U.S. Capitol Building

The U.S. Capitol is one of the world’s most recognizable buildings. (That’s Capitol with an “o” not to be confused with “What’s the capital of ______?”) But what does it look like inside? Most people haven’t had a peek.  Today we did.

Our tour guide Paul knows every cornice, balustrade, and column of the place.  And even though other tour groups criss-crossed our path in the hallways and chambers (“It’s Inauguration Weekend. Only happens once every four years, you know!”) he remained calm, friendly and very funny. Way to go, Paul!

Capitol Building tour guide, Paul

Paul also knew lots of great stories… such as: On the underside the world-famous Capitol dome is an incredible painting of George Washington in heaven. Constantino Brumidi, a gifted Italian artist, painted it over a period of 11 months, lying on his back while being suspended 180 feet in the air!  He then started painting a mural around the base of the dome. After finishing about one-third of it, he slipped and dangled by his fingertips for 15 minutes until his frantic shouts attracted attention. After he was brought down safely he quit. Two other artists completed the rest of the circular mural. (The second guy was fired for painting his self- portrait on the trunk of a tree. He “lost face” by getting fired, but his face is still up there in the mural.)

Beneath the dome of the Capitol Building

A portion of the Capitol Building frieze -- can you find the artist's self-portrait in the tree? (click image for a larger version)

 At the end of the Capitol tour, I took away one big idea about America: Over the centuries, many have stood up in Congress and spoken up for people from every corner of every state in the Union.  Today, our elected representatives still work together to find common ground. What they work to achieve daily in the Capitol is just like it says in Latin on the Great Seal of the United States…  E pluribus unum: Out of many, one.

Capitol Building's National Statuary Hall -- one of the Inaugural Balls will be held here on Tuesday, January 20th.

Dome of the Statuary Hall.

Entryway to the the chambers of the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi.