DOME

Inside the dome, you can admire the enormous “Apotheosis of George Washington”, painted by Brumidi in the oculus, suspended at a height of 55 meters. The painting is an attempt to deify the charismatic figure of George Washington, surrounded by thirteen women representing the first States of the Union, and by the Twelve Olympians.

 

Over the years, inside the base of the dome, measuring 29 meters across, Brumidi painted the “Frieze of American History”, a sort of pictorial history of the nation, from the arrival of Columbus to the flight of the Wright brothers in Kitty Hawk.

Another three artists succeeded Brumidi, and continued to add frescoes of important events as they happened.