Pennsylvania State Capitol: U.S. Capitols Challenge
After visiting all 50 states, we found ourselves asking: what’s next? That’s when a new idea sparked. Why not visit every U.S. State Capitol? We set out on this exciting new adventure, sharing stories from each Capitol to inspire you to explore them too.
Up next on our Capitol challenge: the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg!
They call this Capitol a palace of art, and the moment you step inside, you understand why. With its soaring dome, sweeping marble staircases, intricate murals, and gleaming lights, the Pennsylvania State Capitol feels more like a European palace than a government building. It is a true masterpiece of art and architecture!
As part of our U.S. State Capitols Challenge, we’re thrilled to share our visit to one of the most breathtaking capitol buildings in the country! The Pennsylvania State Capitol is an architectural masterpiece that deserves to be seen, celebrated, and experienced!
Why the Capitol is Called a Palace of Art
Designed by architect Joseph Huston and completed in 1906, the Capitol was built to inspire. Huston envisioned a building that would reflect Pennsylvania’s wealth, ambition, and cultural pride at the dawn of the 20th century.
Every inch of the building was designed with intention and adorned with beauty, from the Moravian tiles underfoot to the opulent murals above.
The Doors
Walking through the front doors of the Pennsylvania State Capitol is an experience in itself.
The ornate doors immediately catch your attention.
The craftsmanship, the symbolism, the sheer grandeur. Each detail feels intentional, and the way the art and architecture come together makes it feel more like entering a palace than a government building.
It’s a reminder that beauty is often found in the smallest details, and it pays to take a moment to pause and notice the intricate carvings and craftsmanship.
The Rotunda
When you walk into the Rotunda you’re immediately struck by its grandeur. It’s absolutely breathtaking.
The sculptures, the ornate lighting, the sweeping grand staircase. Your eyes are pulled in every direction at once.
It’s almost impossible to take it all in. Every corner holds something new to admire, from the intricate details high above to the tile beneath your feet.
It’s the kind of space that makes you stop and simply say, “Wow.”
The Dome
Above it all, the dome rises in majestic detail.
The rich reddish tones enhance the gold lettering, symbolic designs, and surrounding murals that circle its base, making everything feel warm and alive.
The pattern of the dome naturally draws your eye upward, guiding your gaze to the very center like a visual crescendo.
It’s both powerful and peaceful. An architectural reminder to look up, reflect, and see the bigger picture.
The Flooring
While your eyes are naturally drawn upward, don’t forget to look down.
Beneath your feet, the tile work continues the storytelling.
Intricate patterns, symbols, and scenes are woven right into the floors, each one thoughtfully placed to reflect Pennsylvania’s rich heritage.
It’s a powerful reminder that stories are not only told through paintings and sculptures but also in the quiet, steady footsteps of those who came before us.
One special area on the floor is the plaque marking the exact spot where Theodore Roosevelt stood to dedicate the building back in 1906. Standing there ourselves, it gave us chills knowing we were in the very place a president once stood, over a century ago!
The Chambers
The opulence continued as we made our way to the different chambers located in the Capitol. Each with its own unique beauty and history waiting to be discovered.
The Senate
The amount of detail to take in was astounding!
Every inch, from floor to ceiling, is adorned with intricate designs and rich colors that speak to the importance of the work done here.
It’s a space that commands respect and inspires those who enter to rise to the occasion.
The House of Representatives
We were struck by the incredible mural at the front and center of the room! A vivid portrayal that commands attention and adds depth to the chamber’s atmosphere.
From the gallery, the arrangement of the representatives’ desks created an amazing view, showcasing the room’s thoughtful design that balances function with grandeur.
The Supreme Court
The Supreme Court Chambers were fascinating as well. More intimate in size, but no less grand in design.
The walls are lined with murals that depict the evolution of law and justice, each one filled with symbolic detail. Inscriptions and sayings about truth, wisdom, and justice are woven throughout the space, serving as timeless reminders of the court’s responsibility.
The atmosphere felt reverent, almost sacred as if the room itself demanded thoughtful reflection. It was a powerful space, quiet, but full of meaning.
Tip to Take in the Detail
Be sure to take plenty of photos, and when you zoom in on your photos you start to see the genius in every detail: the eyes of a figure, a scroll with purposeful words, and a hidden message woven into the background.
Many of these breathtaking murals were painted by Violet Oakley, the first woman in the United States to receive a public mural commission.
Her work throughout the Capitol is nothing short of extraordinary!
Filled with rich symbolism, layered meaning, and a deep respect for philosophy, justice, and peace. She didn’t just paint scenes; she told stories.
Oakley’s art is a reason to visit the Capitol all on its own!
The Capitol Complex
While the Capitol Complex isn’t quite as grand as the interior of the building, it holds a quiet beauty all its own. It’s a wonderful place to unwind and reflect after exploring the “Palace of Art.”
Statues Flanking the Front Entrance – A Thoughtful Farewell
As you leave the Capitol and descend the front steps, take a moment to turn around.
Flanking the entrance are two powerful sculptures, one symbolizing Justice, the other Mercy.
Carved with incredible detail and quiet strength, they stand as reminders of the ideals this building is meant to uphold.
While they welcome you on the way in, they feel even more meaningful on the way out, like a thoughtful farewell, asking you to carry those values with you as you return to the world outside.
Commonwealth Statue and the Dome’s Ever-Changing Hue
High above it all, the statue of the Commonwealth stands proudly atop the dome, symbolizing the spirit of Pennsylvania. She holds a staff and garland, representing peace and prosperity, and her position facing the city speaks to leadership and progress.
What many don’t realize is how much the dome’s coloring changes throughout the day and across the seasons. The green-glazed terra cotta tiles shift from soft jade to bold emerald depending on the light. An ever-changing crown atop this historic building.
Walking Around the Capitol Complex
Take time to stroll around the Capitol Complex and reflect on the beauty you saw within. The grounds themselves are thoughtfully designed and worth exploring.
Behind the building, the fountain offers a peaceful place to pause. With the sound of water flowing, it’s the perfect spot to sit for a moment, take it all in, and let the experience settle. After all the grandeur inside, this quiet moment outside completes the visit in the most calming way.
Final Thoughts: Pennsylvania State Capitol
Visiting the Pennsylvania State Capitol was so much more than just checking another stop off our list, it was an experience that left us inspired, humbled, and in awe of the beauty and meaning built into every inch of the space.
From the moment we walked through the grand front doors to the time we stood beneath Violet Oakley’s murals, we were reminded of how art, history, and purpose can come together in one place to tell a powerful story.
If you ever find yourself in Harrisburg, make time to explore this “Palace of Art.” Wander slowly. Look up. Look down. Zoom in. Let yourself feel the weight of the history and the wonder of the details. You won’t just visit a Capitol, you’ll experience something truly unforgettable!
Planning Your Own Visit?
If you’d like help planning your trip, check out our Travel Resources page for all the tools we personally use to organize our adventures, from lodging and flights to mapping out unforgettable stops like this one.
Let’s keep exploring, one Capitol at a time! 🏛️
Curious about other State Capitols?
Visit our DESTINATIONS page to discover more of our State Capitol adventures across all 50 states!
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