The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial is regularly maintained to keep it in good condition.

During this recurring effort, professional conservators apply preservationist techniques to clean the bronze sculpture of debris, standing water and lacquer coating loss. Any structural issues, such as cracks or missing parts, are also repaired during this time.

This project was last completed in 2023.

Conservation History

In 2015, this captivating monument became the focus of a meticulous conservation effort.

Grant Memorial: The Restoration of a National Treasure

Disfiguring corrosion was removed; over 150 castings of missing or broken pieces, from swords to chain links, were reintegrated into the monument. The marble plinths were refurbished, with joints repointed and stains removed.

Completed in 2016, this work on the bronze components and marble pedestals allow viewers to again see the subtle details of the original sculpture.

In 2019 eight bronze lamp posts were installed to replicate fixtures in place at the time of the memorial's 1922 dedication, and work on the lower granite stone was completed in 2020.

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Public Notice

AOC Celebrates Grant Memorial Anniversary

Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton joined the U.S. Capitol Historical Society to celebrate the 200th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant and the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Grant Memorial.
Drawing and design for the Grant Memorial replica lamp posts.
Public Notice

Lamp Posts Installed at Grant Memorial

Eight bronze lamp posts were recently installed by the Architect of the Capitol on the marble pedestal of the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in Washington, D.C. These posts are replicas of fixtures first designed and installed by Edward Pearce Casey, the architect for the memorial's pedestal.
Sculpture detail of a person playing an instrument.
Projects

Conserving the Grant Memorial

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.
Three people looking at pieces of sculpture.
Projects

Recasting Missing Parts of the Grant Memorial

New pieces for the Grant Memorial are being cast in a Philadelphia foundry under the watchful eye of the conservator and the Architect of the Capitol team. On a recent visit, AOC employees observed the casting process in action, including the dramatic moment when the molten bronze is poured.

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