The 100 Senate Chamber desks are considered to be among the most iconic and recognizable symbols of the Senate, and they are used daily on the floor of the Chamber in the U.S. Capitol. Many traditions pertaining to the Senate desks have evolved over the years, and each new class of senators that occupies them contributes to their heritage. Through careful documentation and diligent preservation, this rich historical legacy will be maintained for future generations.
Isaac Bassett (1819—1895) was a trusted employee of the U.S. Senate for 64 years, serving first as a page and then as a messenger and assistant doorkeeper. Throughout his long career, Bassett attended to the needs of the senators in the Senate Chamber and earned a reputation as "the venerable Senate employee." From his post on the Chamber floor, Bassett witnessed many of the Senate’s great debates and compromises of the 19th century, the turbulence of the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the nation’s rapid industrialization and changing stature on the global stage.
To the surprise of many visitors, the interior of the U.S. Capitol abounds in magnificent art that rivals even its exterior architectural splendor. The United States Senate Catalogue of Fine Art, prepared by the Office of Senate Curator, marks the first time that the Senate has presented its entire collection of fine art in a publication, complete with color reproductions and informative text about the creation and background of each work.
The United States Catalogue of Graphic Art marks the first comprehensive publication of the approximately 1,000 prints that constitute the Senate’s collection. Offering a variety of perspectives on the Senate of the 19th and 20th centuries, the prints provide insight into a time quite different than the media-saturated world of today.
Over a span of 25 years, artist Constantino Brumidi (1805–1880) decorated the walls and ceilings of the U.S. Capitol. To Make Beautiful the Capitol is generously illustrated with full page views and never-before published details that showcase Brumidi’s art. The six in-depth chapters explore topics such as the recent conservation efforts to restore Brumidi’s murals to their original appearance, as well as the inspiration for his artwork, from classical themes to the westward expansion of the nation.
Initiated in 1885 the U.S. Senate's Vice Presidential Bust Collection is the Senate's oldest continuing art collection. It provides a unique survey of American sculpture from the 19th century to the present. This brochure provides an overview of the history of the collection, information about key examples from the collection, and a map of the busts' locations in the Senate wing of the U.S. Capitol.
Learn more about the history of the original furnishings that were custom-made for the Russell Senate Office Building when it opened in 1909. The Russell furnishings were the largest single furniture contract issued by the Senate, numbering thousands of pieces. Much of the furniture continues to be used daily and is still prized by senators and staff today.
Located on the ground floor of the original north wing of the Capitol, this space first served as the Senate Chamber (1800–1808), then as the Supreme Court Chamber (1810–1860). This brochure tells the story of the Old Supreme Court Chamber by highlighting several historical events as well as the art and architecture of the chamber.
During its residence in this chamber from 1810 to 1859, the Senate grew from a small advisory council to the primary forum for the great national debates of the mid-19th century. The brochure provides a brief overview of some of the historical events that occurred in the room, as well as an overview of its architecture and art.
