National Archives Building Pediment

Both entrances to the National Archives Building are crowned with huge pediments, that are 118 feet long and 18 feet high in the center, with 12-foot eagles with extended wings at the ends.

Design by Adolph A. Weinman
Carved by Edward Ardolino Company
National Archives, Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, RG 64

In Adolph Weinman’s highly symbolic pediment for the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the National Archives Building.
Design by Adolph A. Weinman
Carved by Edward Ardolino Company
National Archives, Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, RG 64

Adolph Weinman’s highly symbolic pediment was designed for the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the National Archives Building.

Weinman’s theme was that progress is determined by knowledge of the past: knowledge gained through documents held in the Archives.

Weinman is best known for his architectural sculpture and as the designer of the United States dime and half-dollar of 1916.

Thirteen medallions surround the top of the National Archives Building. They represent the House of Representatives, the Senate, the ten cabinet-level executive departments at the time, and the seal of the United States.