Photos of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC

U.S. Capitol Panoramic

 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.

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The U.S. Capitol Dome

Capitol Photo

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.

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Capitol Rotunda

Capitol Dome Photo

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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U.S. Capitol Complex

Capitol Photo

 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.

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Capitol at Night

Capitol at Night

Miller Taylor

The 19th-century neoclassical architecture is very impressive when the Capitol Dome is illuminated at night.

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Capitol During the Fall Season

Photo of the Washington Capitol building

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. ​