United States Senate Vice Presidential Bust Collection, Presidential art collection in Capitol Building, Washington D.C.
The collection displays 46 marble busts of United States vice presidents placed throughout the Senate wing of the Capitol building. They stand in niches and hallways, creating a visual record that moves through the Senate chambers.
In 1886, the Joint Committee on the Library commissioned sculptures to fill the niches of the newly built Senate Chamber. The project continued across more than a century, adding a new bust with each vice presidential term.
The marble busts reflect shifts in American portraiture styles from the 1800s to present day, created by leading sculptors from different eras. Each work shows how artistic tastes changed across generations and what different periods valued in how they chose to represent their leaders.
The busts can be seen during guided tours of the Senate wing, which are regularly offered to visitors. Plan enough time to walk through the different hallways and view the works without rushing.
Some of the oldest busts show wear and scratches from decades in the Senate hallways, making their long history visible. These marks tell the story of countless visitors who have walked past and touched these pieces over time.
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