Congress

Capitol Rotunda restoration work nearing completion

The U.S. Capitol Rotunda is in the final phase of restoration and closed to tours to remove scaffolding.

Jory Heckman@jheckmanWFED

July 28, 2016 10:17 am

< a min read

The U.S. Capitol Rotunda is in the final phase of restoration. The Architect of the Capital began installing floor and art protection in the Rotunda starting mid-July 2016.

U.S. Capitol Rotunda restoration work includes removing hazardous materials (such as lead paint), restoring ironwork, upgrading electrical and mechanical systems, installing new lighting and repainting to historically appropriate colors.

Due to the extensive exterior damage on the Capitol Dome, which covers the Rotunda, water has leaked through more than 1,000 cracks, damaging paint, cast iron, stone and decorative elements.

To facilitate the project’s completion, the Rotunda will be temporarily closed following the final tour on Saturday, July 23, 2016, to safely remove scaffolding.

Following the removal of the scaffolding, the final elements of the restoration will continue. AoC anticipate tours to the Rotunda will resume after Labor Day.

The Rotunda is used for important ceremonial events, such as the lying in state of eminent citizens, the awarding of Congressional Gold Medals and the dedication of works of art.