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Self-Guided Tours on Capitol Hill
Visitors can tour many highlights on Capitol Hill without registering.
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Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, CCM, LEED AP, Architect of the...
On February 24, 2010, President Barack Obama nominated Mr. Ayers to serve as...
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Flight 93 Memorial Plaque in the U.S. Capitol
Remembering September 11, 2001
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A Sweet 2016

By Sarah Bublitz

This past year has been filled with many sweet moments around the Capitol campus. Here are 10 that stand out.
2016 carved into a column capital during the Capitol Exterior Preservation project's stone work.

Our Blog

Read about the art, architecture and work on the Capitol Hill written by AOC's experts.

2016 carved into a column capital during the Capitol Exterior Preservation project's stone work.
A Sweet 2016
December 29, 2016
Art, Events, Exhibits, History, Projects
This past year has been filled with many sweet moments around the Capitol campus. Here are 10 that stand out.More »
Epicatanthe Volcano Trick Orange Fire Orchid
Take Five: The U.S. Botanic Garden
December 21, 2016
Exhibits
Things don't slow down just because it's winter. See five reasons to explore the U.S. Botanic Garden this season, including tropical flowers like this Epicatanthe Volcano Trick Orange Fire orchid.More »
It's About Time
December 15, 2016
Projects
Time has taken its toll on the Capitol's stone, but our preservation effort will restore even the finer details, hand-carved by artisans.More »
AOC's Marc Kinney, part of the Capitol Building's Insulation Division.
Behind the Scenes: Jack of All Trades
December 8, 2016
Who We Are
The Capitol Building's Insulation Division is as "behind the scenes" as you can get, often working behind closed doors and within containments to ensure the safety of those who visit and work on the Capitol campus.More »
A portico of tall Corinthian columns gives the Supreme Court Building a monumental entrance.
Architect's Notebook: A Progression of the Imagination
December 5, 2016
Architecture, Buildings & Grounds
Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers describes how we can experience Capitol Hill's magnificent national treasures the way they were originally imagined.More »
Russell Jones of the AOC Construction Division demonstrates a cool tool for applying grout to the Olmsted wall.
Cool Tools: Squaring Off With History
December 1, 2016
Buildings & Grounds, Who We Are
A special tool helps our stone masons repair and replace the mortar in the low stone walls lining Capitol Square.More »
Brian Roberson (right) from AOC's Planning and Project Management's Construction Division.
Modern-Day Superhero
November 17, 2016
Who We Are
Each one of us has the ability to learn a new skill that we are passionate about and then use that gift in ways that can help others.More »
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 »

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