Made of marble, the Capitol Building follows the architectural style known as Neoclassicism. It features a massive cast-iron dome at its center, with the Senate located on the north side and the House of Representatives on the south side.
The Statue of Freedom at the Top of the Dome
At the top of the dome stands the “Statue of Freedom,” a 19 feet 6 inches (approximately 6 meters) tall bronze statue facing east. It is often confused with the Statue of Liberty in New York, but this one atop the Capitol Building is distinctively called the “Statue of Freedom.”
The Marvelous Corinthian Columns
The Capitol Building’s exterior is adorned with Corinthian-style columns, each featuring decorative acanthus leaf motifs between the columns and the ceiling.
When you visit Washington, D.C., you will have the opportunity to se...
Has A Different Attraction from the White House
Unlike the White House with its white-painted exterior, the Capitol Building showcases its natural pinkish-white marble in all its splendor. The marble’s colors and patterns vary subtly along the walls, creating a unique appeal distinct from the White House’s all-white appearance.
Enjoying the Changing Colors Throughout the Day
The Capitol’s exposed marble exterior allows visitors to enjoy various colors throughout the day. Early in the morning, the East Front offers a beautiful view as the rising sun tints the building in pink. During the day, the Capitol Building gleams in brilliant white, emanating a majestic aura. In the evening, the West Front with its vast lawn provides a stunning sight of the building illuminated in a golden hue by the setting sun. At night, the Capitol is lit up, offering a different ambiance altogether.
Washington D.C. is home to numerous attractions such as the White Ho...
Washington, D.C. is a beautiful city known as the capital of the Unite...
The U.S. Flags: A Symbol of Congressional Sessions
American flags are hoisted on the East Front’s central section and above the upper and lower chambers on the West Front. The presence of these flags indicates that Congress is in session, and they are displayed irrespective of the time of day.
The United States Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. gover...
The United States Congress, which corresponds to the American nation...
The Capitol Building: A Must-Visit in Washington D.C.
Located slightly east of Washington D.C.’s center, the Capitol Building is at the core of the city, divided into four quadrants with the central dome as the reference point. It is a must-visit tourist spot, offering a captivating experience throughout the day.
Taking an early morning stroll from the East Front allows you to savor various aspects of the Capitol’s beauty. It is indeed a fantastic sight to behold, especially when the pink stone-paved square in front of the East Front harmonizes with the pink-tinted Capitol Building in the morning sun.
So, whether you visit in the early morning, daytime, evening, or night, the Capitol Building provides a range of experiences, allowing you to appreciate its grandeur as the political center of the United States.
