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«  The Building   ⁄   The Building Rooms

An Online Tour of the Capitol

Introduction

Historic Rooms

Take a quick tour through the most distinguished chambers in the Capitol.

Historic Rooms The Current Capitol

Vestibule

The theme of the Vestibule is “Gifts of Nature to Man on the Plains”. The sun, an important gift of nature, is represented in the top of the dome, the chandelier and the large floor mosaic. In the mosaic tile dome, surrounding the sun in a large circle are agricultural products of Nebraska, and in the corners of the dome are the four seasons of agriculture.

Vestibule Tile Vestibule Dome

Foyer

The theme of the Foyer is the “Life of Man”. On the floor are three mosaics which represent the Earth, “The Spirit of the Soil”, “The Spirit of Vegetation” and “The Spirit of Animal Life”. The three medallions in the ceiling represent “Traditions of the Past”, “Life of the Present” and “Ideas of the Future”.

Foyer The Foyer Floor and Ceiling

Rotunda

The floor plan of the Capitol is a cross within a square and the Rotunda, 112 feet tall, is located at the intersection of the arms of the cross in the center of the building.

Rotunda Rotunda Marble Mosaic Floor

East Chamber

In the east and west arms of the cross which is centered on the Rotunda are the two chambers of Nebraska’s legislature. Nebraska had a bicameral government until 1937, when the Unicameral was formed.

East Chamber Central Sun Medallion in East Chamber Dome

West Chamber

The West Legislative Chamber is decorated with scenes of the westward migration of the three nations to claim political control of Nebraska, Spain, France, and the United States.

West Chamber West Legislative Chamber

Supreme Court

Once each month, the Nebraska Supreme Court’s seven appointed justices hear oral arguments in an acoustically perfect chamber finished with American Walnut wood.

Supreme Court Supreme Court Room

Court of Appeals

Bertram Goodhue designed a second Court Room for the Capitol.

Court of Appeals Appeals Courtroom

Governor’s Suite

The Governor’s Office Suite includes the Governor’s Hearing Room, the Governor’s Reception Area and the private offices of the Governor and the Chief of Staff. The decorative style of the suite is Italian Renaissance.

Governor’s Suite West End of the Reception Room

Memorial Chamber

The central room of the 14th Floor Observation Level is the Memorial Chamber, it is “dedicated to the forms of heroism called for in the public service and in devotion to humanity”.

Memorial Chamber Memorial Chamber

Are You Interested in Seeing the Building in Person?

We're open 7 days a week, so plan a visit here. Then, explore some photos and perhaps read more about the Memorial Chamber.

Capitol quick facts

  • Construction started in 1922, completed in 1932.
  • The architect was Bertram G. Goodhue.
  • There are 15 floors above ground.
  • The building is 400 feet tall.
  • It is the third Nebraska State Capitol.
  • It cost $9.8 million in 1932 dollars.

Elsewhere in the Capitol

Discover the American architectural masterpiece

Small Google Map

Find us

1445 K Street
We’re on K, between 14th and 16th Streets
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509–4696
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Building hours

  • Monday ‐ Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday ⁄ Holidays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Tours Available on the Hour
    (Except at Noon)
  • Open every day except Thanksgiving Day, the Friday after, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
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