Fourth Wisconsin Capitol (Madison's Third)


Built 1906-17 – Beaux Arts by George B. Post
Madison Landmark, National Register of Historic Places, National Historic Landmark Dome
The Capitol dome is the largest dome by volume in the United States and one of the largest in the world. It is also the only granite dome in the United States. The dome consists of inner and outer structures. The inner dome (coffer dome) is visible from the Capitol rotunda. Three observation decks encircle the outer dome. The lowest observation deck is open for public viewing during the summer months. The dome rises 162 feet above the wings.

Wings
The four wings of the Capitol face the four diagonal streets of the City of Madison. Each wing is one 125 feet wide, 84 feet high and 187 feet long. Each of the four wings of the building is fronted by a pediment whose figures relate to the principle activities that were to take place within:
East Wing           North Wing           South Wing           West Wing

Statuaries
The four groups of statuary overlooking the corner pavilions of the Capitol and are meant to symbolize fundamental characteristics of the state and its people. By sculptor Karl Bitter, they are made from Bethel Vermont granite. Each consists of three figures. The middle, or chief figure, in each case being placed on a raised base and standing about twelve feet high. The two minor figures are seated and about six feet in height and supplement the idea represented by the major figure. Common to each of the groups the two minor figures are connected by an eagle with outspread wings.
Faith SE           Prosperity & Abundance NW           Strength SW           Knowledge NE          

Inside
Edwin Blashfield's mural "Resources of Wisconsin" lavishly decorates the ceiling of the rotunda, which is the only granite dome in the United States. Inside, visitors are treated to the unique textures of 43 varieties of stone from around the world, hand-carved furniture and exquisite glass mosaics.
The state's diverse ethnic heritage is reflected in the architecture, art and furnishings throughout the Capitol. Styled after the council chambers of the Doge's Palace in Venice, the walls and ceilings of the Governor's conference room are adorned with 26 historical and allegorical paintings by Hugo Ballin. The room also boasts French walnut furniture and a Wisconsin hardwood floor.
The heritage theme is echoed in the chambers of Wisconsin's highest court and its bicameral legislature. The State Supreme Court room is decorated in German and Italian styles and features extensive use of marble, as well as four murals by Albert Herter. The Senate Chamber is decorated with French and Italian marble, and is highlighted by a colorful skylight and a Kenyon Cox mural depicting the opening of the Panama Canal. Down the hall, the Assembly Chamber features New York and Italian marble, Wisconsin oak furniture, a thirty-foot skylight and an Edwin Blashfield mural symbolizing Wisconsin's past, present and future.
Open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free tours are offered daily, year round except on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Tours start at the information desk Monday through Saturday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m. A 4:00 p.m. tour is offered weekdays (Monday - Friday), excluding holidays, during Memorial Day through Labor Day. The sixth floor museum and observation deck are open during the summer months. Groups of ten or more can make an on-line reservation for a tour of the State Capitol or call (608)266-0382.