Speaker's Rooms in the Capitol
Historical Highlight
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About this object From 1857 to 1879, the Speaker occupied a room just across the hall from the House Chamber.
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Today, West Front spaces house the Speaker’s office. When Congress first moved into the Capitol, however, the Speaker operated from rooms much closer to the House Chamber. Initially they were next to the old Hall of the House, and later just behind the current chamber's rostrum. 20th century changes in technology made it less urgent to be close to the chamber's action. Offices moved further from the House floor. Many of the places that were vacated remain important spaces in the Capitol, housing Members, artwork, and centuries of history.