Jan 20, 2008 10:48 pm US/Central
Finding Minnesota: Our Magnificent State Capitol
ST. PAUL (WCCO) ―
It's magnificent even from a distance. With its massive dome and golden gilded horses, it sits almost majestically on Minnesota's Capitol Hill.
"I don't think we all realize what our forefathers invested into the construction of this state capitol," said Carolyn Kompelien, Historic Site Manager for the Minnesota Historical Society.
It gets even better once you are inside the Minnesota State Capitol, designed by famed Minnesota architect, Cass Gilbert. Construction began in 1896, and it was finished nine years and $4.5 million later.
Gilbert was a fan of the French Beaux-Arts style, and brought artists from the east coast to make it happen in Minnesota.
The chief decorator had already done the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The columns of marble throughout are massive mementos from various regions of the world, coming from France, Italy, Greece and Africa.
Minnesota history is reflected artistically on this architectural canvas in obvious depictions, and in the details.
There are subtle images almost hidden in some of the paintings, like Gilbert's profile along with Channing Seabury, the chairman of the Capitol Commission.
The pineapple motifs found throughout the capitol are a symbol of hospitality, or Minnesota Nice.
And within the impressive design is amazing practicality. Built before electronic amplification, the senate chamber offers not only gold leaf detail, but an architectural audible sweet spot.
"This is the spot where they could be heard," said Kompelien. "This is the traditional spot where a voice could be heard. A voice from here could be heard into the furthest corners of the room, so you were also careful what you said in this spot."
The Governor's reception room was one of the last to be finished, and pays tribute to Minnesota's role in the civil war.
"Minnesota took great pride in being the first state to volunteer troops to fight in the Civil War after war was declared," Kompelien points out. "That happened because Governor Alexander Ramsey was in D.C. at the time and volunteered troops to President Lincoln."
Not all state capitols are as magnificent as Minnesota's. In fact, people who make a hobby out of visiting state capitols across the country, consistently rank the Minnesota State Capitol as number one or two.
That's why restoration efforts are constant at the Capitol, and why school kids and tourists shouldn't be the only ones take tours of this Minnesota gem.
The State Capitol is open 7 days a week, and tours are available Monday through Friday.
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