Rotunda Through History
About the Experience
The Rotunda is the heart and symbolic center of the United States Capitol. Over the years, the art and architecture in this space have evolved, reflecting the changing nature of our country.
Step into the Rotunda and experience four key moments of our nation’s past. Explore art, artifacts and architecture, including Jonathan Trumbull’s iconic paintings of the American Revolution and early republic. Uncover stories about the construction of the Capitol Dome during the Civil War and discover the space as visitors have seen it across centuries, as well as some remarkable views of the “Apotheosis of Washington” painted inside the Dome.
Credits
Featuring performances by Capitol Visitor Center staff, unless noted:
- Joe Wiegand (performer), Bulfinch Dome Historical Guide, and Catherine Hamilton, Bulfinch Dome Narrator
- Mallory Wickam, Walter Construction Historical Guide, and Jacob Field, Walter Construction Narrator
- Jamie Mastrogiacomo, 20th Century Historical Guide, and Daniel Pearson, 20th Century Narrator
- Shaan Budhwani, Modern Day Visitor Guide, and Caroline Gallagher, Modern Day Narrator
Featuring commentary from:
- Dr. Michele Cohen, Curator, Architect of the Capitol
- William diGiacomantonio, Historian, Massachusetts Historical Society
- Eric Schnitzer (speaker), Kristin Vinduska, and Garrett Cloer, Saratoga National Historical Park
- James Benson (speaker) and Paul Campbell, Independence National Historical Park
- Lauren Krupinski (speaker), Taylor Aikens, Sandra Tennyson, and Marc Blackburn, Colonial National Historical Park
- Robin Gower (speaker), Christopher J. Kintzel, and Elaine Rice Bachmann, Maryland State Archives
The interviews and audio clips included in this experience represent the personal reflections and opinions of the interviewees and are not the official views or opinions of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, the Architect of the Capitol or Members of Congress.