Art, Artifacts, & Architecture

The U.S. Capitol and Slave Labor

History of Slave Laborers in the Construction of the United States Capitol (PDF, 8MB)
How could America’s “Temple of Liberty,” symbolizing freedom, equality and self-determination, have been built by slaves? Read about the history of slave labor in the construction of the United States Capitol, newly released by the House and Senate’s Slave Labor Task Force.

The Old House Chamber

The Splendid Hall
The Splendid Hall, an exhibit about the Old House Chamber, was located in National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol. The original exhibit, designed by Research and Design Associates, was prepared by the Office of the Bicentennial of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Architect of the Capitol to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the U.S. House of Representatives. Take this virtual tour to learn about the original meeting place of the House of Representatives.

Statuary Hall: A History
The completion of the present House wing in 1857 allowed the House of Representatives to move from Splendid Hall into its new and larger chamber. Today, statues representing each state line the walls and adorn the areas surrounding the Splendid Hall, now known as Statuary Hall. Take this virtual tour to learn about the historic evolution of the Old House Chamber.

The House Chamber Today

The House Chamber
Take a closer look at the different areas of the House Chamber, including the Speaker's Rostrum, the House Floor, and the Press Gallery, and learn about the activities that take place in each area.

The Catafalque
Learn about the ceremonial framework on which a coffin rests in state.

The Members' Dining Room
View the history and artifacts of The Members' Dining Room located within the U.S. House of Representatives.

House Office Buildings

Cannon House Office Building
The Cannon House Office Building, completed in 1908, is the oldest congressional office building. The creation of offices for Members of Congress forever changed how the House of Representatives worked.

Notable Office Assignments in the House
Some of America’s most notable politicians have occupied the offices of the Cannon, Longworth, and Rayburn House Office Buildings. The information in this section provides a guide to where Speakers of the House and U.S. Presidents have served their constituents’ needs and legislative agendas during their House service.

Links of Historical Interest

• Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

  Biographies of Members who have served in the House and Senate.

• Women in Congress

  Highlights women who have served or are serving in Congress.

• Black Americans in Congress

  Highlights African Americans who have served or are serving in Congress.

• Weekly Historical Highlights

  A weekly look at historical highlights in U.S. House of Representatives history.

• U.S. Constitution

  Online version of the U.S. Constitution provided by the Library of Congress.

• Declaration of Independence

  Online version of the U.S. Declaration of Independence provided by the Library of Congress.

• American Memory Collection

  Gateway to rich primary-source materials relating to the history and culture of the United States.

• Senate History

  Historical information about the United States Senate.

• Senate Art & Historical Collections

  The United States Senate maintains a collection of over 2,000 pieces of art and historical furniture.