United States Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Guide Things To Do Essentials Where to Stay Itineraries Getaways All Washington, D.C. Photos of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC By Rachel Cooper Rachel Cooper Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 06/10/19 Fact checked by Michelai Graham Fact checked by Michelai Graham Michigan State University American University Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. She reports for AfroTech, Lifewire, and The Plug. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Travelpix Ltd The U.S. Capitol, one of the most recognized buildings in the world, serves as a symbol of democracy, the home of the House and Senate and a tourist attraction visited by millions every year. Although the initial construction of the Capitol was in 1793, the building has been expanded and modified many times throughout our nation's history. The following photos of the Capitol show closeup views of the impressive architecture of this important landmark in Washington, DC. Learn about the architectural features and the history of the home to the U.S. Congress. 01 of 09 The U.S. Capitol Dome Rachel Cooper The dome of the U.S. Capitol was constructed between 1855 and 1866. It is made of cast iron and was designed by the Philadelphia architect Thomas U. Walter, who was also the architect of the House and Senate extensions. Continue to 2 of 9 below. 02 of 09 Capitol Rotunda Rachel Cooper The Rotunda is the interior of the Capitol Dome, a large circular room that is used for ceremonial functions, such as the unveiling of statues, inaugurations, and the lying in state of past presidents. A "frieze," depicts significant events in American history on the upper walls and the lower walls are decorated with historic paintings. Continue to 3 of 9 below. 03 of 09 Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol PNC/Getty Images This room was the Old Hall of the House, the meeting room for the House of Representatives prior to the completion of their current chambers. In 1864, Congress invited each state to contribute two statues of prominent citizens for permanent display in this room and renamed it the National Statuary Hall. Continue to 4 of 9 below. 04 of 09 Old Supreme Court Artie Photography (Artie Ng)/Getty Images The U.S. Supreme Court was located in the Capitol Building until 1935. This room was used by the Court between 1810 and 1860. Continue to 5 of 9 below. 05 of 09 Crypt of the U. S. Capitol The Crypt, located on the Capitol's first floor beneath the Rotunda, serves to display sculpture and interpretive exhibits. Despite its name, the Crypt has never been used as a burial vault. Continue to 6 of 9 below. 06 of 09 Statue of Freedom Photo Charles O'Rear/Getty Images The Statue of Freedom, by Thomas Crawford, sits atop the dome of the United States Capitol. The statue is a classical female figure, standing on a cast-iron globe encircled with the words E Pluribus Unum, Latin for "Out of Many, One," which originally suggested that out of many colonies or states emerge a single nation. Over time these words have come to suggest that out of many races and ancestries has emerged a single nation. The Statue of Freedom stands 19 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 15,000 pounds. Continue to 7 of 9 below. 07 of 09 U.S. Capitol Complex Architect of the Capitol Today, the Capitol is part of a complex that includes three major office buildings, one annex building for the House of Representatives and three major office buildings for the Senate. Continue to 8 of 9 below. 08 of 09 Capitol at Night Miller Taylor The 19th-century neoclassical architecture is very impressive when the Capitol Dome is illuminated at night. Continue to 9 of 9 below. 09 of 09 Capitol During the Fall Season Architect of the Capitol More than 3 million visitors tour the U.S. Capitol each year. The Capitol Grounds comprise of 274 acres with manicured lawns, walkways, and gardens. Tours are free and a great way to learn about our nation's history. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit