Minnesota State Capitol - wikipedia Minnesota State Capitol Minnesota State Capitol U.S. National Register of Historic Places The Minnesota State Capitol from the south Show map of Minnesota Show map of the US Show all Location 75 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Saint Paul, Minnesota Coordinates 44 ° 57 ′ 19 '' N 93 ° 6 ′ 8 '' W ﻿ / ﻿ 44.95528 ° N 93.10222 ° W ﻿ / 44.95528 ; - 93.10222 Coordinates : 44 ° 57 ′ 19 '' N 93 ° 6 ′ 8 '' W ﻿ / ﻿ 44.95528 ° N 93.10222 ° W ﻿ / 44.95528 ; - 93.10222 Built 1905 Architect Cass Gilbert Architectural style Italian Renaissance, Beaux - Arts NRHP reference # 72000681 Added to NRHP February 23, 1972 The Minnesota State Capitol is the seat of government for the U.S. state of Minnesota, in its capital city of Saint Paul. It houses the Minnesota Senate, Minnesota House of Representatives, the office of the Attorney General and the office of the Governor. The building also includes a chamber for the Minnesota Supreme Court, although court activities usually take place in the neighboring Minnesota Judicial Center. The building is set in a landscaped campus. Various monuments are to its sides and front. Behind, a bridge spans University Avenue, and in front others were later added over the sunken roadway of Interstate 94, thus preserving the sight lines. Set near the crest of a hill, from the Capitol steps a panoramic view of downtown Saint Paul is presented. Contents 1 Architecture 2 Renovation 3 Gallery 4 Memorials in the rotunda 5 Monuments on the grounds 6 See also 7 References 8 External links Architecture Minnesota 's first capitol This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( October 2018 ) This section possibly contains original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. ( September 2017 ) The building was built by Butler - Ryan Construction and designed by Cass Gilbert and modeled after Saint Peter 's Basilica in Rome -- the unsupported marble dome is the second largest in the world, after Saint Peter 's. However, like all capitols with domes in the US it is also inspired by the idea of domed capitols originating with the United States Capitol dome. Work began on the capitol in 1896, its corner - stone laid July 27, 1898, and construction was completed in 1905. It is the third building to serve this purpose : the first capitol was destroyed by fire in 1881, and the second was completed in 1883, but was considered to be too small almost immediately. Above the southern entrance to the building is a gilded quadriga called The Progress of the State which was sculpted by Daniel Chester French and Edward Clark Potter. It was completed and raised to the roof of the capitol in 1906. The four horses represent the power of nature : earth, wind, fire and water. The women leading the horses symbolize civilization, and the man on the chariot represents prosperity. In 1994 and 1995, the statues underwent a restoration procedure which included replacing the gold leaf on the figures. A sphere perched above the capitol dome had similar treatment. Any classical dome built since Michelangelo 's must expect to be compared to it, and Gilbert 's dome is a frank homage, with interesting differences. His drawings show that he originally planned a wider drum and, correspondingly, a more massive dome. The smaller dome as built is smaller than St. Peter 's and has a simplified design : single columns round the upper lantern instead of double ones, for instance. The ribs on the capitol dome are less pronounced than those on St. Peter 's, but they are still visually apparent. Gilbert knew that St. Peter 's dome was on the edge of being unstable : it had cracked and had to be reinforced. His engineer for this project, Gunvald Aus, bound the brick dome in reinforcing steel bands, and Gilbert crowned the paired columns round the drum ( which act as buttresses to counter the dome 's weight ) with additional stone. Other than St. Peter 's, additional buildings with marble domes include the Taj Mahal in India, and the Rhode Island State House in the city of Providence. 1906 photograph of the Governor 's Reception with artwork commissioned for that room. The central block under the dome needed three entrances, and Gilbert avoided creating visual references to a triumphal arch, which would have been inappropriate in its position. Equally, he managed to avoid any reference to a palace block that would have been offensive to Minnesotans. However, Gilbert drew ire for choosing stone from Georgia rather than native Minnesota stone. A compromise was eventually made where the base of the building and interior spaces used varieties of native stone, including Kasota stone, and the rare Minnesota Pipestone used by Native Americans for their peace pipes. Upon completion, the exterior and interior of the building drew praise, leading to requests for Gilbert to design capitol buildings for other states such as West Virginia and Arkansas and other notable structures. The capitol cost US $ 4.5 million at the beginning of the 20th century. It opened its doors to the public for the first time on January 2, 1905. A hundred years later, the building 's estimated value was $400 million. Most days of the week the building is open for individual visits, and organized tours are frequently given, including a stair climb to the roof behind the Quadriga. Upon entering the building by the south door, one is below the central dome. A large star, symbolizing Minnesota 's motto, `` The Star of the North '', is directly beneath the apex. Various portraits of state governors, and flags captured by Minnesota 's regiments during the American Civil War, are on display. Paintings showing some of the related battles can be seen in the governor 's outer office. Much of the building is open to the public, although one interesting sight is only rarely accessible. This is the cloak room behind the House of Representatives chamber. The walls are painted to simulate a north woods forest, but in one corner is a tiny four leaf clover. This was added by an Irish artist to remember his home island. The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Renovation The Minnesota State Capitol underwent a comprehensive restoration project from 2013 to 2017, the first major renovation since the building first opened. Work began in 2013, with the project estimated at that time to cost $241 million, funded via a series of appropriations made by the Minnesota legislature. The project repaired and modernized deteriorating building systems, restored the building to Cass Gilbert 's original architectural vision, increased public meeting space ( including a new classroom for the Minnesota Historical Society to host school groups and provide information about the building ), updated life safety systems and improved accessibility for people with disabilities. During renovation, more than 30,000 pieces of marble were restored or replaced. The amount of public space in the building was doubled to nearly 40,000 square feet, with a number of new public spaces opened to the public for reservation and use year round. The project also included a restoration of the capitol 's many works of fine art, which prompted discussions over some paintings in the building that feature controversial depictions of American Indians. A series of public input meetings were held around the state to gather feedback and consider options for new policies regarding art in the renovated building. When the building reopened, two of these paintings were relocated to a public space in the building, while others remained in place. The renovation forced the House and Senate to hold a special session in the nearby State Office Building in 2015. During the regular 2016 session, the Senate met in the newly completed Senate Office Building, with the capitol open for only limited access to the House chamber during the session. By the time of its completion in 2017, the total cost of the renovation project reached about $310 million. The bulk of construction was completed by the start of the 2017 legislative session in January. The project was officially completed in August 2017, at which point all of the building 's newly renovated spaces opened to the public. A three - day grand opening celebration took place on August 11, 12, and 13, 2017. The grand opening celebration featured a ribbon cutting ceremony with state and local leaders, panel conversations with notable Minnesotans ( including former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale and Minnesota Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve ), a beer tasting event with more than 25 Minnesota craft brewers, and musical performances from Minnesota bands Poliça and Cloud Cult. Gallery The Capitol at night Marble dome Golden quadriga above the south entrance Close up of the quadriga Inside the dome Rotunda Mural depicting the North Star. Below the Star are the French words `` L'Étoile du nord '', which translates as `` The Star of the North '', which is also the state 's motto. House of Representatives chamber Above the House of Representatives chamber is Lady Minnesota with two pioneers to her left. To her right are a Native American chief and Sacagawea in honor of the people who lived in Minnesota before the pioneers. On the book that she holds in her left hand are both the dates of Minnesota 's founding as a territory and state. Memorials in the rotunda William J. Colvill Memorial James Shields Memorial John B. Sanborn Memorial Alexander Wilkin Memorial Monuments on the grounds Knute Nelson Memorial John Albert Johnson Memorial Floyd B. Olson Memorial Charles Lindbergh Memorial Minnesota Vietnam Veteran 's Memorial Minnesota Korean War Memorial Peace Officers Memorial Roy Wilkins Memorial Women 's Suffrage Memorial Garden Christopher Columbus Monument Leif Ericsson Monument Monument to the Living See also Minnesota Governor 's Residence References Jump up ^ National Park Service ( 2006 - 03 - 15 ). `` National Register Information System ''. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. Jump up ^ `` Progress of the State ( Quadriga ) ''. Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved 26 October 2018. Jump up ^ `` The Minnesota State Capitol restoration project, explained ''. Retrieved 4 April 2017. Jump up ^ `` Minnesota Capitol : It 's crumbling, but what a price tag ''. Retrieved 1 October 2017. Jump up ^ `` Minnesota State Capitol Restoration Project - Guiding Principles ''. Retrieved 1 October 2017. Jump up ^ `` Restoring the Glory : A balancing act for architects on Capitol restoration ''. Retrieved 1 October 2017. Jump up ^ `` Minnesota State Capitol Grand Opening Celebration - About the Restoration ''. Retrieved 1 October 2017. Jump up ^ `` Minnesota State Capitol Restoration Project - Art Subcommittee ''. Retrieved 1 October 2017. Jump up ^ `` Bitter fight over controversial Capitol art finally ends ''. Retrieved 1 October 2017. Jump up ^ `` After controversy, new Minnesota Senate Office Building finally opens -- Twin Cities ''. Retrieved 4 April 2017. Jump up ^ `` Minnesota State Capitol Grand Opening Celebration - About the Restoration ''. Retrieved 1 October 2017. Jump up ^ TEGNA. `` First look : Minnesota 's renovated capitol ''. Retrieved 4 April 2017. Jump up ^ `` Restored Minnesota State Capitol re-opens to the public ''. Retrieved 1 October 2017. Jump up ^ Fitzgerald, Kilat ( August 14, 2017 ). `` Minnesota state capitol celebrates grand opening after restoration ''. La Crosse Tribune. Retrieved 2017 - 09 - 08. Jump up ^ West, Tom ( August 19, 2017 ). `` Notes from a visit to our restored State Capitol ''. dairylandpeach.com. Retrieved 2017 - 09 - 08. Jump up ^ `` Minnesota State Capitol Grand Opening Celebration - Events Schedule ''. Retrieved 1 October 2017. Elmer L. Andersen. Elmer 's Tour : A Former Governor 's Loving Look at the Minnesota State Capitol. Nodin Press, 2005. ISBN 1 - 932472 - 38 - X External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Minnesota State Capitol. Minnesota State Capitol - Minnesota Department of Administration State Capitol Restoration Project - Minnesota Department of Administration Minnesota State Capitol Preservation Commission Minnesota Historical Society State Capitol webpage Gilbert sketch for the project Government of Minnesota Executive elected Governor Lieutenant Governor Secretary of State Attorney General Auditor Treasurer ( 1858 -- 2003 ) Executive agencies Administration Agriculture Commerce Corrections Education Employment and Economic Development Health Higher Education Housing Finance Human Rights Human Services Indian Affairs Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Labor and Industry Lottery Management and Budget Mediation Services Military Affairs Natural Resources Pollution Control Public Safety Public Utilities Revenue State Colleges and Universities System State Patrol Transportation Veterans Affairs Legislative Legislature Senate House Judicial Supreme Court Court of Appeals Tax Court Worker 's Compensation District Courts Regional Regional Development Commissions Soil and water conservation districts Watershed districts Public state - related entities University of Minnesota system Metropolitan Council Related Capitol Constitution Politics Territorial legislature Tribal government State and territorial capitol buildings in the United States States Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Territories American Samoa District of Columbia Guam Northern Mariana Islands Puerto Rico United States Virgin Islands U.S. National Register of Historic Places in Minnesota Lists by county Aitkin Anoka Becker Beltrami Benton Big Stone Blue Earth Brown Carlton Carver Cass Chippewa Chisago Clay Clearwater Cook Cottonwood Crow Wing Dakota Dodge Douglas Faribault Fillmore Freeborn Goodhue Grant Hennepin Houston Hubbard Isanti Itasca Jackson Kanabec Kandiyohi Kittson Koochiching Lac qui Parle Lake Lake of the Woods Le Sueur Lincoln Lyon Mahnomen Marshall Martin McLeod Meeker Mille Lacs Morrison Mower Murray Nicollet Nobles Norman Olmsted Otter Tail Pennington Pine Pipestone Polk Pope Ramsey Red Lake Redwood Renville Rice Rock Roseau Scott Sherburne Sibley St. Louis Stearns Steele Stevens Swift Todd Traverse Wabasha Wadena Waseca Washington Watonwan Wilkin Winona Wright Yellow Medicine Other lists Bridges National Historic Landmarks Voyageurs National Park Keeper of the Register History of the National Register of Historic Places Property types Historic district Contributing property Protected areas of Minnesota National Parks Voyageurs Monuments Grand Portage Pipestone Rivers Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway Scenic Trails North Country Trail Wildlife Refuges Agassiz Big Stone Crane Meadows Glacial Ridge Hamden Slough Mille Lacs Minnesota Valley Northern Tallgrass Prairie Rice Lake Rydell Sherburne Tamarac Upper Mississippi River Wetland Management Districts Big Stone Detroit Lakes Fergus Falls Litchfield Minnesota Valley Morris Windom Forests Chippewa Superior Natural Landmarks Ancient River Warren Channel Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve Itasca Natural Area Keeley Creek Natural Area Lac la Croix Research Natural Area Lake Agassiz Peatlands Natural Area Pine Point Research Natural Area Upper Red Lake Peatland Wilderness Agassiz Boundary Waters Canoe Area Tamarac State Parks Afton Banning Bear Head Lake Beaver Creek Valley Big Stone Lake Blue Mounds Buffalo River Camden Carley Cascade River Charles A. Lindbergh Crow Wing Father Hennepin Flandrau Forestville Mystery Cave Fort Ridgely Fort Snelling Franz Jevne Frontenac George H. Crosby Manitou Glacial Lakes Glendalough Gooseberry Falls Grand Portage Great River Bluffs Hayes Lake Hill - Annex Mine Interstate Itasca Jay Cooke John A. Latsch Judge C.R. Magney Kilen Woods Lac qui Parle Lake Bemidji Lake Bronson Lake Carlos Lake Louise Lake Maria Lake Shetek Lake Vermilion Maplewood McCarthy Beach Mille Lacs Kathio Minneopa Monson Lake Moose Lake Myre - Big Island Nerstrand - Big Woods Old Mill Rice Lake Saint Croix Sakatah Lake Savanna Portage Scenic Schoolcraft Sibley Soudan Underground Mine Split Rock Creek Split Rock Lighthouse Temperance River Tettegouche Upper Sioux Agency Whitewater Wild River William O'Brien Zippel Bay Recreation Areas Big Bog Cuyuna Country Garden Island Greenleaf Lake Iron Range Off - Highway Vehicle La Salle Lake Minnesota Valley Red River Saint Croix Islands Waysides Caribou Falls Devils Track Falls Flood Bay Inspiration Peak Joseph R. Brown Kodonce River Ray Berglund St. Croix Boom Site Sam Brown Memorial Forests Badoura Battleground Bear Island Beltrami Island Big Fork Birch Lakes Blackduck Bowstring Buena Vista Burntside Chengwatana Cloquet Valley Crow Wing D.A.R. Emily Finland Fond du Lac Foot Hills General C.C. Andrews George Washington Golden Anniversary Grand Portage Hill River Huntersville Insula Lake Jeanette Kabetogama Koochiching Lake Isabella Lake of the Woods Land O'Lakes Lost River Lyons Mississippi Headwaters Nemadji Northwest Angle Pat Bayle Remer Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Rum River Saint Croix Sand Dunes Savanna Smokey Bear Smoky Hills Snake River Solana Sturgeon River Two Inlets Waukenabo Wealthwood Welsh Lake White Earth Whiteface River Scientific and Natural Areas List of scientific and natural areas Local Parks County and regional parks Three Rivers Park District Other Minnesota Historical Society Alexander Ramsey House Birch Coulee Battlefield Charles A. Lindbergh House Comstock House Folsom House Forest History Center Forestville Fort Renville Fort Ridgely Fort Snelling Grand Mound Harkin 's General Store James J. Hill House Jeffers Petroglyphs Lac qui Parle Mission Lower Sioux Agency Marine Mill Mill City Museum Mille Lacs Indian Museum Minnehaha Depot Minnesota History Center Minnesota State Capitol Morrison Mounds North West Company Post Oliver H. Kelley Homestead Sibley House Historic Site Split Rock Lighthouse Stumne Mounds Traverse des Sioux Upper Sioux Agency W.W. Mayo House Nature centers List of nature centers Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Minnesota_State_Capitol&oldid=865839300 '' Categories : Government of Minnesota State capitols in the United States Government buildings completed in 1905 Government buildings with domes National Register of Historic Places in Saint Paul, Minnesota Minnesota state historic sites Cass Gilbert buildings Government buildings in Minnesota Tourist attractions in Saint Paul, Minnesota Minnesota Historical Society Government buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Minnesota Neoclassical architecture in Minnesota Allegorical sculptures in the United States Hidden categories : Coordinates on Wikidata Articles needing additional references from October 2018 All articles needing additional references Articles that may contain original research from September 2017 All articles that may contain original research Talk Contents About Wikipedia Deutsch فارسی Français Italiano 日本 語 پنجابی Русский Suomi 中文 Edit links This page was last edited on 26 October 2018, at 14 : 25 ( UTC ). 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Question: what state is st paul the capitol of
Answer: Minnesota