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Capitol Dome Restored to Historic Brilliance
17 Jul
Summary
- Artists are restoring the state Capitol's rotunda and dome, nearly 100 feet up.
- Over $13 million has been allocated for Capitol projects since 2019.
- The last full restoration occurred almost 40 years ago, before the 1989 centennial.
Artists are meticulously restoring the rotunda and dome of the South Dakota state Capitol, working at heights of nearly 100 feet to revive its historic beauty. This extensive project is part of a broader initiative to maintain the 116-year-old building.
Since 2019, South Dakota lawmakers have allocated over $13 million for various Capitol improvements. These include dredging Capitol Lake, repairing plaster, and the current detailed paint restoration. A full renovation could cost an estimated $150 million.
The last comprehensive restoration was completed in 1989, in anticipation of the state's centennial. The current work addresses aging utilities, cracking plaster, and faded decorative elements, aiming to transform the interior from a dark and dreary state to a vibrant and welcoming one.
Work involves intricate painting techniques, including applying gold leaf to decorative capitals, mirroring methods used centuries ago. Artists are also creating illusions of petrified wood and plasterwork, aiming to reveal details previously unseen by visitors.
