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Epicatanthe Volcano Trick Orange Fire Orchid
Programs & Events

Article

Take Five: The U.S. Botanic Garden

By Devin Dotson
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Things don't slow down just because it's winter. Below are five reasons to explore the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG) this season, including tropical flowers like the Epicatanthe Volcano Trick Orange Fire orchid above. 1. See chocolate in its rawest form Cross section of a cacao (chococlate) pod. When
Stone sculpture.
Projects

Article

It's About Time

By Franklin Bradley
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Time has taken its toll on the United State Capitol's stone, but our preservation effort will restore even the finer details, hand-carved by artisans.
The work of the Capitol Building's Insulation Division is as "behind the scenes" as you can get.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Behind the Scenes: Jack of All Trades

By Erin Nelson
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The work of the Capitol Building's Insulation Division is as "behind the scenes" as you can get. In addition to installing insulation, the shop also supports other divisions in its jurisdiction by performing dust control and hazardous materials abatement work in the Capitol Building and Capitol

Basic page

Who We Are

By Sarah Davis
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Recognizing the trust placed in us by Congress and the American people, the AOC team is committed to providing a safe environment and inspiring experiences for all who work and visit the symbol of American democracy. The AOC is rooted in a tradition of unique craftsmanship and ingenuity. Tracing its
A portico of tall Corinthian columns gives the Supreme Court Building a monumental entrance.
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: A Progression of the Imagination

By Stephen T. Ayers
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I long for the days when we can experience all of the magnificent national treasures on Capitol Hill as they were originally imagined. The entry sequence and progression through spaces are carefully thought out by architects as buildings are designed. These experiences are very powerful and
Russell Jones of the AOC Construction Division demonstrates a cool tool for applying grout to the Olmsted wall.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Cool Tools: Squaring Off With History

By Franklin Bradley
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Many of the tools we use around the Capitol campus are unique, historic and essential to our mission — in other words, they are cool tools! We asked employees to tell us about their coolest tools, and this feature represents our latest find. In 1873, Congress commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted to
Two adults and two children standing in front of a plane.
Doing Good

Article

Modern-Day Superhero

By Justin Kieffer
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Brian Roberson volunteers with Angel Flight Soars, working to transport cancer patients and others to treatment centers.
The U.S. Capitol Dome's cupola at night.
Public Notice

Article

Capitol Dome Successfully Restored

By AOC Staff
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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.
Two people walking outside.
Programs & Events

Article

An Idaho Gem to Grace Capitol Lawn

By Ted Bechtol
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As the Superintendent of Capitol Grounds, each year I am charged with selecting the Capitol Christmas Tree. In 2016, we looked to Idaho – specifically, the Payette National Forest – and began the search with the help of the United States Forest Service (USFS). There are 2.8 million acres of forest
Group of people wearing safety vests and hard hats.
Public Notice

Article

Architect of the Capitol Attaches Final Ornament to the U.S. Capitol Dome

By AOC Staff
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The Honorable Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP, Architect of the Capitol, joined members of the Dome Restoration team to attach the final restored ornament, a rosette, to the U.S. Capitol Dome.
Building interior.

Project

Capitol Building Paint Analysis and Plaster Repairs

By AOC Staff
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Restoring areas of the U.S. Capitol to represent an appropriate period as determined by the curatorial community.
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
Mural of people.
History & Discoveries

Article

Capitol Discovery

By Erin Courtney
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It's been more than 500 years since Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in search of a direct water route from Europe to Asia. He never did discover that passage, but he did stumble upon the Americas and kicked off centuries of exploration, and exploitation, of the western hemisphere
Triangle shaped sculpture.
History & Discoveries

Article

New Perspective, New Discoveries: A Close-up Look at Crawford's Progress of Civilization

By Michele Cohen, Ph.D.
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We have made some interesting discoveries about the details of the sculptures and the sources of some of the depicted figures; we discovered and solved a few puzzles, and we also came across a few mysteries that we're still working on (and we'd welcome your help!).

Highlight

Thomas Edison Statue

By Sarah Davis
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This statue of Thomas Edison was given to the National Statuary Hall Collection by Ohio in 2016. Edison's statue replaced one of William Allen, which the state donated to the Collection in 1887.
Preservation Day graphic with multiple images in a collage.
Public Notice

Article

Preservation Day Celebration at the U.S. Capitol

By AOC Staff
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When the 89th United States Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, it changed the way America views, treats, and shares its history. Join us for a fun-filled observation of this anniversary, and learn how the "People's House" — the Capitol — is preserved for all! Architect
Construction work continues in the Cannon Building's west wing.

Project

Cannon Renewal

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The Cannon House Office Building's renewal is an example of the Architect of the Capitol's commitment to preserving our nation's history.
Group of people standing.
Public Notice

Article

Rotunda Reopens to the Public

By AOC Staff
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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.
Sculpture of three people.
History & Discoveries

Article

Letters and Numbers Abound

By Erin Courtney
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No matter where you look on Capitol Hill, numbers and letters abound. Passing three schools and multiple playgrounds on my way to work made me consider the variety of letters and numbers that appear on buildings or in art work on Capitol Hill. Considering the Capitol campus by the numbers (and

Highlight

America at Peace

By Sarah Davis
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This mural, painted during the Second World War, shows a vision of America at peace.

Project

Inaugural Platform Construction

By Lori Taylor
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The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) has begun construction preparations related to the 2025 Inaugural Ceremonies.
Sculpture detail of a person playing an instrument.
Projects

Article

Conserving the Grant Memorial

By Michele Cohen, Ph.D.
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The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Curator for the Architect of the Capitol describes the restoration work on the bronze components and marble pedestals. When completed viewers will again see the subtle details of the original sculpture.
A room with a portrait, chair and clock.
History & Discoveries

Article

Artfully Yours, Alexander Hamilton

By Erin Courtney
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BANG! With one shot, on July 11, 1804, Aaron Burr fatally wounded Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Hamilton died the next day. Who is this Founding Father slayed by a fellow politician and today's ten-dollar man? Over the course of the last several months, the name Hamilton has been hot. Really hot
Person holding a copper pipe.
Behind the Scenes

Article

The Library's HVAC Aces

By Sarah Davis
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Just below the main floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress, the cellar level is home to the Architect of the Capitol's Air Conditioning (AC) Shop for Library Buildings and Grounds. A spectrum of parts and tools — from very small pieces to a 150 horsepower motor that weighs
History & Discoveries

Article

USBG National Garden Turns 10

By Devin Dotson
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This fall, the National Garden at the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) turns 10 years old. Opened to the public on October 1, 2006, the National Garden is a key element of the USBG, along with the Conservatory and Bartholdi Park. The National Garden's Rose Garden celebrates the national floral
Hand using equipment.
Behind the Scenes

Article

Cool Tools: On the Cutting Edge

By Lisa Maltbie
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Every one of us at the Architect of the Capitol, in every job we do, uses tools to serve, preserve and inspire. Many of the tools we use here are unique, historic and essential to our mission—in other words, they are cool tools! We asked employees to submit their coolest tool, and this feature
Doing Good

Article

Bridging the Gap

By Erin Nelson
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Millions of Americans volunteer every year, but few feel compelled to form their own organization. Greg Smith saw a problem in his community that had no solution, so he created one by starting his own non-profit – Kaizen Life Skills. Kaizen is a Japanese word that means continuous improvement, and
Painted portrait of George M. White, FAIA, Ninth Architect of the Capitol.

Person

George M. White, FAIA

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Appointed January 27, 1971; Retired November 21, 1995. George M. White, FAIA, was appointed Architect of the Capitol in 1971. He was the last person to be appointed without the advice and consent of the United States Senate to a term of unspecified duration. As Architect of the Capitol, White
From the Architect

Article

Architect's Notebook: Influences at Work and Play

By Stephen T. Ayers
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Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers reflects on influences in his work, and the work of others, at the U.S. Capitol. We are all an assembly of parts, pieces and life experiences, and we bring those experiences to the things we do every day. It's what makes us who we are! I've come to learn
Behind the Scenes

Article

One Team, One Energy Reduction Mission

By Laura Condeluci
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The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) achieved an extraordinary goal at the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 — successfully meeting the mandate to reduce energy consumption more than 30 percent from our 2003 baseline. This 30 percent reduction is a major accomplishment on its own. But it's even more