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U.S. Capitol: Genius of America tympanum in Washington, D.C.
by Charles Bulfinch, Luigi Persico
Don't know a tympanum from a abacus from a hole in the ground? See our Primer on Architectural Lingo
The United States Capitol is the capitol building that serves as the seat of government for the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. It is located on top of Capitol Hill at the east end of the National Mall. Although not in the geographic center of the District of Columbia, the Capitol is the focus by which the quadrants of the district are divided. Curiously, the west face, which faces the National Mall, is often taken to be the "front" of the building, but actually the true front is the east face. The building is marked by its central dome above a rotunda and two wings, one for each chamber of Congress: the north wing is the Senate chamber and the south wing is the House of Representatives chamber. Above these chambers are galleries where visitors can watch the Senate and House of Representatives. It is an example of the Neoclassical architecture style. Source: Wikipedia
Marble by Charles Bulfinch (Architect), Luigi Persico (Sculptor)
Nearest Metro: Capitol South (Orange - Blue)
Smithsonian Art Inventories Catalog: Control number 75002490 (dcMem ID #175)
Click here to see all 3 pictures of this attraction
0000001/00175_0000001790.jpg
Sources & Links:
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The Outdoor Sculpture of Washington D.C. (A8/p54)
Architect of the Capitol website on the America pediment
