Kansas State Capitol - Exhibits
In addition to being the working center of state government, the Kansas State Capitol is home to amazing exhibits and spaces. Considered the state's most important architectural treasure, the Capitol features exhibits, murals, statues, sculptures, and memorials in a beautiful 20-acre park-like setting in downtown Topeka.
The gateway to the Capitol, the Visitor Center is located on ground level and can be access from the parking garage. Highlights include photographs of the original construction, stonemason tools, photographs taken from atop the dome when the Capitol was completed. Find a great photo opportunity standing with one of the large, original dome windows, replaced in 2013 during the multiyear construction.
Among the highlights on first floor are murals by David H. Overmyer depicting historical events in Kansas history. A Topeka native, Overmyer completed eight murals in 1953, directly on the plaster walls. Ride from first to fifth floor in the historic 1920s cage elevator.
Designed as the entry level, the second floor features higher ceilings, elaborate details, and more murals than the other floors. Rotunda statues depict four important Kansans and provide wonderful photo opportunities. Most popular is Tragic Prelude (1938-1940) in the east wing, the symbolic mural of John Brown, painted by Kansan John Steuart Curry. His Kansas Pastoral (1942) is located in the west wing. Also featured in the rotunda at the Lumen Martin Winter murals, installed in 1978. Tour visits to beautiful spaces on the second floor include the Governor's ceremonial office and the working Lieutenant Governor's office.
Featured on this floor is Representative Hall in the west wing with four allegorical murals painted in 1882 by E. S. Miragoli.
The four allegorical dome murals, which can be viewed above the fifth floor, were completed in 1902. Created by the firm of Crossman and Study, they were painted on canvas and cut and fitted onto the curved soffit.