Summer House, United States Capitol Grounds, Washington, D.C.

Related people

Kathleen Goepfert (was created by)
Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. (landscape architect)

Date

1874 plan of the US Capitol; 1879 construction of Summer House

Description

The Olmsted summerhouse, also known as the Grotto, is at one of several northwest entrances to the US Capitol Grounds. The small brick structure was designed for relief from the sun. It has covered seating along the walls, water fountains, a central fountain and a small grotto for viewing. While the structure is open to the sky, it is shaded by the surrounding large trees. This view is of seating along one side of the summerhouse. Each side has built-in seating, but as with the windows, the style may be slightly different than other sides. Keywords: United States, District of Columbia, Washington, DC, garden structures, views, seat, bench. Submitted by Lin Goepfert.

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