Summer 2025 (1) - Flipbook - Page 16
THE GOLDEN CROWN OF DES
MOINES — IOWA STATE
CAPITOL
In the heart of Des Moines, perched on a hilltop overlooking the city, rises one
of the Midwest’s most iconic architectural landmarks: the Iowa State Capitol.
Grand yet graceful, traditional yet one-of-a-kind, this 19th-century marvel
isn’t just a seat of government—it’s a shining symbol of state pride and civic
beauty.
Constructed between 1871 and 1886,
the Iowa State Capitol is the only fivedomed capitol building in the
country. Its centerpiece—the majestic
central dome—is covered in 23-karat
gold leaf, making it shimmer
brilliantly against the Iowa sky.
Flanked by four green-domed corner
towers,
the
building’s
unique
symmetry and scale make it a
standout
among
statehouses
nationwide.
Designed in the Renaissance Revival
style by architects John Cochrane and
Alfred Piquenard, the Capitol blends
classical European influence with
distinctly American ambition. From its
sweeping grand staircase to the
soaring rotunda adorned with stained
glass, every detail was meant to
reflect the optimism and permanence
of a growing state. Its interior is just
as striking: intricate woodwork, handpainted ceilings, marble columns, and
mosaics stretch across a building that
spans nearly 300,000 square feet.
living monument to democracy
inaction. Inside, you’ll find the
chambers of the Iowa House of
Representatives and Senate, the
offices of the Governor, and the Iowa
Supreme Court. Visitors can tour
these spaces and even sit in on
legislative
sessions,
connecting
history with the real-time workings of
civic life.
One of the building’s lesser-known
treasures is the law library, a multilevel masterpiece complete with
spiral staircases, cast-iron railings,
and nearly 100,000 volumes. It’s as
Instagram-worthy as it is scholarly,
drawing
history
buffs
and
architecture lovers alike.
What makes the Iowa State Capitol
truly remarkable is how it balances
grandeur with accessibility. It was
built not only to impress, but to
belong—to be a place where every
Iowan could feel represented. That
sentiment continues today, as the
Capitol hosts school tours, public
The Capitol's beauty, however, goes events, and community celebrations
far beyond its architecture—it’s also a year-round.
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