The Rotunda is among the most recognizable and hallowed spaces within all of America's public buildings. The Rotunda is used for important ceremonial events, such as the lying in state of eminent citizens, the awarding of Congressional Gold Medals and the dedication of works of art.
Due to the extensive exterior damage on the Capitol Dome, which covers the Rotunda, water has leaked through more than 1,000 cracks, damaging paint, cast iron, stone and decorative elements.
The current exterior Dome Restoration will repair the cracks in the Dome and the scaffolding is scheduled to start gradually coming down at the end of 2015.
The focus of the Rotunda Restoration will be to remove hazardous materials (such as lead paint), restore ironwork, upgrade electrical and mechanical systems, install new lighting and repaint it to historically appropriate colors. This effort began July 2015, and will be complete prior to the Presidential Inauguration in January 2017.