Washington, D.C., District of Columbia story
A New Depth for the Capitol
The U.S. Capitol is one of the most historic sites in the world, but in 2008, it underwent its largest transformation in over two centuries. The Capitol Visitor Center was built,…
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The U.S. Capitol is one of the most historic sites in the world, but in 2008, it underwent its largest transformation in over two centuries. The Capitol Visitor Center was built, adding nearly 580,000 square feet of space.
The challenge was how to expand without ruining the iconic skyline or the grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1874. The solution? They went underground.
By tucking the entrance, restaurant, and exhibition halls beneath the East Front plaza, the city added a massive, modern welcoming center without changing a single view of the dome above. It's a giant addition that remains completely invisible from the street.
Updated June 2026