The Capitol: An American Icon

This program is one of three parts of the Capitol History Video Collection which can be obtained at c-span.org/store.

The first program on the U.S. Capitol 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. An additional segment highlighted conservation efforts to preserve the art and architecture of the Capitol, such as the eight large paintings in the Rotunda and the eagle in the Old Senate Chamber.

Videotaped portions of interviews with several House and Senate members as well as tours by Capitol officials were shown, including interviews with the curators at the Capitol responsible for restoration projects. Additionally, portions of an i close