Our Blog

The liberty cap was the symbol of freedom and liberty commonly used in the 19th century and is seen in many places in the United States Capitol.

Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers reflects on the almost 600,000 square feet of windows – of all different shapes, size and age – cared for by the AOC.

AOC Photographer Chuck Badal gives a behind the scenes look at how some of his favorite photos of the Capitol were captured — from the roof of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.

Sharon Gang, Communications & Marketing Manager for the Capitol Visitor Center, reflects back on her first job on Capitol Hill, and how the lessons learned there stick with her to this day.

The Mayan Calendar has drawn a lot of attention lately, largely surrounded by myth and misunderstanding. This story investigates a lesser-known scene in "The Frieze of American History" by Constantino Brumidi in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

December 2 has been an important anniversary at the U.S. Capitol since 1863 when the final section of the Statue of Freedom was installed atop the dome. The date has signified another important anniversary since 2008 when the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center opened for business.

Each month AOC’s photography branch will break down an iconic photo of Capitol Hill and share tips and tricks for snapping beautiful images at the Capitol. This month AOC photographer Susanne Bledsoe walks us through a shot of Bartholdi Fountain in Bartholdi Park on the Capitol Grounds.

Today, one cannot walk far in the U.S. Capitol without seeing a likeness or connection to President Abraham Lincoln and the tumultuous period he served in Congress and the White House. A good place to begin walking in his footsteps is outside on the East Front in the shadow of the Capitol Dome.

Michael Dunn, Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) chief of photography, draws upon his many years of experience to share tips for photographing the U.S. Capitol Grounds in fall.

Masons working at the Architect of the Capitol get the campus ready for another day before the rest of the employees on Capitol Hill even wake. They have a small window of time very early in the day to complete any tasks that may interfere with visitors or the work of staff.

Presidential inaugural ceremonies at the United States Capitol take a team effort to pull together, and planning for the event begins as soon as the previous Inauguration ends. Take a behind-the-scenes look at AOC's role in this event, including platform construction and a materials infographic.

AOC's Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team cares for more than 4,500 trees that fill the U.S. Capitol Grounds with shade and shelter for wildlife and that frame the U.S. Capitol as part of Olmsted’s master plan.

The men and women who comprise the Architect of the Capitol painting craft across Capitol Hill are master illusionists ensuring the buildings inspire all who visit with their grandeur and beauty. Find out how our painters use tricks of the trade to turn wood into marble and metal into wood.

Those commuting to Washington, D.C., via the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) traverse places forever connected by events that occurred more than 150 years ago during the Civil War. Follow the path into the city beginning with the Battle of Kettle Run at Bristoe Station.