federal Hall, the first federal Congress initiated the committee system, levied taxes and imposts, and enacted a judicial system.
The First Four Settlements in America
The map shows the first four settlements in America, from St. Augustine (1565) to Plymouth (1620).
The First Thirteen Colonies
The map shows the first thirteen colonies and the year in which each entered the Union. The original Northwest territories, the Connecticut Reserve, and Spanish and West Florida are also shown.
The Library of Congress in the Capitol, 1800-1897
In 1783 Representative James Madison introduced a resolution to create a library that would give the Congress access to works about the laws of nations and about American history and affairs.