Cannon House Office Building

The Cannon House Office Building is a government office building made of white marble, limestone, and granite on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. Its five floors are arranged in a symmetrical plan, with each level housing offices, meeting rooms, and shared facilities for House members and their staff.

Congress authorized construction in 1901 through the Sundry Civil Appropriation Act to address growing space needs for the House of Representatives. Work began in 1905 under architects Carrère and Hastings and was completed in 1908.

The building honors Joseph Gurney Cannon, a longtime Illinois congressman who served as one of the most powerful Speakers of the House. Today, staff members and visitors walk through corridors lined with polished stone, where offices and meeting rooms open along both sides.

Visitors can walk through public areas of the building, though a valid identification is required for entry. The building is accessible from several entrances and connects to the Capitol complex through underground tunnels.

Corinthian columns and a coffered dome crown the central rotunda, a space used for special occasions and receptions. The architects drew inspiration from classical models, creating an interior that recalls ancient Roman buildings.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1908

Architects: Thomas Hastings, Carrère and Hastings

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Floors above the ground: 5

Made from material: marble, limestone

Address: 27 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

GPS coordinates: 38.88694,-77.00694

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:25