Page 54 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Washington, DC

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5 United States Capitol

The US Capitol is one of the world’s best-known symbols of democracy.
As the center of America’s legislative process for 200 years, its Neo-
Classical architecture reflects the democratic principles of ancient
Greece and Rome. The cornerstone was laid by George Washington in
1793, and by 1800 the Capitol was occupied. The British burned it down
in the War of 1812, but restor ation began in 1815. Many architectural
and artistic features, such as the Statue of Freedom and Brumidi’s murals,
were added later. An impressive Capitol Visitor Center, located below
the East Plaza, offers visitor access and facilities.

. The Rotunda
Completed in 1865, the 180-ft (55-m) high
Rotunda is capped by The Apotheosis of
Washington, a fresco by Constantino Brumidi.

KEY
1 The House Chamber
2 The Hall of Columns is lined
with statues of notable Americans.
3 The crypt with central star
denotes the city’s division into
quadrants.
4 The Senate Chamber has been
the home of the US Senate since 1859.
5 The Brumidi Corridors are lined
with the frescoes, bronzework, and
paintings of Italian artist Constantino
Brumidi (1805–80).
6 The Columbus Doors, created
by Randolph Rogers, are solid bronze
and depict Christopher Columbus’s . National Statuary Hall
life and his discovery of America, a In 1864 Congress invited
theme echoed throughout the works each state to contribute
of art in the Capitol. two statues of prominent
citizens to stand in this hall.

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