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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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The Flanagan clock with marble columns in the background
Bells, Buzzers, Clicks and Clocks
In a world where everyone carries a cell phone and some carry more than one,...
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News & Notices

2016 Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Announced

November 02, 2016

The 2011 Capitol Christmas Tree with the Capitol Dome visible in the background.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will be lit by the Speaker of the House, Paul D. Ryan, on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, during a ceremony on the West Front Lawn beginning at 5 p.m. "The Capitol Christmas Tree brings with it a spirit of community, and the start of the season of generosity and cheer. We're excited to light the tree, and grateful to all those who have taken part in its journey all the way from Idaho," said Speaker Ryan. Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, will serve as master of ceremonies. The Architect of the Capitol selects the tree, in consultation with the United...

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Architect of the Capitol Attaches Final Ornament to the U.S. Capitol Dome

October 27, 2016

Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers attaching the final restored ornament, a rosette, to the U.S. Capitol Dome.
Today the Honorable Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP, Architect of the Capitol, joined members of the Dome Restoration team to attach the final restored ornament, a rosette, to the U.S. Capitol Dome. "The rosette attached this morning was one of the first removed at the start of the U.S. Capitol Dome Restoration project. Reattaching this ornament in its fully-restored form feels like coming full-circle on this project," said Ayers. The Dome includes multiple decorative features often not seen from the ground. This impressive and detailed craftsmanship includes rosettes, acorns, grape...

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East Front Flag Pole Removal

October 07, 2016

Photo of the Capitol's East Front taken September 27, 2016.
The Architect of the Capitol will temporarily remove the East Front flag pole to perform routine refinishing the weekend of October 8-9, 2016. Work on the flag pole is scheduled to last one full day, beginning at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 8. The rain date for this project is scheduled for Sunday, October 9. For additional information, please contact communications@aoc.gov.

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Season's Greenings: National Parks and Historic Sites to Open Thanksgiving Day at U.S. Botanic Garden

October 06, 2016

The U.S. Capitol made entirely from plant materials.
Washington, DC – This year's annual U.S. Botanic Garden holiday exhibit, Season's Greenings: National Parks and Historic Places, will open Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2016, and run through January 2, 2017. Immerse yourself in the sights, scents and sounds of the season with wreaths, garland, trees and thousands of blooms from exotic orchids to a showcase of heirloom and newly developed poinsettia varieties. Throughout the Conservatory, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service and the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. In this year's...

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Live Theater Returns to the U.S. Botanic Garden

September 26, 2016

Flowers Stink graphic.
Following last year's exciting launch of the Kennedy Center's partnership with the U.S. Botanic Garden, Flowers Stink is back by popular demand after two Helen Hayes Award nominations, including Outstanding Theater for Young Audiences production! When struggling to write a nature-themed poem for school, a middle-school girl gives up and tweets: "#natureisboring #flowersstink." Suddenly, two zany and loveable plants magically come to life, encouraging her to open her eyes, ears and mind to the beauty all around her. Enjoy plenty of singing, dancing, folk, bluegrass, blues and gospel, all set...

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First Nail Ceremony Commences Inauguration Construction

September 21, 2016

Photo of the First Nail ceremony on September 21, 2016.
Today, Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP, joined members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies to drive in the "First Nail" marking the beginning of construction of the 2017 Presidential Inaugural platform. Ayers opened the event by saying, "The Architect of the Capitol has supported Presidential Inaugurations for more than 150 years to make the event more accessible to the public. One of the strengths of our republic is this peaceful transition of power. And it happens right here in the shadow of America's symbol of democracy, the Capitol Dome....

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