Georgia State Capitol, Atlanta

The Georgia State Capitol, in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States, is an architecturally and historically significant building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, it is the working center of Georgia's government. The offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of State are on the second floor, while the General Assembly meets on the third floor. There are also visitors' galleries and a museum on the fourth floor.

Architecture of the Capitol

Like many state capitols, the Georgia State Capitol is designed to resemble the Renaissance architecural style of the United States Capitol, in Washington, D.C.. Completed in 1889, the building was designed by architects Willoughby J. Edbrooke and Franklin P. Burnham, of Chicago, Illinois. The building was constructed by Miles and Horne, of Toledo, Ohio. Sculptor George Crouch executed all the ornamental work on the building.

The front of the Capitol faces west on Washington Street. The façade features a four-story portico, with stone pediment, supported by six Corinthian columns set on large stone piers. Georgia's coat of arms, with two figures on each side, is engraved on the pediment. The Capitol's interior reflects the Victorian style of its day. It was among the earliest buildings to have elevators, central steam heat, and combination gas and electric lights. Classical pilasters and oak paneling are used throughout the building. The floors of the interior are made of marble from Pickens County.

The open central rotunda is flanked by two wings, each with a grand staircase and three-story atrium crowned by clerestory windows. The Capitol building has undergone frequent renovations to adapt to the growth and change of government. Originally constructed from terra cotta and covered with tin, the present dome is gilded with native gold from Lumpkin County. The statue Miss Freedom has adorned the dome since the building's opening.

Georgia Capitol Museum

The museum within the Capitol, in existence since 1889, houses extensive collections reflecting the natural and cultural history of Georgia. Native American artifacts, animals, rocks and minerals, and fossils illustrate the diversity of the collections. During restoration or renovation, most of the collection remains in storage. In addition to the museum, the entire building acts a museum. The portraits of governors, statues of famous Georgians, and historic flags from many wars are displayed throughout the Capitol.

Today, the Georgia Capitol Museum is a public education institution in the Office of the Secretary of State. The museum seeks to preserve and interpret the history of the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta, the functions of the government, and the events that haven taken place in the Capitol. To carry out this purpose, the museum collects, preserves, and interprets artifacts relating to the Capitol or associated with the events that have occurred there.

Georgia's old capitol museum

Georgia's second capitol building is at 201 East Greene Street, Milledgeville, Georgia, and served as state capitol until 1867. The first floor of the old capitol is open as a museum.