Navigate to Homepage
Search
Main navigation
  

        
              Explore the Capitol Campus
                          Art
                            Buildings & Grounds
                            Capitol Hill Facts
                            Visitor Resources
                            Our Blog
                            What We Do
                          Areas of Expertise
                            Programs & Ceremonies
                            Projects
                            Publications
                            Strategic Objectives
                            About Us
                          Who We Are
                            History of the AOC
                            News & Notices
                            Organizational Structure
                            Partnerships & Recognition
                            Work With UsSearch Breadcrumb
    HomeWhat We DoMajor Projects
Grant Memorial Conservation
        
                  The Basics
      
Location
    U.S. Capitol Grounds

Status
    CompletedThe Ulysses S. Grant Memorial is regularly maintained to keep it in good condition.

During this recurring effort, professional conservators apply preservationist techniques to clean the bronze sculpture of debris, standing water and lacquer coating loss. Any structural issues, such as cracks or missing parts, are also repaired during this time.

**This project was last completed in 2023.**

Conservation History

In 2015, this captivating monument became the focus of a meticulous conservation effort.

Grant Memorial: The Restoration of a National TreasureDisfiguring corrosion was removed; over 150 castings of missing or broken pieces, from swords to chain links, were reintegrated into the monument. The marble plinths were refurbished, with joints repointed and stains removed.

Completed in 2016, this work on the bronze components and marble pedestals allow viewers to again see the subtle details of the original sculpture.

In 2019 eight bronze lamp posts were installed to replicate fixtures in place at the time of the memorial's 1922 dedication, and work on the lower granite stone was completed in 2020.

About the Grant Memorial
	Bronze Restoration Photos on Flickr
	Stone Restoration Photos on Flickr
          
    
      Related Stories
            
          Public Notice

  AOC Celebrates Grant Memorial Anniversary

Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton joined the U.S. Capitol Historical Society to celebrate the 200th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant and the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Grant Memorial.
    Public Notice

  Lamp Posts Installed at Grant Memorial

Eight bronze lamp posts were recently installed by the Architect of the Capitol on the marble pedestal of the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in Washington, D.C. These posts are replicas of fixtures first designed and installed by Edward Pearce Casey, the architect for the memorial's pedestal.
    Projects

  Conserving the Grant Memorial

The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Curator for the Architect of the Capitol describes the restoration work on the bronze components and marble pedestals. When completed viewers will again see the subtle details of the original sculpture.
    Projects

  Recasting Missing Parts of the Grant Memorial

New pieces for the Grant Memorial are being cast in a Philadelphia foundry under the watchful eye of the conservator and the Architect of the Capitol team. On a recent visit, AOC employees observed the casting process in action, including the dramatic moment when the molten bronze is poured.

      We love our jobs. Do you? Come work with us.
        View Job Listings Serve. Preserve. Inspire.

              Contact Us
                            Accountability
                            Hill Staff Resources
                            AOC Staff Resources
Utility
  

        
              Privacy Policy
                            Image Terms of Use
                            Inspector General
                            U.S. Botanic Garden
                            U.S. Capitol Visitor CenterFacebook
	Twitter
	Flickr
	YouTube
	Instagram
	Subscribe