Pennsylvania State Capitol

Pennsylvania State Capitol. The seat of government for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this monumental structure is located in the state capital of Harrisburg. Designed by architect Joseph Miller Huston, the building was constructed between 1902 and 1906 and is renowned for its artistic grandeur and architectural significance. It houses the chambers for the bicameral state legislature, the offices of the Governor, and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

History

The need for a permanent capitol building became apparent after the second Harrisburg capitol, designed by Stephen Hills, was destroyed by fire in 1897. A design competition was won by Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb, but his Renaissance Revival plans were rejected as too costly. The commission was subsequently awarded to Philadelphia architect Joseph Miller Huston, who envisioned a Beaux-Arts masterpiece. Construction proceeded rapidly under the supervision of James H. Windrim, and the building was dedicated on October 4, 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt, who famously declared it "the handsomest building I ever saw." The capitol's history is also marked by the "Capitol Corruption Scandal" of the early 1900s, involving kickbacks for its lavish artwork, which led to the convictions of Huston and several state officials.

Architecture and design

The building's design is a prime example of the American Renaissance movement, synthesizing Beaux-Arts planning with Neoclassical detail. Its form is reminiscent of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, crowned by a magnificent dome inspired by that of the United States Capitol. The dome itself, reaching 272 feet, is topped by a gilded statue titled *Commonwealth*, designed by New York City sculptor Roland Hinton Perry. The exterior is faced with Vermont granite, and the roof is covered in green glazed terra cotta tile. Notable exterior features include grand porticos with Corinthian columns, sculptural groups by George Grey Barnard, and a monumental staircase.

Interior features

The interior is celebrated as a "Palace of Art" due to its extensive integration of murals, stained glass, and mosaics by renowned American artists. The centerpiece is the spectacular rotunda, modeled after the Paris Opera House, featuring a grand staircase and a dome illuminated by Edward Pearce Casey's stained glass masterpiece. The House Chamber is adorned with massive oil paintings by Edwin Austin Abbey depicting scenes from Pennsylvania history, while the Senate Chamber features the majestic *Senate Murals* by William Brantley Van Ingen. Other highlights include the Supreme Court chamber's ceiling mural by Violet Oakley and the intricate Moravian tile work throughout.

Grounds and monuments

The 45-acre capitol grounds, originally landscaped by the famed firm of Frederick Law Olmsted, serve as a park filled with monuments and memorials. Key features include the *Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Bridge* spanning State Street, the *Spanish–American War Memorial*, and the *Pennsylvania War Veterans Memorial Fountain*. Statues of notable Pennsylvanians, such as John Harris, founder of Harrisburg, Governor Robert E. Pattison, and Civil War hero Major General John F. Hartranft, are prominently placed. The *Tree of Life* sculpture and the *Zero Milestone* marker are also located on the grounds.

Capitol complex

The building is the central anchor of the larger Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, which spans several city blocks. The complex includes significant ancillary buildings such as the East Wing and North Office Building, the State Museum of Pennsylvania, and the State Archives of Pennsylvania. The Rachel Carson State Office Building, named for the celebrated environmentalist and Pennsylvania native Rachel Carson, is also part of the complex. These buildings house various executive branch agencies under the Governor of Pennsylvania and support the functions of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Category:State capitols in the United States Category:Government buildings in Pennsylvania Category:Beaux-Arts architecture in Pennsylvania Category:Buildings and structures in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Category:National Historic Landmarks in Pennsylvania