The Capitol dome, a symbol of American democracy and a world-renowned architectural icon, literally will be under wraps soon as part of an extensive two-year repair and restoration project.

Beginning next month scaffolding is expected to be erected around the entire structure — from the base of the Statue of Freedom at its tip down to the dome’s base — to aid workers in fixing more than 1,000 cracks and deficiencies due to age and weather. The scaffolding will be lit at night during the project, similar to the Washington Monument.