Capital Inside

The Minnesota Capital Building and St. Paul’s Cathedral; what magnificent architecture.  Each has its own specific message yet both seek the same overall goal; to create a powerful visual to their followers (citizens/parishioners) and the broader US/world audience.  Whether you delve into the intents or goals of designers, architects, builders or even organizations that contracted these works, it is impossible not to be impressed by the sheer scale and attention to minute detail in these buildings.  Take the guided tour of the Capital if you can.  It gives some great background and points out fun facts and details.

From initial construction of the capital building in 1905, over the main entrance at the base of the dome has stood a gilded, four horse chariot driven by a bare-chested fellow and guided by two robed women. There is a Minnesota-ized description and interpretation and it is officially called Progress of the State but I can’t help but think this was for the WOW factor.  Anybody else’s capital building got one of these.

St Pauls Cathedral

St Pauls Interior