Working in the Capitol provides the opportunity to find light and beauty every day. Capturing the light and beauty for more than a moment is the challenge. Before LED lamps began to be used, the 2nd floor rotunda chandelier was lowered each fall and all the lightbulbs were replaced. The project took a morning and those walking through the rotunda at that time could appreciate the beautiful detail in the chandelier’s design. The design includes corn, arrows, suns, and the 12 signs of the zodiac, often unnoticed by the casual observer. The 2023 Capitol Commission ornament features the sun motif which alternates with the arrows in the lower section of the chandelier. The sun symbolizes day while the torches around the outside symbolize light in the dark of night. The signs of the zodiac around the outside symbolize the passage of time as the stars move through the sky. Day follows night and the seasons follow their cycle as well. Passing through the rotunda at different times of day and in different seasons you can see the sun illuminate the chandelier in different ways. The challenge is capturing the light and beauty of the chandelier as it hangs suspended above. It is hoped that the 2023 Capitol Commission Commemorative ornament will bring the light of the 2nd floor Rotunda chandelier into your home for the holiday season and beyond. To purchase the ornament for $23.95 plus tax contact roxanne.smith@nebvraska.gov or call 402-477-0449. The ornament is also available at the History Nebraska Gift Store. Proceeds from the sale of the ornaments support the preservation and educational work of the Office of the Capitol Commission.
Staff working on the chandelier bulb replacement inspect and clean as they go. The chain is lowered so the upper bulbs can be changed.
Staff working on the chandelier bulb replacement inspect and clean as they go. The chain is lowered so the upper bulbs can be changed.
Taurus the Bull one of 12 zodiac signs around the outside of the rotunda chandelier.
Taurus the Bull one of 12 zodiac signs around the outside of the rotunda chandelier
The lower finial of the chandelier features corn hanging from a sun design with detail barely noticed from the floor.
The lower finial of the chandelier features corn hanging from a sun design with detail barely noticed from the floor.
After the lightbulbs are changed the chandelier hangs free before it is raised back into place.
After the lightbulbs are changed the chandelier hangs free before it is raised back into place.
As the chandelier is slowly raised back into place it appears to fill the dome.
As the chandelier is slowly raised back into place it appears to fill the dome.
The rotunda chandelier shines in full sunlight.
The rotunda chandelier shines in full sunlight.
The late day low sun illuminates one side of the rotunda chandelier.
The late day low sun illuminates one side of the rotunda chandelier.