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The Summerhouse on the Capitol Grounds surrounded by pink azalea flowers.
Itineraries for Visits to Capitol Hill old
A few ideas to help you in planning a visit to Capitol Hill.
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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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Decorative Painter Ben Roberts plies his trade by enhancing the beauty of the buildings on Capitol Hill.
Master Illusionists of Capitol Hill
Find out how AOC's painters use tricks of the trade to turn wood into...
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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.

Building illustration for the Cannon Renewal.
Meet the Leaders: Cannon Renewal Project
November 7, 2016
Projects, Who We Are
Those dedicated to managing the operation of the 10-year, five-phased Cannon Renewal discuss the project and what leadership means to them.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 »
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 »
Landing of Columbus fresco by Brumidi.
Capitol Discovery
October 7, 2016
Art, History
See how Columbus' 15th century journey was depicted by 19th century artists in art throughout the Capitol.More »
The Progress of Civilization pediment on the East Front of the Capitol.
New Perspective, New Discoveries: A Close-up Look at Crawford's Progress of Civilization
September 28, 2016
Art, Buildings & Grounds
We have made some interesting discoveries about the details of the sculptures and the sources of some of the depicted figures; we discovered and solved a few puzzles, and we also came across a few mysteries that we're still working on (and we'd welcome your help!).More »
Black and white photo of Genius of America pediment.
Letters and Numbers Abound
September 1, 2016
Art, Buildings & Grounds
A variety of letters and numbers appear on buildings or in art work on Capitol Hill.More »
Phlox paniculata at the U.S. Botanic Garden.
Help Plants Beat the Heat
July 27, 2016
Buildings & Grounds
Just like us, plants need special care in the extreme heat. Following these tips from the U.S. Botanic Garden will help protect your plants during the hottest days of summer. More »
Up close detail of bronze figure on the Grant Memorial.
Conserving the Grant Memorial
July 18, 2016
Buildings & Grounds, Projects
When work on the bronze components and marble pedestals is completed this fall, viewers will again see the subtle details of the original sculpture.More »
A garden gnome placed in an open "tiny" door in the U.S. Capitol.
Meigs' Miniatures: The Story of the Tiny Doors in the U.S. Capitol
July 14, 2016
Buildings & Grounds, History
Guesses for what is behind the Capitol Building's smallest doors are as varied as the architectural details that encompass the Capitol campus. The correct explanation for their existence involves Christmas Eve, the Library of Congress and engineer Montgomery Meigs.More »
Constantino Brumidi's portrait of Alexander Hamilton in the President's Room of the U.S. Capitol.
Artfully Yours, Alexander Hamilton
July 11, 2016
Art
With the recent Kennedy Center announcement that the award-winning musical "Hamilton" is coming to Washington, D.C., the options to explore and experience one of our Founding Fathers in our nation's capital has never been better.More »
Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)
5 Original Olmsted Trees
July 7, 2016
Buildings & Grounds
Some of the most majestic and unmistakable trees on campus were planted during the Olmsted period.More »
Bright sun behind a silhouetted Capitol Dome and Statue of Freedom.
Keeping Your Cool at the Capitol
July 6, 2016
Buildings & Grounds
If you live, work or visit Capitol Hill, stay alert for signs that you, a colleague or a loved one is too hot.More »
AOC's John Lamberton, Assistant Supervisor, selects the proper copper pipe size for a job.
The Library's HVAC Aces
July 1, 2016
Who We Are
While the most frequent calls from building occupants are related to climate, being successful in this line of work is about more than overcoming hot and cold conditions.More »
The U.S. Capitol can be seen over the wetlands area of the National Garden.
USBG National Garden Turns 10
June 21, 2016
Buildings & Grounds
Opened to the public on October 1, 2006, the National Garden is a key element of the USBG, along with the Conservatory and Bartholdi Park.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 »

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