Washington's Capitol dome will soon be scaffolded

The US Capitol dome was last renovated more than 50 years ago. Within the week, renovations will commence again on the iconic dome.

From November, the US Capitol dome will undergo a two-year complete restoration. During the restoration it will be covered in scaffolding. The dome will still be visible through the scaffolding, said Justin Kieffer, an Architect of the Capitol spokesman.

Keiffer said the dome is about 150 years old and has undergone minor repairs over its life time. The original dome, designed by Charles Bulfinch, was completed in 1824. It was smaller and made of wood, covered in copper. The second (current) dome, designed by Thomas U. Walter, and built from 1855-1866 is cast-iron. The last section of the Statue of Freedom was in place on top of the dome in December 1863, and the interior was finished in January 1866 when the scaffolding was removed.

However, over the past 50 years, since its previous renovation in 1959-1960, it has developed over 1,000 cracks which make it leak. It is also unsafe and a fire hazard. In addition, ornaments around the dome are at risk of falling. The renovations, by the Architect of the Capitol, will cost about $60 million.

Tour groups will still be able to visit while it is being renovated to 2015, except for a few weeks when a canopy will be installed in the rotunda.

I took the photograph from Pennsylvania Avenue.

http://www.aoc.gov/capitol-buildings/capitol-dome

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