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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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The Architect of the Capitol’s challenge is unique – maintaining aging, iconic buildings; adapting state-of-the-art technology; and increasing responsiveness to environmental, security and safety considerations in a rich historical setting.
Sustainability and Energy Savings
The Architect of the Capitol's challenge is unique – maintaining aging, iconic...
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Kaizen Life Skills group photo.
Bridging the Gap
Millions of Americans volunteer every year, but few feel compelled to form...
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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.

Instagram Meetup at U.S. Capitol banner
Instagram Meetup at U.S. Capitol
November 26, 2013
Events, Photography
Since one of the earliest known photographs of the U.S. Capitol in 1846, Washington, D.C., residents and visitors have been capturing images of this national icon, its art and its grounds.More »
Cohen watches the recasting of missing pieces from the Grant Memorial at a foundry in Pennsylvania.
Passing the Torch
March 16, 2016
Who We Are
The Curator Division's commitment to building knowledge continues to thrive under new leadership.More »
Reduction in Energy Consumption FY 2007-2012 Graphic
AOC Achieves Annual Energy Reduction Goals
January 7, 2013
Who We Are
The Architect of the Capitol's Sustainability, Energy and Water Conservation Division is pleased to report that the AOC achieved and exceeded our annual energy reduction goal for FY 2012! This year’s goal was 21 percent and the AOC reduced its energy consumption by 22 percent. Our FY 2012 results avoided $2.7 million in utility expenses.More »
AOC's Sharon Gang and Senator Daniel K. Akaka
A Legacy of Service
December 17, 2012
Who We Are
Sharon Gang, Communications & Marketing Manager for the Capitol Visitor Center, reflects on her first job on Capitol Hill, and how the lessons learned there stick with her to this day.More »
Water infiltration has led to leaking and staining in the Rotunda.
Capitol Rotunda Restoration
June 26, 2015
Buildings & Grounds, Projects
The restoration of the Rotunda will ensure this hallowed space will be enjoyed by generations of visitors, staff and members of Congress for years to come.More »
His Holiness Pope Francis addressing the crowds assembled along the West Front.
Papal Preparation Takes Teamwork
October 14, 2015
Who We Are, Events
Multiple jurisdictions worked together to prepare for Pope Francis' historic arrival at the U.S. Capitol last month, treating it much like a rehearsal for the next presidential inauguration. More »
Molten cast iron heated to more than 2,500 degrees is poured into the mold.
Expert Metalwork Revealed in Restoration of the U.S. Capitol Dome
April 10, 2015
Projects
Last week, I had an opportunity to travel to the foundry in Salt Lake City and see firsthand how the work to re-create decorative ornaments on the Dome is done.More »
2015 Year in Review
2015 Year in Review
December 18, 2015
Photography
This year has been one of many great moments at the Architect of the Capitol and on Capitol Hill. As 2015 comes to a close, relive some of the highlights through our photos.More »
View of the U.S. Capitol Dome with light in the windows
Saving the U.S. Capitol Dome
October 22, 2013
Who We Are, Architecture, Projects
Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP, reflects on the AOC's effort to restore the U.S. Capitol Dome.More »
Taking care of the stone that flanks the buildings on Capitol Hill is an evolving and continual challenge for the AOC.
Set in Stone—How the AOC Honors Historic Preservation
May 24, 2011
Who We Are
The Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the preservation and maintenance of the stone exterior of the U.S. Capitol as well as the exteriors of all of the other buildings on Capitol Hill. As the buildings have aged, the challenge of caring for their ornate stone facades has only increased.More »
The yellow desk in location #80 is the "Candy Desk."
The Candy Desk
June 30, 2015
Buildings & Grounds
Few traditions associated with Senate furniture are as intriguing as the "candy desk" on the floor of the Senate.More »
Supermoon rises over the Statue of Freedom on evening of June 22, 2013.
Haunted Halls of Congress: 5 Creepy Capitol Legends
October 21, 2016
Buildings & Grounds, History
Myths, mysteries and folklore about the historic building and its previous (we think) inhabitants.More »
The Capitol Crypt, which now houses statuary and exhibitions, was once used as an informal storage space where bicycles were parked, seen here circa 1900.
How the Crypt Got its Name
March 4, 2013
Architecture, History
The term "crypt" has long referred to a space beneath the main floor of a church or a chamber in a mausoleum. For many of us it suggests somber, stony silence and perhaps dusty coffins. The Capitol Crypt, however, is a different thing altogether. More »
Craig Smith prepares to change out a load wheel on the subway to the Hart and Dirksen Buildings in the Hart Maintenance Station. The subway staff performs monthly preventive maintenance checks to detect wear and replace the wheels, as needed.
Behind the Scenes: Senate Subway Branch
March 7, 2016
Who We Are
Architect of the Capitol employees show you what it's like to work in their specialized shop and area of expertise.More »
Year in Review: Top Blogs from 2013
December 23, 2013
Who We Are
Take a look back at some of our top stories from 2013.More »

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