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United States Capitol America : Architecture
Dome Restoration at Famous Washington DC Building, United States of America: Renewal Completion
Nov 23, 2016
United States Capitol Dome Restoration
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C
Renewal Design: Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA ; Architect-of-record: Hoffman Architects
The U.S. Capitol Dome Restoration is Complete
After two years of meticulous repairs led by Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, along with architect-of-record Hoffman Architects, the historic landmark is now back to its former glory.
Rotunda Reopens to the Public
Following the successful completion of its restoration, people are now allowed back into this beautiful, hallowed space.
photograph courtesy of U.S. Capitol
As it appears today, the U.S. Capitol Rotunda is the result of two distinct building campaigns. Dr. William Thornton, who won the competition for the design of the U.S. Capitol in 1793, conceived the idea of a central rotunda. Due to a shortage of funds and materials, sporadic construction phases, and the fire set by the British in 1814, the Capitol Rotunda was not begun until 1818. The Rotunda was completed under the direction of Charles Bulfinch by the time of the visit of the Marquis de Lafayette in 1824. Conceived in the age of neoclassicism, the Rotunda was intended to recall the Pantheon, the ancient Roman temple.

photo courtesy of U.S. Capitol
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