You asked, we answered. Here are some of the most popular questions we get about the U.S. Capitol campus. The answers may surprise you!

Taking a photo in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for social media.

Where and what is the Capitol Rotunda?

The Rotunda is a circular room in the center of the building beneath the Capitol dome. It is 96 feet in diameter and rises 180 feet from the floor to the canopy, with a volume of approximately 1.3 million cubic feet.

Exterior view of a building.

Which is taller, the Capitol or the Washington Monument?

The Washington Monument, standing 555 feet tall, is 267 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol. Because the base of the Washington Monument is 30 feet above sea level, and that of the Capitol is 88 feet above sea level, the top of the Washington Monument is 209 feet higher than the top of the Capitol Building.

Painted portrait of Thomas Ustick Walter, Fourth Architect of the Capitol.

Who designed the U.S. Capitol?

The original design for the Capitol Building was drawn by Dr. William Thornton and the current dome on the Capitol was designed by Thomas U. Walter, but there have been 12 Architects of the Capitol who have all made contributions to the building.

Statue of a figure standing.

Why does the Statue of Freedom face east, away from the National Mall?

The Capitol's East Front was planned, and still serves, as its principal entrance (being the only front on level ground), and the statue faces those who arrive from this direction.