The National Archives Building: Temple to our History
U.S. National Archives
The National Archives is known for the history it holds, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. But the history of the National Archives Building itself is just as representative of democracy as the Charters of Freedom it holds. This exhibit explores how democracy and history have influenced the architecture of the National Archives Building.
Building Frame, Steel, Records of the National Archives, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
Occupying a unique position in Washington—halfway between the White House and the Capitol—the National Archives Building is an architectural treasure in terms of both form and function.
In 1928, Congress appropriated $8,750,000 for the land and construction of the National Archives Building—the equivalent of almost $122,000,000 in today's dollars. Construction began in 1933, and the building was first open in 1935.
National Archives Building cornerstone laying ceremony, Records of the Public Building Commission, 1933-02-20, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
President Herbert Hoover laid the cornerstone of the building proclaiming, "This temple of our history will appropriately be one of the most beautiful buildings in America, an expression of the American soul. It will be one of the most durable, an expression of the American character."
Archives Construction, view of National Mall, Records of the National Archives, 1935, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
A view of the National Mall from atop the Archives' construction. The Washington Monument and Old Post Office Tower can be seen in the background.
Building Frame, Steel with View of Capitol, Records of the National Archives, 1933-11-02, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
Architect John Russell Pope designed the building to be surrounded by a dry moat. In the early 2000s, some areas of this moat were converted to office spaces.
The National Archives, Constitution Avenue Entrance, Michelle Farnsworth, National Archives, 2013-11-06, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
Get your rulers out—we're going to measure this colossal temple of Clio, Greek muse of history. How big is the National Archives Building? Look at those Corinthian columns. How many are there? Let's find out!
The National Archives Today, Jeff Reed, National Archives, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
Let's talk numbers:
The National Archives stands at 166 feet tall, 213 feet wide, and 330 feet long.
The National Archives Bronze Doors Closed, Records of the National Archives, 1936-06-13, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
Doors to Democracy: Atop the National Archives' grand staircase rests two giant bronze doors leading to the Rotunda. Each door weighs 6.5 tons, is 38.7 feet high, 10 feet wide, and is 11 inches thick.
The National Archives Bronze Doors, open, Records of the National Archives, 1935-09-10, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
Although they no longer function as the main entrance to the National Archives and are rarely opened, the bronze doors continue to be an impressive feature of the building.
The National Archives Building, Records of the National Archives, 1935-06-04, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
Architecture, Ancient and Modern
"In view of the classic spirit in which the design of the building was conceived, it was considered essential by the architect and the sculptors that allegory rather than realism be the means of conveying the significance of the sculptural decoration." —John Russell Pope, Architect of the National Archives Building.Pope wanted to incorporate neoclassical architectural themes on the building in order to symbolize the tradition of democracy from ancient Greece and Rome to the United States of America. The exterior pediments, columns, statues, and even the Rotunda's oculus are all designs borrowed from our ancient ancestors.
Close up of column base, Records of the National Archives, 1935-05-09, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
The columns of the National Archives Building are perhaps the structure's most prominent features. Each column stands 53 feet high, 5 feet 8 inches in diameter, and weighs 95 tons. In total, 72 Corinthian columns adorn the building.
Close up of column capital, carving in progress, 1934, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
The columns were made in sections, called "drums" which were assembled on top of each other to reach the full height. The ornate top of a Corinthian column is called the "capital." The capitals were carved in place.
The National Archives Building, Construction, Records of the National Archives, 1935, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
If you look closely at the carvings near the top of the building, you'll see small lion heads among the stylized foliage. These lions are symbols of vigilance and strength.
The National Archives Building, Column Construction, Records of the National Archives, 1934, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
The capitals' decorative elements resemble acanthus leaves and are common among this architectural style.
Close-Up of the National Archives Statue "The Future", Records of the National Archives, 1970, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
Sentinels of Scholarship
On each side of the National Archives Building stand two very large, very serious-looking statues. They are the four watchers and defenders of knowledge: Past, Future, Heritage, and Guardianship. These personifications represent the history of events, the learning of history for future action, cultural memory, and the preservation of historical knowledge. Each sculpture carries with it allegories specific to its role as keeper.
National Archives Statue "Heritage", Records of the National Archives, 1936-06-30, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
"Heritage," created by sculptor James Earl Fraser, is a female figure holding a baby and a sheaf of wheat, which symbolizes growth. The urn contains the ashes of past generations. Heritage sits next to the Constitution Avenue entrance.
Close-up of National Archives Statue, "Heritage", Records of the National Archives, 1952-10-03, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
Inscribed below Heritage's feet is a quotation from abolitionist Wendell Phillips: "The heritage of the past is the seed that brings forth the harvest of the future."
National Archives Statue "Guardianship", Records of the National Archives, 1936-06-30, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
The other statue on Constitution Avenue is "Guardianship." The male figure holds symbols of defense: a helmet, shield, sword, and a bundle of sticks called a "fasces," symbolizing strength in unity.
Close-up of National Archives Statue "Guardianship", Records of the National Archives, 1970, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
The quotation on the statue's base has been attributed to Thomas Jefferson: "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty."
National Archives Statue "Past", Records of the National Archives, 1936-06-30, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
"Past," by sculptor Robert I. Aitken, sits near the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance. Its inscription, a paraphrase of Confucius, reads: "Study the Past." The closed book represents history as the Past gazes down the corridors of time.
National Archives Statue "Future", Records of the National Archives, 1936-06-30, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
"What is Past is Prologue," from Shakespeare's Tempest, is written on the base of "Future." Sitting across from Past and his closed book, Future has an open book symbolizing what has yet to be written.
National Archives Building, Records of the National Archives, 1935-06-04, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
The Pennsylvania Avenue pediment, by Adolph Alexander Weinman, shows "Destiny" in the center. Next to him are figures representing the Arts of Peace and War. These are flanked by figures representing the "Romance of History" and the "Song of Achievement."
The National Archives Building on Constitution Avenue, Records of the National Archives, 1935-07-02, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
The Constitution Avenue pediment "Recorder of the Archives," is by James and Laura Fraser. The Recorder sits in the center as his attendants receive documents. Winged horses, who represent aspiration, stand behind the records.
Eagle atop the National Archives Building, Jeff Reed, National Archives, 2015-08-05, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
Atop the pediments stand eagles on-guard, watchers of the building. The national symbol of the United States, the eagle represents lofty courage.
Guardians of the Portal, Records of the National Archives, 1962-07, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
Guardians of the Portal
The "Guardians of the Portal," by Robert I. Aitken, flank the doors of the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance to the National Archives Building. The left relief depicts a Roman soldier holding a sword and shield. The torch behind him symbolizes the nation's heritage. The Roman numerals read "1776," the year the Declaration of Independence was signed, which is represented by a scroll in the figure's left hand. The figure in the right relief wears a wolf skin and holds a sword and shield. The Roman numerals behind him read "1935," the year the National Archives Building opened.
"Seal of the United States" National Archives Medallion, Jeff Reed, National Archives, 2015, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
There are 13 medallions circling the attic story of the National Archives Building. They represent the House, Senate, and the 10 different departments of the Federal Government that existed in 1936. The final medallion is the Great Seal of the United States. Designed by James Earl Fraser and Robert I. Aitken, they are each five feet in diameter.
"Department of Justice," National Archives Medallion, Records of the National Archives, 1942-01-14, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
The medallion representing the Department of Justice (by Aitken) shows a man clutching the "Reins of Guidance" in his right hand. In his left hand are the books of the law.
"Department of State," National Archives Medallion, Records of the National Archives, 1942-01-14, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
The medallion of the Department of State (by Fraser) features a bearded man signifying wisdom, who holds parchment papers in his lap. Behind him stand rolled scrolls of records.
"Department of War," National Archives Medallion, Records of the National Archives, 1942-01-14, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
The Department of War (by Fraser) is represented by a soldier wearing a helmet and holding a sword. Dressed in archaic war gear, this soldier is ready for battle.
"Department of Treasury," National Archives Medallion, Records of the National Archives, 1942-01-14, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
The man representing the Department of the Treasury (by Fraser) sits among sacks of money and next to a vault, representing wealth. He is the protector of America's economy and currency.
"Department of the Navy," National Archives Medallion, Records of the National Archives, 1942-01-14, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
The medallion of the Department of the Navy (by Fraser) shows a figure holding a ship. He is the protector of the Navy and the high seas.
The National Archives Building, Records of the National Archives, 1935, From the collection of: U.S. National Archives
Temple of our History
The design of the National Archives Building reflects the traditions of democracy and freedom. As the most ornate building on the Federal Triangle, nearly every architectural element is symbolic of history and the records kept inside of it. For more information on the National Archives Building's history visit the History Office website: http://www.archives.gov/about/history/building.html
Credits: Story
Researcher: Christina James, intern at the National Archives, Washington, D.C.
Curator: Alley M. Jordan, graduate research intern at the National Archives, Washington, D.C.
Project Manager: Jessie Kratz, Historian of the National Archives, Washington, D.C.
Editor: Mary Ryan, Editor, National Archives, Washington, D.C.
Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.