Minnesota’s Capitol is one of a kind

Minnesota’s State Capitol is one of the most beautiful in the entire country. It is more than 100 years old and was first opened in January 1905, after 12 years of planning and building. Recently, final approval was given to restore and update Minnesota’s “people’s house.” The restoration will keep the Capitol operating for another 100 years.

The current building is actually Minnesota’s third building to serve as the capitol. It has the world’s second largest self-supported marble dome, behind the Basilica of St. Peter’s in Rome, Italy. The building includes 23 different types of stone, including 16 varieties of marble from around the world and granite and limestone from Minnesota.

One of the many unique aspects of the Capitol is the chandelier, or “electrolier” as it was called when it first debuted. It has only been down from the top of the rotunda five times since it was first raised in 1905. Earlier this year was one of those times, and it was a rare treat to see it up close. It is an enormous crystal ball, which stands more than six feet tall and 19 feet in circumference. It has 92 light bulbs and approximately 48,000 crystals.

The chandelier hangs more than 100 feet above the rotunda floor and provides a beautiful centerpiece for the demonstrations and gatherings frequently in the Rotunda. The Capitol’s architect, Cass Gilbert, viewed the Rotunda as the meeting place for the people of Minnesota. “The purpose of the Rotunda is to provide a great central space . . . to accommodate the moving crowd of people," said Gilbert.

The Capitol also features a gold sculpture at the base of the dome. The four-horse gold chariot is officially titled “Progress of the State,” but most people know it as the “Quadriga.” The Rathskeller Café in the Capitol features many of the most prominent artists of the early 1900s.   

Minnesota’s Capitol building truly is a beautiful place to work and visit. More than 100 years ago, the Capitol was described as follows:

“When its white dome first swims into view there is a shock of surprise, then a rapidly growing delight in its pure beauty, and as one studies the building, inside and out, the surprise and delight increase. One leaves it with regret and with the hope of return.”

-Kenyon Cox, Architectural Record, August 1905

Serving at such a magnificent building, the “people’s house,” truly is a privilege and one I am thankful for every day. I would encourage everybody to take a guided tour of the Capitol and to learn more about this wonderful piece of Minnesota’s history. You can learn more about the Capitol here.

As always, please contact me with questions or suggestions regarding any issue.  Please visit my Senate website. I also encourage you to visit me at the Capitol, or let me know if you’d like me to stop by your home or apartment.  I’m reachable by email at sen.chuck.wiger@senate.mn and by phone at 651-296-6820. Also, please tune in to my local cable TV show, “Your Capitol: What’s Up?,” which appears on public access channels 15 and 16.