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A virtual Map of Capitol Hill from above
U.S. Capitol Map
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A group of visitors walking in in front of the Capitol Building
Sustainability Initiatives
Building, Infrastructure, People The Architect of the Capitol is committed to...
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Safety canopy rising inside the interior dome of the Capitol
U.S. Capitol Dome Rotunda Reopening
The Architect of the Capitol will conduct a briefing for media on the reopening...
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Meet the Leaders: Cannon Renewal Project

By Kristen Frederick

Those dedicated to managing the operation of the 10-year, five-phased Cannon Renewal discuss the project and what leadership means to them.
Building illustration for the Cannon Renewal.

Our Blog

Read about the art, architecture and work on the Capitol Hill written by AOC's experts.

Picture of Solidago Altissima outside in a field
Solidago: Solid Gold for the Garden
October 21, 2013
Buildings & Grounds
Bill McLaughlin, Plant Curator at the U.S. Botanic Garden, reflects on the beautiful goldenrod blooming at the U.S. Botanic Garden.More »
The Statue of Freedom atop the U.S. Capitol
Nature at the Capitol - The Statue of Freedom
September 24, 2013
Art
This is the first in a series of occasional articles, written by the Architect of the Capitol’s Curator Office, about the use of nature in the art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol. This week, they focus on the elements in the Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol Dome.More »
Photo showing the detail of "We the People"
“We the People” - Constitution Week 2013
September 16, 2013
Events
This Constitution Week, AOC's Sharon Gang, communications & marketing manager at the Capitol Visitor Center, reflects on what the U.S. Constitution means to her.More »
Flight 93 Memorial Plaque in the U.S. Capitol
Remembering September 11, 2001
September 10, 2013
History
For those of us in Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2001, the site of the beautiful Capitol Dome set against bright blue skies on a cool September morning will forever conjure feelings and memories of that horrible day. However, thanks to the gallant act of a few brave souls we are blessed to forever enjoy this icon to American ingenuity and democracy - their names can be found in the United States Capitol Building among other American heroes including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. More »
Bill from the Lawn Cycle Stand Manufacturing Co. to the Architect of the Capitol
From the Archives: Bike Racks on Capitol Hill
July 31, 2013
History
Parking in Washington, D.C. has always been a challenge, but did you know they have been working to accommodate commuters on Capitol Hill for more than a century? More »
Engraving showing the first dome of the U.S. Capitol, designed by Charles Bulfinch. By William H. Bartlett, circa 1840.
Keeping History in Perspective
July 23, 2013
Architecture, History
Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP, remembers one of the major players in the history U.S. Capitol, Charles Bulfinch.More »
Warehouses in Fort Meade, Maryland store items such as statues that were once displayed on the East Front of the Capitol.
Beyond the Dome – Fort Meade
July 17, 2013
Who We Are, Art, Buildings & Grounds
The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for managing all of the buildings and grounds on Capitol Hill, but it also maintains several facilities across the National Capital Region, including several off-site facilities in Fort Meade, Maryland. I recently had the chance to visit Fort Meade and view the unique collections that are housed there. More »
AOC Elevator Mechanics at the Library of Congress
Rising High – AOC's Elevator Mechanics
July 9, 2013
Buildings & Grounds, Who We Are
“We deal with a lot of history.” No, those aren’t the words of the AOC’s Curator office. It’s Ron Bailey, shop supervisor of the Library Buildings and Grounds Elevator Division, who runs some of the oldest elevator systems on Capitol Hill, the oldest of which date back to the 1930s. More »
Statue of John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr.
Five Items Not to Miss at the U.S. Capitol
June 25, 2013
Art, Exhibits
Visitors to the Capitol are often drawn to the "big ticket" items, but there are several other must-see items you should check out when visiting the U.S. Capitol Building.More »
Early House of Representatives Chamber (artist representation)
Constructing the Capitol: The Oven
June 18, 2013
Architecture, History
Too hot or too cold – there is no pleasing everyone when it comes to the right temperature in the office. But while today the AOC provides a climate-controlled environment to the buildings of Capitol Hill, 212 years ago this wasn’t the case. More »
AOC employees plan renovations to Representative Tammy Duckworth's Office
Teaming Up for Accessibility
June 17, 2013
Who We Are, Buildings & Grounds
A team of tradecrafts experts at the AOC transform an office into a completely wheelchair-accessible suite in less than four weeks.More »
L'Enfant’s vision for the City of Washington.
The Many Hats of the AOC from A to Z
June 10, 2013
Who We Are
From the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to the Zoning Commission — the Architect of the Capitol, both individually and organizationally, has many roles that extend well beyond what most might expect.More »
Screenshot from the video.
Inspired by the Past, Preserving for the Future
June 7, 2013
Who We Are, Art
Meet the AOC's decorative painters at the Library of Congress who work to preserve the ornate designs of one of the world's most beautiful buildings. Go behind the scenes to see the techniques used to keep the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building looking as striking as it did when it first opened in 1897. More »
Nitrate vault at the Library of Congress Packard Campus
Beyond the Dome – Packard Campus of the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center
June 3, 2013
Who We Are, Buildings & Grounds
The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is responsible for managing all of the buildings and grounds on Capitol Hill, but it also maintains several facilities across the National Capital Region. One such facility is the Library of Congress Packard Campus of the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center, located 80 miles away from the Capitol in Culpeper, Virginia. I recently had the privilege to peak inside this fascinating facility.More »
Melvin Wells has applied what they learned at SOME to excel at AOC.
Moving Offices. Improving Lives.
May 23, 2013
Who We Are
AOC's partnership with So Others Might Eat (SOME) helps "empower people out of homelessness and poverty" with their Center for Employment Training.More »

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