Why is harrisburg state capital

Click here for directions and parking locations. When President Theodore Roosevelt attended the dedication of the building on October 4, , he said, "This is the handsomest building I ever saw. It also reflects Greek, Roman and Victorian influences in its art and ornamentation.

Throughout the building, Huston blended the various styles with motifs featuring Pennsylvania's achievements in labor, industry and history, making the Capitol uniquely American. Its five-story exterior is faced with handsome Vermont granite, and the roof is composed of green glazed terra cotta tile.

The Capitol's centerpiece is a spectacular foot, 52 million-pound dome inspired by Michelangelo's design for St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Following its completion, the building was the tallest structure between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh for 80 years. While the building has been modernized over time, efforts to blend form and function continue today, and a special Capitol Preservation Committee ensures that as the building evolves, the artistic elements are never lost.

The seat of Pennsylvania's government continues to inspire visitors with its wealth of art, its outstanding architecture, and its strong connection to the vision of the Commonwealth's founder, William Penn, who sought to establish a land that would be governed by just laws and tolerant of all religious faiths.

I am thrilled to see that you have a video tour so I can share the link with my students since they are missing their field trip due to the quarantine. I was also delighted to hear Tammy's voice on the video. Please let her know that she is our absolute favorite tour guide I've been to the Capitol for tours over 20 times!

Thank you so much for giving our students to opportunity to see your amazing building and learn about our state's history and Capital. This is a stunningly beautiful building. An amazing piece of architecture. Wedding Planners. Party Rentals. Things To Do in Cumberland Valley. What's Happening. Car Shows and Racing.

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Locally Made. Fitness Centers. Art Galleries. Performing Arts. Top Things To Do. Top 10 Fishing Locations. Top 10 Hikes. Top 10 Historical Sites. Top 10 Bird Watching Hotspots. The marble that wraps the bottom of the room is from the Pyrenees Mountains of France. The marble was donated to the Capitol by monks.

Shortly after, their quarries closed and never reopened again. The painting in the center of the room, The Apotheosis of Pennsylvania, is the largest painting in the Capitol. The circular painting in the ceiling is called The Passage of Hours featuring 24 maidens for 24 hours of the day.

The Supreme Court in Harrisburg is one of three in the state of Pennsylvania. Seven justices sit across the front of the oldest Supreme Court in the United States. Like the Senate and House chambers, the mahogany woodwork is original to the building. The beautiful green stained glass dome is the only one of its kind in the Capitol.

Look up because the ornate chandeliers each contain a statue! The gift shop is open AM to PM on regular weekdays. Cookies are used for optimization and tracking. By continuing to use our site you agree to our privacy policy. About Us. Group Tour. Restaurants Dinner with the Family Delicious dining with your loved ones around the table.

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