Freedom in a Cage

There is usually some type of construction, renovation, and re-do of construction and renovation going on at any given time in the city. Just when you think something is completed, it starts all over again. The Capitol Dome has been in the spotlight lately. Yesterday, Discovery flew over it. We noticed a couple weeks ago that something looked odd about Freedom, who sits atop the dome. It just looked ironic that Freedom sits in a cage as she undergoes some preservation work. The dome was completed during the Civil War. A life size version of it sits in the Capitol Visitor Center. It may actually be the mold of the original. Regardless, it is perched right across the street from the flame of knowledge that is atop the Library of Congress Jefferson Building. What a great combination. And they both require and deserve such care and attention.  Our building was built in the late 1800's- wish it got the same treatment these internationally known places do.


From the Architect of the Capitol Website:

WASHINGTON – Beginning on April 2, 2012, the Architect of the Capitol will begin its regular cleaning, maintenance and restoration efforts on the Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol Dome. “Our mission is to protect and preserve the awe-inspiring facilities and artwork entrusted to our care, and the Statue of Freedom is one of the most visible, symbolic, and treasured pieces of art in the Capitol collection. We’re going to make sure that she continues to inspire all who see her for generations to come by undertaking this important restoration work,” said Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP. The upcoming work was coordinated to be completed at the same time as the ongoing Dome skirt restoration project to reduce impacts on Congressional operations. To complete the work, a scaffold will be erected to provide access to the Statue. Due to the overhead work, Capitol Dome tours will be suspended from April 2 through May 13, 2012.  The maintenance and conservation effort involves washing the Statue, inspecting and documenting the condition of its interior and exterior surfaces, performing repairs as necessary, replacing the caulking or epoxy fills as required, sharpening the lightening points, and reapplying a protective coating. The Architect of the Capitol also will inspect and repair the Statue’s cast iron pedestal. All work on the Statue of Freedom is scheduled to be completed by mid-May.

Inside the Capitol Visitor Center

The work begins

Quite a view

Always impressive