Art: Capitol Face Lifting

The nation's Capitol has been a center of stormy artistic controversy ever since Amateur Architect Dr. William Thornton had to fend off the claims of his professional rival, Stephen Hallet, to get the credit for his 1793 plan. Last week it was once again the focus of debate. At issue this time: a $12 million appropriation voted by the House to start remodeling the east facade (plus another $28.5 million to remodel the two congressional office buildings and begin building a third)

Under the House plan, which seemed certain of Senate approval, the Capitol': sandstone facing would be replaced with marble, and...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!