With the House floor clear of members, workers from the Architect of the Capitol are at work high above the chamber.

Workers are constructing “an extensive scaffolding system necessary for cleaning, painting and restoration work on the ceiling,” House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Irving said in a notice issued shortly before the August recess.

The House floor and gallery will be closed to members, staff and visitors through Sept. 6 for the renovations. Access to the Speaker’s Lobby is also restricted.

The chief administrative officer is taking advantage of the chamber’s closure to perform electrical and mechanical work. Fliers from the AOC posted on the gallery’s doors alert passersby to additional work on the Speaker’s rostrum.

Tours of the House floor and public access to the galleries should return to normal hours of operation no later than Sept. 9, when the House returns to session.