Tour Lincoln’s gleaming art deco Capitol building to learn about the architecture and local legislature of the Tower on the Plains.
Nebraska State Capitol is a commanding governmental building in downtown Lincoln. Its distinctive tower is easily identifiable across the city and its elegant architecture incorporates elements of classical, Byzantine and ecclesiastical architecture. Explore this magnificent Capitol building to see Nebraska’s seat of government and the ornately decorated halls and galleries showcasing historical artworks and artifacts.
Wander around the Capitol’s grounds to admire the Indiana-sandstone structure’s intriguing architectural design. The New York architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue designed the building in 1920 and its construction spanned 1922 to 1932. Check out the references to church architecture in the capitol’s transepts and central rotunda.
Nebraska’s 93 counties are inscribed along the main building’s roofline and a series of bas-reliefs depict the creation of law, from Moses on Mount Sinai to the Magna Carta and Abraham Lincoln. Gaze up at the 400-foot (122-meter) tall tower to see its sculpted buttresses and gold-tiled dome framed by thunderbird mosaics. Atop the dome, you can see a sculpture of The Sower, representing local agriculture and fostering growth. To the west, you’ll find the impressive granite plinth and bronze statue of the Lincoln Monument.
Enter the Capitol’s corridor to discover the building’s interior. The Capitol is split into three parts: the Vestibule, the Great Hall and the Rotunda. Join a tour to get an insight into the history and artistry behind these ornate governmental rooms. See magnificent mosaics and sun motifs in the Vestibule. The Great Hall features the Nebraska Hall of Fame, where you can look at bronze busts of famous Nebraskans. See more mosaic panels in the Rotunda and the elaborate murals that decorate many of the hallways.
Head to the north tower elevators to gain access to the 14th-floor observation decks. Take in panoramic views of the city skyline from this historic tower. Pick up souvenirs from the Capitol’s Landmark Store in the south hall.
Tours take between 30 and 60 minutes and run hourly, except at noon. Admission and tours are free. You might catch a special event at the Capitol, such as music concerts, rallies and official ceremonies.
Nebraska State Capitol is located in downtown Lincoln and open daily. It is approximately a 20-minute walk from Lincoln’s Amtrak Station.
