The Capitol: An American Icon

The history, art, and architecture of the U.S. Capitol from its opening in 1800 to the present were featured through taped segments on the various public and private spaces in the building, tours, and personal stories about the Capitol from members of Congress, historians and curators. Several areas rarely seen by the public, and which had never been shown on television, were highlighted throughout the three-part program.

The first program focused on the history of the building, as well as the center part of the Capitol including the Dome, Rotunda, and Crypt. Videotaped tours of spaces focused on Statuary Hall and other statuary in the building, Constantino Brumidi’s fresco, the Apotheosis of Washington, the top portions of the Capitol Dome, the basement and crypt areas, the Capitol subway system, Old Senate Baths, and tomb area.

Videotaped portions of interviews with several House and Senate members as well as tours by Capitol officials were shown. Telephone lines were open f close