By Allie Richmond, M.A. ‘26, Art History
The United States Capitol is an iconic and dynamic national symbol, serving as both the seat of the legislative branch and the backdrop for historic events like presidential inaugurations. The monumental building’s maintenance and preservation are supervised by the Architect of the Capitol — the name of both a government agency and its top executive. In a D.C. Mondays program on October 7, 2024, hosted by the Albert H. Small Center for National Capital Area Studies, Alan M. Hantman, the 10th Architect of the Capitol, shared the challenges of this enormous yet rewarding position.
When he assumed the role in 1997, Hantman brought extensive expertise in architectural planning and historic preservation to Washington D.C. He spearheaded projects to maintain the Capitol while also supervising the construction of its visitor center and the House and Senate expansion in 2000. In the program, Hantman shares the realities of his former position and explains how he balanced security and accessibility — all topics explored in his new book Under the Dome: Politics, Crisis and Architecture at the United States Capitol (Georgetown University Press, 2024).
Hantman’s first task was to secure funds to repair the Capitol’s dome, damaged by time and weather. After successfully arguing the importance of this project before Congress, Hantman initiated repair to the dome’s 1200 cracks and rusted hard bolts. Removing lead paint and recasting pieces of fallen iron were other hazards that Hantman and his team addressed.
The 9/11 terrorist attacks prompted Hantman to prioritize security at the United States Capitol. Beyond educating the public on the building’s history and meaning, a new visitor center would efficiently screen visitors for any safety concerns. Construction began in 2000 with the excavation of land extending from the building’s east facade, as Hantman planned for the center to be underground.
No matter the project, Hantman underscored the importance of maintaining the aesthetic precedents set by the historic landscape, embracing a philosophy of continuity with his designs. In honoring Frederick Law Olmsted’s original 1874 plan, Hantman emphasized symmetry with architectural features such as entryways and columns, always incoporating them in pairs of two.
Today the Capitol Visitor Center functions as an enriching educational environment that promotes civic engagement and highlights the dome’s monumental architecture. Extensive planning and care ensured its success, and Hantman worked with numerous employees and partners to intertwine an interactive and comprehensive narrative of congressional history with the center’s physical design and educational displays. Civil rights activist John Lewis was one collaborator who created a special task force to acknowledge and incorporate the history of slave labor in the interpretation of the Capitol’s construction. The center welcomes all to learn about and from the Capitol’s past.
In Under the Dome, Hantman details how he, as one in a long line of distinguished architects, faced the complex task of preserving the Capitol’s symbolic legacy while adapting its physical space to meet the needs of a dynamic, modern nation. You can watch a video of this D.C. Mondays program below and browse upcoming talks on the website.
About the Author
Allie Richmond has a B.A. in art history and history and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in art history with a concentration in museum studies at GW. As a student with interests in art historical research and museum management, she is excited to be working as the digital media editor for the Albert H. Small Center for National Capital Area Studies.