The Capitol is one of the most widely recognized buildings in the world. It is a symbol of the American people and their government, the meeting place of the nation's legislature, an art and history museum, and a tourist attraction visited by millions every year.
Learn more about getting around the Capitol, watching Congress in session, and security procedures.
Architect of the Capitol Home Page (AOC)
Capitol Visitor Center Web Page (visitthecapitol.gov)
Map of Capitol Grounds (AOC)
Read essays on the history of the Capitol, including some dramatic moments, written by the Senate Historical Office.
Capitol Cornerstone Dedicated, July 4, 1851
Capitol Gas Explosion, November 6, 1898
The current Capitol building is not the only place in which the Senate has convened. These essays written by the Senate Historical Office will tell you more.
Senate Moves to Philadelphia, December 6, 1790
Read about the historic rooms and spaces in the Capitol.
Brumidi Corridors (PDF)
Foreign Relations Committee Room (PDF)
Lyndon Baines Johnson Room (PDF)
The Senate's Taj Mahal, June 25, 1964
Old Supreme Court Chamber (aoc.gov)
President's Room (PDF)
Rotunda (AOC)
Senate Vestibule (PDF)
Vice President's Room (PDF)
The works of art in the Capitol complex reflect the development of the United States and Congress. They range from bronze and marble statues to oil portraits and frescoed murals. Take a look at the Senate Art and History web page for more information about art in the Senate.
Exterior and Grounds of the U.S. Capitol (engraving)
Minton Tile (AOC)
The Capitol is considered the most suitable place for the nation to pay final tribute to eminent citizens by having their remains lie in state or in honor.
Individuals Who Lay in State or Honor in the Capitol
The Catafalque (AOC)
Find out more about the Capitol by perusing bibliographies or by linking to books on the Government Publishing Office website. (GPO)
Capitol: Art and Architecture (bibliography; PDF)
Capitol Hill in Fiction (bibliography; PDF)
Capitol Builder: The Shorthand Journals of Montgomery Meigs (GPO-govInfo)
Constantino Brumidi: Artist of the Capitol (GPO-govInfo)
History of the United States Capitol (GPO-govInfo)
To Make Beautiful the Capitol: Rediscovering the Art of Constantino Brumidi (GPO-govInfo)
Interested in related materials? Take a look at these Virtual Reference Desk subjects for more information.
