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Tuesday, November 6, 2012

The New York State Capitol in Albany, New York

Construction of the New York State Capitol started in 1867.  Five architects were involved in its design.  The cost of construction exceeded 25 million dollars.  Governor Theodore Roosevelt declared construction complete in 1899.  This is one of ten state capitols without a dome.






Seventy-seven stairs
lead to the Capitol.





Ornately painted walls
illuminated by a skylight.
Photo by Rob Martinez: Upsplash

The Million Dollar Staircase or, as the tour guide told us, The Great Western Staircase

The skylight was opened up in 2002.  The cleaning project that restored its beauty was finished
in 2006.  The results are spectacular!





The staircase is adorned
with carvings.





Rarely seen....
the courtyard











Corner shot
of the courtyard







The Assembly
Staircase




The William de Leftwich Dodge
Mural in the Governor's
Reception Room




Governor Theodore Roosevelt
Hall of Governors















Hall of Governors












Governor Mario Cuomo's portrait is not included in the exhibit.  He's deciding if he wants his to be included. 

Governor David Paterson does not have a portrait in the Hall of Governors.  Our guide told us that the portrait has to be offered for display.







The Senate Chamber












has been restored.







I spent a lot of time in the Capitol as a child and as an adult, and I love this building.  Eric was here for a class trip when he was in 6th or 7th grade and had almost no impression of it.  He loved the tour and told the guide that the Capitol is beautiful.

1 comment:

Ginny said...

I'm glad you liked the post. I spent lots of time in the Capitol. We could walk in any door when we were children. I also visited a lot when I was a Library Director.
You have to go for a tour now. The Million Dollar Staircase is cleaned up and so beautiful. Putting skylights back into the building add natural light and they are BEAUTIFUL.
The green carpet in the Assembly is gone and the walls are beautifully painted.