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As the capital of the commonwealth, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is not only full of local history, it is also the keeper of much of our nation's history as well. The National Civil War Museum presents a timeline of the Civil War from the beginning through the conclusion at Appomattox including exhibits from Bull Run, Shiloh, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, and more. The State Museum of Pennsylvania chronicles the areas history from present times all the way back to Native American times, and even includes some prehistoric exhibits as well.
For a for a full day exploring the area's history, distinct architecture, and beautiful displays of art and style, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's Capitol Building offers it all in one magnificent package. Originally constructed in 1906 using American Renaissance style designs by architect Joseph Huston, the building is nothing short of a work of art in itself. The many rooms of the Capitol building feature Renaissance styles from around the world including Italian, French and English along with Greek, Roman and Victorian inspired art.
• The Rotunda. Upon entering the bronze doors, visitors will find themselves in the ornate rotunda. From here, the second floor can be reached by the imperial staircase modeled after the one found in the Palais Garnier in France. The floor of the rotunda is paved with hand-crafted tiles which are situated into 377 separate mosaics depicting scenes from Pennsylvania's history and natural environment.
• The Welcome Center. Stop in here first to read, listen to, and interact with exhibits that discuss Pennsylvania government - from how laws are made to contacting local representatives. The Welcome Center is open weekdays from 8:30 to 4:30 pm.
• House Chamber. This room is designed in Italian Renaissance style with circular stained-glass windows and five murals. The largest, the Apotheosis of Pennsylvania by Edwin Austin Abbey, is five and a half feet tall and features prominent historical figures from Pennsylvania history.
• Senate Chamber. Otherwise known as the Hall of the Senate, this room is designed in French Renaissance style. There are ten stained glass windows along with murals painted by Violet Oakley.
• Supreme Court Chamber. This room is used by both the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and the Appellate Court. It features 16 murals painted by Violet Oakley to tell the history of the law. The ceiling features a stained-glass dome.
• The Dome. The 272-foot, 52 million pound dome was inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and features four medallions detailing the four forces of civilization: art, justice, science, and religion. In the recesses of each arch, murals feature Pennsylvania's spiritual and industrial contributions to modern civilization.
• Visitor Stops. The PA Capitol Shop is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and offers a selection of souvenirs and prepared gift bags for students. The Capitol Restaurant also serves a variety of meal choices, or feel free to bring your own lunch and enjoy at the tables in the East Wing.
Schedule a trip through the building with a knowledgeable guide to truly appreciate all that the building President Roosevelt called "the handsomest building" has to offer. You'll be directed towards major architectural features and artistic highlights while listening to the history of the building and the area. The guided tours take 30 minutes to complete and are offered daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with shorter schedules on weekends and holidays.
The Capitol Building is located at N. 3rd and State Street in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. For more information, including tour reservations and special events at the Capitol Building, call (800) 868-7272.
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