Iowa State Capitol — Attraction in Des Moines

The Iowa State Capitol, commonly called the Iowa Statehouse, is in Iowa's capital city, Des Moines. As the seat of the Iowa General Assembly, the building houses the Iowa Senate, Iowa House of Representatives, the Office of the Governor, and the Offices of the Attorney General, Auditor, Treasurer, and Secretary of State. The building also includes a chamber for the Iowa Supreme Court, although court activities usually take place in the neighboring Iowa Supreme Court building. The building was constructed between 1871 and 1886, and is the only five-domed capitol in the country. Located at East 9th Street and Grand Avenue, the Capitol is set atop a hill and offers a panoramic view of the city's downtown and the West Capitol Terrace. Various monuments and memorials are to its sides and front, including the Soldiers and Sailors' Monument and the Lincoln and Tad statue.

The architectural design of the Capitol, rectangular in form, with great windows and high ceilings, follows the traditional pattern of 19th-century planning for public buildings. A modified and refined Renaissance style gives the impression of strength and dignity combined with utility. The building measures 364 feet (111 m) from north to south and 247 feet (75 m) from east to west.

The exterior of the building is entirely of stone with elaborate columns and handsomely designed cornices and capitals. Iowa stone is the foundation for the many porticoes of the building. The building is brick with limestone from Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, and Illinois. The substructure is of dark Iowa stone topped by a heavy course of wari-colored granite cut from glacial boulders gathered from the Iowa prairie. The superstructure, or main part of the building, is of bluff colored sandstone from quarries along the Mississippi River in Missouri. Both front and back porticoes have pediments supported by six Corinthian columns each. The pediment over the front entrance discloses a fine piece of allegorical sculpture. The commanding feature is the central towering dome constructed of iron and brick and covered with tissue-paper thin sheets of pure 23-carat gold. There is a protective layer sealing the gold from the weather. The gold leafing was replaced in 1964–1965 at a cost of $79,938. The most recent regilding of the dome was carried out from 1998 to 1999, at a cost of about $482,000. The dome is surmounted by a lookout lantern that may be reached by long and winding stairs, and it terminates in a finial that is 275 feet (84 m) above the ground floor.From its opening during 1884 until 1924, it was the tallest building in Des Moines, and likely the entire state. The rotunda beneath the dome is 80 feet (24 m) in diameter. Four smaller domes of simple design rise from the four corners of the Capitol.

The beauty, dignity, and arrangement of the interior become apparent as a visitor stands under the dome of the first floor. Broad, lofty corridors extend west, north, and south. Walls are highly decorated and the rooms and chambers of the capitol have a wide variety of Iowa wood as well as imported marble. Twenty-nine types of imported and domestic marble were used in the interior; and the wood used—walnut, cherry, catalpa, butternut, and oak—was nearly all from Iowa forests. The marble grand staircase between the second and third floors is to the east and is the focal point of the building. Suites opening from the south corridor are those of the Governor, Auditor of State, and Treasurer of State. The historical Supreme Court Chamber is to the north; the Secretary of State's suite is to the west. The grand staircase ascends to a landing and divides north and south to bring visitors to the floor above, where the House of Representatives is on the north, the Senate is on the south side, and the Law Library on the west. The Victorian-styled Law Library features four stories of balcony shelves surrounding a central atrium and is open to the public on weekdays. The ground floor houses a cafeteria and...

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During my visit to Des Moines, I had the opportunity to explore the Iowa State Capitol, and it was an experience worth cherishing. If you’re ever in Iowa, this is a must-visit landmark, not only for its historical and political significance but also for its breathtaking architecture and well-preserved interiors.

The guided tour facility provided a deeper understanding of the building’s history, its architectural features, and the role it plays in the governance of the state. The tour was conducted by knowledgeable guides who explained the significance of each section of the Capitol in an engaging and informative manner. From the grand dome adorned with gold leaf to the stunning interior chambers, every detail reflected the rich heritage of Iowa.

One of the highlights was visiting the law library, which boasts an impressive collection of books and beautifully crafted spiral staircases, making it a photographer’s delight. The House and Senate chambers, with their intricate designs, also added to the overall experience.

The grounds surrounding the Capitol are equally impressive, featuring well-maintained gardens, monuments, and statues that add to the charm of the place. The panoramic view of downtown Des Moines from the Capitol steps is another reason why this visit is special.

Overall, the Iowa State Capitol is a fantastic place to visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or governance. Whether you choose a guided tour or explore at your own pace, you’re bound to be impressed. I truly enjoyed my visit and would highly recommend it to anyone traveling...