Caucus Room

Measuring 74 feet long by 54 feet wide, the building's largest room can accommodate a crowd. In 2022, it was officially renamed the Speaker Nancy Pelosi Caucus Room in honor of the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House. Built to impress, the double-height room harmonizes with the airy feel of the Rotunda, the overlook to which lies outside the caucus room doors. Paired Corinthian pilasters give depth and interest to the high walls, and lead the eye to the elaborate ceiling. A molded plaster entablature outlines the upper walls. The ceiling is decorated with a variety of classical motifs, including rosettes and a Greek key border.

Six windows and two crystal chandeliers light the room. The three-tiered chandeliers—original to the room and still in place—have unique glass shades surrounding the lights. Decorative motifs seen throughout the Capitol, including Liberty caps, eagles, laurel wreaths, and fasces, are sandblasted onto the globe shades. A stylized profile of a Native American, often used as a representation of North America in 19th-century decorative schemes of the Capitol, also appears on the fixtures.

The caucus room has long hosted luncheons, receptions, and committee meetings, but it is perhaps most famous as the site of some of the most publicized hearings of the House Un-American Activities Committee. Photos from the era show the gracious space packed with chairs and tables, all crowded with Members, witnesses, press and spectators.

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