News & Notices

Rotunda Reopens to the Public

Sep 06, 2016

Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers greets the first tour group in the Rotunda.

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is pleased to reopen the Capitol Rotunda following the successful completion of its restoration. Preserving the historic Rotunda is a priority for the AOC. Water leaking through the Capitol Dome and into the building caused more than a 1,000 cracks, damaging paint, cast iron, stone and decorative elements in the Rotunda. Beginning in July 2015, and throughout the restoration process, the AOC repaired ironwork, upgraded electrical and mechanical systems, installed new lighting, removed hazardous materials and returned the paint scheme to more historically...

Rotunda Closure for Final Restoration Phase

Jul 12, 2016

In the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, looking up towards the Apotheosis of Washington.

The Dome and Rotunda restoration projects mark important milestones in our ongoing efforts to preserve our infrastructure, enhance the beauty of our historic buildings and improve safety and security for all employees and visitors. We are pleased to report that work to restore the U.S. Capitol Rotunda is in the final phase. In order to facilitate the project's completion, the Rotunda will be temporarily closed following the final tour on Saturday, July 23, to safely remove scaffolding. We anticipate public and staff-led tours to the Rotunda will resume on Tuesday, September 6, 2016. The...

Statement on Cannon House Office Building Water

Jul 06, 2016

View of the Cannon House Office Building.

Water samples from facilities managed by the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) are tested for lead. Over the course of the last 11 years, the AOC has taken nearly 400 samples from primary devices — including drinking fountains — and about 220 samples from secondary sources — such as sinks — in the Cannon House Office Building with no concern for water quality. On the afternoon of Monday, June 27, 2016, the AOC began receiving anomalous test results. Our top priority is the safety and health of the congressional community. In response, the AOC made the decision to shut down the drinking water to...

"A Capitol Fourth" Concert at the U.S. Capitol

Jun 30, 2016

Fireworks seen behind the Capitol Dome and Statue of Freedom.

The following press release is via the United States Capitol Police. Know Before You Go: Information on the Concert, Rehearsal, Prohibited Items, and Street Closures WASHINGTON, DC – On Monday, July 4, 2016, the annual "A Capitol Fourth" Concert, celebrating America's Independence Day, will be broadcast live from the West Front of the United States Capitol. The concert begins at 8 p.m. on Monday, and gates will open to the public at 3 p.m. There will also be a full concert dress rehearsal for this event on Sunday, July 3, 2016, at 8 p.m. Gates will open to the public on Sunday at 3 p.m....

2016 Memorial Day Concert at the U.S. Capitol Honors U.S. Veterans and Armed Services

May 24, 2016

Moon visible at night above the U.S. Capitol on March 31, 2016.

The following press release is via the United States Capitol Police. Know Before You Go: Information on the Concert, Rehearsal, Prohibited Items and Street Closures WASHINGTON, DC – On Sunday, May 29, 2016, the annual National Memorial Day Concert, which honors American veterans and members of the U.S. Armed Services, will be broadcast live from the West Front of the United States Capitol. The concert begins at 8 p.m. on Sunday, and gates will open to the public at 5 p.m. There will also be a full concert dress rehearsal for this event on Saturday, May 28, 2016, at 8 p.m. Gates will open...

Tree Dedicated in Honor of the 100th Anniversary of Ireland's 1916 Easter Rising

May 18, 2016

TREE PLANTING TO HONOR IRELAND ON THE CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EASTER RISING.

Christine Merdon, Chief Operating Officer for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), welcomed Ireland's Taioseach Enda Kenny, Ireland's Ambassador to the United States Anne Anderson, senior congressional leaders and members of Congress, House Chaplain Father Patrick J. Conroy and Donegal native Father Brendan McBride to the U.S. Capitol Grounds for a tree dedication marking the 100th anniversary of Ireland's 1916 Easter Rising. Select trees on the Capitol Grounds serve as living memorials to an individual or an event. The Irish Oak dedicated today is one of those special trees. "A much-loved...

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