U.S. Capitol Dome Restoration Project

Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers gave reporters an update on the Capitol Dome Restoration Project. The two-year project to repair the outer shell of the dome began November 2013 with the majority of work to be conducted at night and on weekends. A doughnut-shaped canopy would be erected inside the dome to protect people while still allowing a view of the Apotheosis of Washington, in the eye of the Rotunda. He used slides as he talked about the history of the dome, which had not undergone a complete restoration since 1959-1960 and due to age and weather had more than 1,000 cracks and deficiencies. He showed pieces of the material that needed to be repaired. He also said the riskiest part of the restoration would be erecting the scaffolding around the entire dome in the spring of 2014 and that Congress had appropriated $59 million dollars for the project. He predicted that the project would be finished on time and on budget. close