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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Public art

Freedom Statue

The crowning feature of the U.S. Capitol dome, this 19-foot-6-inch bronze figure represents freedom, perched 288 feet above the East Front Plaza.

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Freedom Statue
www.aoc.gov, og_image_www.aoc.gov

What is the Freedom Statue known for?

The Statue of Freedom is a classical female figure that serves as the crowning feature of the U.S. Capitol dome. She is depicted with long, flowing hair and wears a helmet featuring a crest made of feathers and an eagle's head.

Who created the statue?

The Statue of Freedom was created by Thomas Crawford.

How big is the statue?

The bronze statue is 19 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 15,000 pounds. The crest of her headdress reaches 288 feet above the Capitol's East Front Plaza.

Can I see the statue up close?

While the bronze statue is atop the Capitol, a plaster model is located in Emancipation Hall within the Capitol Visitor Center. This model allows visitors to see details that are impossible to see from the ground.

What are the architectural details of the statue's base?

The statue stands on a cast-iron pedestal that is topped with a globe encircled by the motto E Pluribus Unum (Out of many, one).

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Statue of Freedom is a monumental bronze figure created by Thomas Crawford that crowns the U.S. Capitol dome. The figure is depicted as a classical female figure with long, flowing hair and a helmet featuring a crest composed of an eagle's head and feathers. She stands on a cast-iron pedestal topped with a globe, which is encircled by the motto E Pluribus Unum, meaning 'Out of many, one'. Rising 288 feet above the East Front Plaza of the Capitol, the bronze statue stands 19 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 15,000 pounds. Its height and weight make it a dominant landmark of the Washington, D.C. skyline. Because the original bronze statue is so high up, the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center provides a way for visitors to appreciate the details. Since 2008, a plaster model of the statue has been the centerpiece of Emancipation Hall. This model allows visitors to see details that would be impossible to see from the ground looking up at the bronze statue. Historically, the plaster model has had a nomadicy journey. In 1890, it was housed at the Smithsonian's Arts and Industries Building. Before reaching its current home in the Capitol Visitor Center, the model was pulled apart and reassembled many times.

Visitor tips

  • Look up at the dome to see the bronze statue, but head to Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center to see the plaster model up close.
  • Allow extra time for security screening when entering the Capitol Visitor Center.
  • Use a binoculars or a zoom lens for better views of the bronze statue from the East Front Plaza.

Nearby context

The Statue of Freedom stands atop the U.S. Capitol building, the center of the legislative branch of the United States government, surrounded by the East Front Plaza and the National Mall area.

Sources

Evidence and links