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View of a walkway and benches on the U.S. Capitol Grounds.History & DiscoveriesTop 5 Spots to Enjoy Spring on the Capitol CampusSpring in Washington, D.C., is one of the most beautiful times to visit the nation's capital. Learn about five beautiful, and less known spots, to enjoy the warm weather near the U.S. Capitol.Read the Story

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      Benjamin Henry Latrobe was the second Architect of the Capitol, first hired in 1803 by President Thomas Jefferson.

History & Discoveries

  Benjamin Henry Latrobe's Capitol Contributions
By kate holder |September 29, 2020
The Second Architect's Neoclassical Style Made a Lasting Impact
    Face of a statue.

History & Discoveries

  Inspiration from History
By sharon gang |March 19, 2014
Discover the meaning behind the Car of History Clock in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall. This marble sculpture, created in 1819, is among the oldest works of art in the Capitol. It depicts Clio, the muse of History, holding a book in which she records events as they unfold.
    History & Discoveries

  The Candy Desk
By sharon gang |June 30, 2015
Few traditions associated with Senate furniture are as intriguing as the "candy desk" on the floor of the Senate.
    Map illustration of John Adam's route: 1. Philadelphia 2. Downingtown 3. Lancaster 4. York 5. Frederick 6. Rockville 7. Georgetown *. Final Destination: Washington, D.C.

History & Discoveries

  John Adams' Carriage Ride to Washington D.C., in 1800
By franklin bradley |February 10, 2021
President John Adams issued a letter to all federal agencies on May 15, 1800, directing the "removal of the public offices, clerks and papers" from the capital city of Philadelphia. In that single sentence, Adams started the final move of the U.S. government to its permanent home, the newly created city of Washington, in the District of Columbia.
    Close-up photo of lion detail at the Supreme Court Building.

History & Discoveries

  Symbolism Roars to Life on Capitol Hill
By marty shore |March 6, 2018
Imagery of the lion is well-represented in the art and architectural details of the U.S. Capitol campus in Washington, D.C. Historically, lions were used in architectural ornamentation to provide a sense of strength, majesty and awe, especially on public buildings.
    Drawing.

History & Discoveries

  Constructing the Capitol: The Oven
By matt guilfoyle |June 18, 2013
Too hot or too cold – there is no pleasing everyone when it comes to the right temperature in the office. While today the Architect of the Capitol provides a climate-controlled environment to the buildings of Capitol Hill, two centuries ago this wasn't the case.
    History & Discoveries

  Celebrating Irish-American Heritage Month
By erin courtney |March 17, 2016
For Americans of Irish heritage, there is much to celebrate. Beginning with our Nation's founding, Irishmen risked their lives to establish what would become the United States of America.
    View of a walkway and benches on the U.S. Capitol Grounds.

History & Discoveries

  Top 5 Spots to Enjoy Spring on the Capitol Campus
By aoc staff |March 29, 2022
Spring in Washington, D.C., is one of the most beautiful times to visit the nation's capital; it is also the busiest. Learn about five beautiful, and less known spots, to enjoy the warm weather near the U.S. Capitol including where you can see more than 100 cherry blossom trees.
    The bronze Amateis Doors are on display in the House Wing of the U.S. Capitol, across from the Bulfinch stairway near the Memorial Door entrance.

History & Discoveries

  The Doors to Nowhere
By erin nelson |August 2, 2017
Few doors are created to lead to nowhere, but that is exactly where the U.S. Capitol's famed Amateis Doors have always led. As plans were being developed in 1901 to reface the West Front, designs began for a set of bronze doors that would be comparable to those at the entrances of the East Front.
    Section, Revised Dome Design for U.S. Capitol. Pen, Ink and watercolor by Thomas U. Walter, 1859.

History & Discoveries

  Dancing by Dawn's Early Light
By franklin bradley |May 21, 2019
Did you know that the 15,000-pound bronze Statue of Freedom, standing atop the 9 million pounds of cast iron of the U.S. Capitol Dome, dances every day?
    An Architect of the Capitol street sweeper cleans up in Washington, D.C.

History & Discoveries

  The Architect of the Capitol Sweeps Up the Past
By Morgan Green |July 13, 2021
When Jim Kaufmann, Capitol Grounds and Arboretum Director, happened across an 1891 street-sweeping map while going through cultural landscape reports, he had no idea how simple an old map could make caring for the U.S. Capitol Grounds.
    The Apotheosis of George Washington in the United States Capitol Rotunda.

History & Discoveries

  Artfully Yours, George Washington
By erin courtney |February 22, 2024
Our first president had a significant impact on the nation and, while George Washington never actually graced the halls of the United States Capitol, his presence, influence and even his likeness, is everywhere. Approximately 35 pieces of art include Washington's likeness in the U.S. Capitol.
    Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

History & Discoveries

  Honoring the U.S. Capitol Guides Buried in Congressional Cemetery
By blake lindsey |December 15, 2020
Several of the men who first led tours through the U.S. Capitol are buried in Congressional Cemetery. In December 2019, a group from the Capitol Visitor Center Social Committee gathered at the cemetery to place markers on the graves of these guides and learn more about their lives.
    History & Discoveries

  Nature at the Capitol - The Statue of Freedom
By aoc curator |September 24, 2013
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.
    Small tree in front of a building.

History & Discoveries

  Anne Frank Tree at the Capitol
By sharon gang |July 21, 2014
The planting of a tree in honor of Anne Frank on the U.S. Capitol Grounds
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