October 10, 2022
NEBRASKA STATE CAPITOL
1445 K St, Lincoln, NE 68508
“The Nebraska State Capitol is the seat of government for the U.S. state of Nebraska and is located in downtown Lincoln. Designed by New York architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue in 1920, it was constructed of Indiana limestone from 1922 to 1932.” - Wikipedia
I found it fitting that my first site to visit after a summer of workamping was a state capitol. The Nebraska Capitol, built between 1922 and 1932, was the first capitol in the country to depart from the traditional domed center building to an office tower design. The architect, Bertram Goodhue, along with a sculptor, a mosaic designer, and a local thematic consultant, designed a truly functional building that also honors the indigenous people and pioneers who settled the state.
I was familiar with Nebraska’s unicameral legislature, having only one house. What I didn’t realize is Nebraska had a bicameral government when the capitol was built, thus there are two chambers. The present unicameral meets in what was originally the House Chamber. The Senate Chamber, which we were not able to visit, is reserved to ceremonies (and is currently being used for storage as the building’s heating/cooling system is being updated). Once inside the building one doesn’t realize you are not in a traditional capitol structure. There are high, vaulted ceilings with much decorative art telling the story of the state and its people. Bronze busts lined the foyer and hallways off the foyer honoring men and women who have been inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame. It was interesting to see the diverse people that have been honored.
An elevator ride to the observation decks on the 14th floor provided panoramic views of Lincoln, though photographs had to be taken through the “chain link” grid over the portals.
A couple observations: 1) As I walked around the exterior of the building, I noticed only one statue (of Abraham Lincoln). I’m assuming if I did some research, I’d find this was purposeful so visitors would pay attention to the scenes carved into the building’s façade representing different events in the state and national history. 2) I was surprised to find no security checkpoints or people when entering the building. I’m sure there were security people present but they weren’t visible.
Overall, I was very impressed with this capitol building.
The entrance on the South side.
The entrance on the North side. (The lighting was bad)
The building honors the pioneers who settled in Nebraska.
A tribute to early life on the Nebraska prairie.
The North Entrance.
Decoration in the door to the North Entrance.
"The Sower" tops the capitol.
A statue of Abraham Lincoln.
The Foyer
Much of ceiling and floors were done in mosaic tiles.
Mosaic murals were added to building. The artists were selected in a contest.
Throughout the main floor were busts honoring people who have been inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame.
The beautiful door to the Senate Chamber, which is no longer used, except for ceremonial events.
The Unicameral.
The Nebraska Supreme Court Chamber.
The ceiling in the Supreme Court Chamber.
The colorful vestibule on the 14th floor.
Looking out from the 14th floor.
Looking out from the 14th floor.
The offices of the Nebraska State Education Association is directly across the street from the Capitol.