Thread by @AndyKimNJ

You’ve seen lots of photos today of the Capitol at its worst, so I want to shift gears/end the day reminding you of its stunning beauty. I’ve spent 3 yrs exploring it and want to show you parts you’ve never seen before starting with video of very top of dome overlooking DC.THREAD

The view of DC from the top of the Capitol dome can’t be beat as you stare out across the national mall. 2/16

On the other side you can look down at the Supreme Court (left) and Library of Congress (right) 3/16

Getting up to the top is a bit crazy. This isn’t open to the public but my office made the trek. 4/16

Back inside the Capitol, there is a viewing platform directly below the ceiling mural that is stunning but also not for those with fear of heights as it is high above the rotunda floor. 5/16

From here you can see the mural intimately and feel it’s grandeur under the Capitol dome. 6/16

You can see parts of the mural painting that you can’t see from below. 7/16

My favorite room is the Rotunda. I believe it is the most beautiful room in the most beautiful building in America. Over the course of 3 yrs in Congress, I’ve taken hundreds of photos of this room and it never loses its magic. 8/16

I love that the Capitol has this ornate flourish but still has paintings of moon landers and astronauts (in renaissance-esque style) 9/16

My favorite artwork in the Capitol is tucked in the far back corner by the Senate. Next to no people go back there. If you look closely, you can see this is made by tiny gold pieces placed in a mosaic. 10/16

You can feel the history everywhere. For me, it is most present in Statuary Hall where a plaque on the floor marks where Abe Lincoln’s desk was when he was a congressman. 11/16

My favorite door in the Capitol is the door to the Speaker’s balcony. It feels like it’s the front door to America. 12/16

I’ve stopped and read all of the quotes painted on the ceiling. These are some of my favorites. 13/16

This is the nicest diaper changing station I’ve ever seen in my life. In the mens member-only bathroom next to the House of Representatives chamber. I’ve had to use it once for one of my baby boys. I may be the only one to ever use it. 14/16

I love all the beautiful shapes and curves throughout the Capitol. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing these photos of mine. I take a photo every time I step into this sacred building. I feel blessed to work here. 15/16

This building, the Capitol, it belongs to you. To all of us. It’s our job to take care of it. Let us celebrate this beautiful building today. I know you love it as much as I do. Let’s pledge to keep it safe. END