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Photograph of people walking outside on a Self-Guided Tour of Capitol Hill
Self-Guided Tours on Capitol Hill
Visitors can tour many highlights on Capitol Hill without registering.
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Photo of Capitol Hill steps.
10 Energy Saving Tips
Download a PDF of the full list.
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Calder's Mountains and Clouds sculpture without the clouds portion.
Structural Analysis of Calder's Mountains and...
During the upcoming construction activity, the four clouds will be lowered to...
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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.

Fire safety in the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.
Focusing on Safety First at the Largest Library in the World
January 30, 2016
Buildings & Grounds
Modern technology enables the AOC to take precautions and prevent potentially harmful fires from ravaging our nation's treasures.More »
Capitol Building Sheet Metal Shop auto brake.
Cool Tools: On the Cutting Edge
June 17, 2016
Who We Are
The U.S. Capitol Building Sheet Metal Shop has introduced a new auto brake machine which offers an unprecedented capacity to bend metal that is integral to the many renowned projects around the U.S. Capitol.More »
Jimilu Morgan presents the completed bust of Constantino Brumidi to then Vice President Hubert Humphrey - 1968
Meeting a Capitol Artist
August 14, 2012
Art, History
Sharon Gang, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Capitol Visitor Center, describes her experience meeting Jimilu Mason, an American artist with works on display at the U.S. Capitol building.More »
Accessible ramp at Senate Parks near the Senate Underground Garage.
Designing with ADA in Mind
July 22, 2015
Who We Are, Architecture
The AOC's Facilities Planning and Programming Division incorporates seemingly small improvements into the design of our facilities and their outside environments, helping not only those with disabilities, but each one of us.More »
Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural at the U.S. Capitol
More Historically Accurate: Lincoln or Vampire Hunter?
April 15, 2013
History
AOC Public Affairs Officer Matt Guilfoyle watches "Lincoln" and "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter"-- and is surprised by which film more accurately depicts the U.S. Capitol.More »
Blanchet assists with a launch, Jonas Green State Park, Annapolis, Maryland
A Veteran Helping Veterans
March 29, 2016
Who We Are
Electrician Martin Blanchet volunteers with Heroes on the Water, which helps veterans relax and rehabilitate through kayak fishing.More »
West Front of Capitol in March with blue skies and clouds
Saving Energy, Preserving History
April 1, 2014
Who We Are
Here at the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), our challenge is unique – we must maintain aging, iconic buildings while adapting to state-of-the-art technology and increasing responsiveness to environmental, security and safety considerations in a rich historical setting.More »
The Superintendent of Capitol Grounds for Architect of the Capitol searches Payette National Forest to select the 2016 Capitol Christmas Tree.
An Idaho Gem to Grace Capitol Lawn
November 2, 2016
Events
It can be hard to find a tree in the forest that meets all of the Capitol Christmas Tree criteria, but the Superintendent of Capitol Grounds has done it again.More »
Bartholdi Fountain, 40mm, 200 ISO, f/14, 5 seconds
Capturing Bartholdi Fountain
November 26, 2012
Buildings & Grounds, Photography
Each month AOC’s photography branch will break down an iconic photo of Capitol Hill and share tips and tricks for snapping beautiful images at the Capitol. This month AOC photographer Susanne Bledsoe walks us through a shot of Bartholdi Fountain in Bartholdi Park on the Capitol Grounds.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 »
Carving of a new rosette begun by a computerized numerical control (CNC) machine.
What's Happening Behind the Capitol Scaffolding?
May 10, 2016
Projects
To answer this question, we travel to a brick building in Vienna, Virginia, where the hum of an industrial-sized machine is unmistakable. Littering the fenced-in courtyard of the building are massive slabs of stone of all shapes and colors.More »
Food pantry photos courtesy of Richard Edmonds.
Doing Good: Richard Edmonds
October 22, 2014
Who We Are
Edmonds hopes to leave behind a legacy that exemplifies how important it is to take time to recognize those in need and make a difference.More »
AOC's Theon Parker teaches students about electrical circuits at Phelps ACE High School.
Discovering the Joys of Teaching — and Learning
May 17, 2012
Who We Are
Courses taught by AOC employees help communicate business culture and expectations, as well as important skills they can apply to future educational and occupational pursuits.More »
State of the Union on January 24, 2012
Supporting the State of the Union
February 8, 2013
Who We Are
Every winter, Congress has the honor of welcoming the President of the United States to the U.S. Capitol for the annual State of the Union Address. Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers reflects on the AOC's role in support this momentous event.More »
Setting a keystone during construction of the Rayburn House Office Building in 1964.
Honoring Black History Month
February 10, 2016
History
The Architect of the Capitol is proud of our role in caring for and preserving these tributes to the role African Americans have played in shaping the course of our country's history.More »

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