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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Landmarks

National Statuary Hall

A grand semicircular chamber in the U.S. Capitol, showcasing a collection of 100 statues donated by each of the 50 states to honor their most notable citizens.

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National Statuary Hall
www.aoc.gov, og_image_www.aoc.gov

What is the National Statuary Hall?

It is a chamber in the U.S. Capitol devoted to sculptures of prominent Americans. Also known as the Old Hall of the House, it serves as the main exhibition space for the National Statuary Hall Collection.

What is it known for?

The hall is known for housing a collection of 100 statues donated by the 50 states to honor notable people in each state's history, specifically those of historic renown or distinguished civic or military service.

Where is it located?

It is located in the U.S. Capitol, immediately south of the Rotunda.

What does the room look like?

It is a large, two-story, semicircular room with a second-story gallery along the curved perimeter. Its half-dome shape creates an acoustic effect where a speaker many yards away may be heard more clearly than someone closer.

How many statues are in the hall?

While the total collection consists of 100 statues, the hall itself displays between 35 and 38 statues, with others placed in the Capitol Visitor Center, the Hall of Columns, and the Crypt.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

National Statuary Hall, also known as the Old Hall of the House, is a magnificent two-story, semicircular room located immediately south of the Rotunda in the U.S. Capitol. Its distinct half-dome shape creates a unique acoustic effect where speakers many yards away may be heard more clearly than those standing nearby. This architectural feature was once a center of legislative activity, but now serves as the main exhibition space for the National Statuary Hall Collection. Established by law on July 2, 1864, the hall is dedicated to sculptures of prominent Americans. Each of the 50 states contributes two statues of deceased persons who are illustrious for their historic renown or distinguished civic or military service. The total collection consists of 100 statues, though only 35 to 38 statues are displayed within the hall itself, with others placed in the Crypt, the Hall of Columns, and the Capitol Visitor Center. Visitors can admire a wide array of marble and bronze sculptures, such as the statue of William Henry Harrison Beadle, which was gifted by South Dakota in 1938. The room continues to be used for ceremonial occasions and remains one of the most visited rooms in the Capitol building, offering a glimpse into how each state views its own historical legacy through the art of sculpture.

Visitor tips

  • Allow extra time to experiment with the half-dome acoustic effect by standing in specific spots to hear distant speech.
  • Check the Capitol Visitor Center's map to locate statues from your own home state.
  • Since this is one of the most visited rooms in the Capitol, try to visit during early morning hours to avoid crowds.

Nearby context

Located within the U.S. Capitol building, National Statuary Hall is positioned immediately south of the Rotunda, making it a sequence of sequence of grand architectural spaces that define the center of American legislative power.

Sources

Evidence and links