The Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex - Harrisburg - TravBuddy

PENNSYLVANIA STATE CAPITOL BUILDING

When in downtown Harrisburg, the State Capitol Building is a must-see that's hard to miss. Completed in 1906, the Capitol was dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt who claimed it was the "most handsome state Capitol I have ever seen and I don't believe that there is a finer on earth."

Architect Joseph M. Huston's design dominates the city center with its elements of Beaux-Arts and Italian Renaissance styles. The dome is modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The building is adorned with sculpture, most notably the two groups, Love and Labor, the Unbroken Law and The Burden of Life. The statues were anatomically correct until the late 1990's when all of the "offending body parts" were covered - because "Oh my god they were NAAAKED!"

A good place to take some photos is on the gigantic marble steps outside near the East Plaza fountain. It's a de facto stop for all wedding and graduation photo shoots!

Inside the restored rotunda and and government chambers are decorated with marble, murals, gold leaf and stained glass. Murals by Violet Oakley and Edwin Austin Abbey and a magnificent tile floor by Henry Mercer which tells the story of the state of Pennsylvania.

The Capitol houses the Pennsylvania General Assembly and chambers for the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (which also has chambers in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia), as well as the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and other state officials.

OTHER NOTABLE COMPLEX BUILDINGS:

The Forum - home of the Harrisburg Sympony Orchestra. Has cool art-deco style and a star-studded ceiling. I had my HS graduation here! Walnut Street at Commonwealth Avenue.

The State Library of PA

The State Museum of PA - lots of stuff on Native Americans and a Planetarium! N. Third and North Streets.

SOLDIERS AND SAILOR’S MEMORIAL BRIDGE - N. 7th and State Streets.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_State_Capitol
http://www.harrisburgpa.gov/visitors/centerCity/capitolComplex1.html