Capitol Building in Final Phase of Restoration

Bridget Reed Morawski

WASHINGTON (WMAL) — Next time you take the out-of-town relatives on the obligatory trip through the National Mall, make sure to bring your camera. You might finally get a photo of the US Capitol, sans scaffolding.

For two years, the Capitol Building’s dome has been hidden as it underwent restoration. Now workers are just three coats of paint away from finishing the job, and the scaffolding is slowly being removed from the facade.

More than 1,200 gallons of paint are being used in the final painting phase, which is scheduled to be completed by Inauguration Day.

Painters have been working around the clock to finish the restoration on time, starting at the base of the statue of freedom and working their way down.