Minnesota State Capitol

The Minnesota State Capitol is the seat of the House of Representatives and the Senate of Minnesota in Saint Paul. In addition to the legislative branch of the U.S. State of the Capitol also houses the Attorney General and the Governor's office.

Today's Capitol is the third in the history of the state. The first was destroyed by fire in 1881, the newly built and completed in 1883 Capitol already appeared soon be too small, so that the construction of a new capitol was decided. The new building was designed by Cass Gilbert on the model of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. It has a marble dome with a diameter of 27 meters. Construction began in 1896 and were completed in 1902.

The cost of construction amounted to 4.5 million U.S. dollars. The completed building was opened on January 2, 1905. As part of the celebrations for the centenary in 2005, plans were announced, after which the Capitol is to be renovated for 65 million U.S. dollars.

Above the south entrance is a gilded quadriga, which bears the name "The Progress of the State". It was designed by Daniel Chester French and Edward Clark Potter and installed in 1906 above the entrance. Shown are four horses, which are held by two women and a man. During the four horses represent the four elements of earth, air, fire and water, the women represent the industry and agriculture. Together, they present modern civilization The dar. with a shield equipped with engraved lettering Minnesota man is supposed to represent the success and progress.

In 1972, the Minnesota State Capitol has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.