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.
Update: This work has been completed.
