The artisanal glass used to create our National Archives Building Ornament gives the illusion of seeing the majestic building from Pennsylvania Avenue on a partly cloudy night. And like clouds in the sky, no ornament is like the other, so yours will be unique to you!

In 1930, New York Architect John Russell Pope was selected to design the National Archives Building. Pope's neoclassical design included both practical and symbolic aspects of housing the nation's records. He proposed a monumental structure with highly decorative architectural features, giant Corinthian columns, 40-foot bronze doors, and inscriptions representing the building's historical importance. John Russell Pope also designed the National Gallery and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Kiku fused glass is modern and distinctive artwork. Each piece is handmade by Laurie Freivogel. Each is burned onto a screen, printed onto layers of colorful sheet glass using fine enamels, then fused in a kiln to about 1400 degrees, followed by some cold work finishing and potentially another round in the kiln.