--- title: See Historical Photos of the US Capitol Rotunda's Evolution description: See how the rotunda went from conceptual sketches to recent renovations canonical: https://time.com/4085514/us-capitol-rotunda-historical-photos/ author: TIME Photo article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2015-10-23T20:58:34.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-05-11T05:01:10.020Z article:section: History og:title: See Historical Photos of the US Capitol Rotunda's Evolution og:description: See how the rotunda went from conceptual sketches to recent renovations og:url: https://time.com/4085514/us-capitol-rotunda-historical-photos/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt03226b7d67f4a586/698869a38e06013b4c462fda/capital-rotunda_08.jpg?branch=production&width=2400&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: Capital-Rotunda_08 og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: See Historical Photos of the US Capitol Rotunda's Evolution twitter:description: See how the rotunda went from conceptual sketches to recent renovations twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt03226b7d67f4a586/698869a38e06013b4c462fda/capital-rotunda_08.jpg?branch=production&width=2400&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # See the U.S. Capitol's Rotunda Go From an Idea to an Icon by [TIME Photo](https://time.com/author/time-photo/) ## TIME Photo Oct 23, 2015 8:58 PM UTC  The Frieze of American History in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol, seen ca. 2011, contains a painted panorama depicting significant events in American history. The frieze's 19 scenes is the work of three artists: Constantino Brumidi, Filippo Constaggini and Allyn Cox. The Frieze of American History in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol, seen ca. 2011, contains a painted panorama depicting significant events in American history. The frieze's 19 scenes is the work of three artists: Constantino Brumidi, Filippo Constaggini and Allyn Cox.Architect of the Capitol by [TIME Photo](https://time.com/author/time-photo/) ## TIME Photo Oct 23, 2015 8:58 PM UTC  Drawings made in 1863 by the original architect of the Capitol Thomas U. Walter show the scaffolding plan for raising Statue of Freedom to top of dome (right) and details of rotunda coffers (left). Architect of the Capitol  A photo commissioned by engineer of the Capitol, Montgomery Meigs, circa 1860 shows the Capitol Rotunda with base of the scaffold used to build the dome. Architect of the Capitol  This image depicts Union troops in the rotunda with the scaffolding to build the new dome in 1861. Architect of the Capitol  A horse-drawn tram passes by the Capitol Building circa 1875. SSPL/Getty Images  Moveable scaffolding was used to support workmen while cleaning the Frieze at the rotunda in 1953. Architect of the Capitol  An aerial view from the visitors gallery inside the Capitol Rotunda shows the casket and catafalque of John F. Kennedy lying in state on Nov. 25, 1963. Architect of the Capitol  The Rotunda Apotheosis underwent restoration in August 1987. Architect of the Capitol  The Frieze of American History in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol, seen circa 2011, contains a painted panorama depicting significant events in American history. The frieze's 19 scenes is the work of three artists: Constantino Brumidi, Filippo Constaggini and Allyn Cox. Architect of the Capitol  The sandstone walls of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda rise 48 feet above the floor, circa 2011. Architect of the Capitol  A view from the statue of George Washington in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol Building, showing Constantino Brumidi's fresco The Apotheosis of Washington. Architect of the Capitol  The U.S. Capitol dome, encased in scaffolding, undergoing renovation in 2015. 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