What's New

The AOC has been working with the United States Senate over the past few years to oversee professional conservators to restore the Brumidi Corridors to their original appearance. Beginning in August 2012, the “Zodiac Corridor” will undergo this restoration for period of approximately 10 months. When complete the corridor will be reopened for viewing.    

 

First painted by Constantino Brumidi in the 1850s, the corridors that bear his name are on the first floor of the Senate–side (north wing) of the Capitol. Known as the “Capitol extension” they were constructed between 1852 and 1859. Brumidi based his decorative scheme for the ceiling and walls on Raphael’s Loggia in the Vatican.

 

The walls and ceiling decorations have been repaired many times during the past 160 years. Before more modern preservation work, such repair work included repeating retouching, repainting and varnishing. Over time, these treatments changed the original appearance making it appear darker and “flatter” than it was when first created.