Beautiful Illinois State Capitol

We like touring state capitols...I'll have to count how many we've visited but it's many. This one is in Springfield, Illinois way down in the center of the state which is proper because that's where the state's most population used to be centered. Many, many people were travelling out west and they would come through this city on their way to some future life. Nowadays, it would probably be in Chicago. 

Even though this shot is through the parking lot and some construction cranes are in the way, it still shows the size of the capitol. This is the tallest dome capitol in the U.S. 

The state capitols are always gorgeous with so many details put into them with world-famous architects and designers. Perhaps they want to outdo each other...or show their state at the best....or just wanted to lavish a bunch of money on a project that the state would be proud of. 

Of course, this is where Abraham Lincoln served as a congressman and then ran for President of the United States.

Let's just look at some of the wonderful interior photos before I give my unsolicited thoughts.

Entrance to the center from the north. Painting along the sides represent the history of Illinois.

A view from the ground floor looking up to the three stories and then way up to the top of the dome.

Looking straight up at the interior of the dome. Look at the detail!

The state representatives chambers where they deliberate how to spend you money !!

One of several chandeliers that come down from the ceiling for cleaning. How'd you like that job? They used to lower them by hand but, upon renovation, they are now hydraulically lowered. 

State senate chambers...more money spent!

The original building had a stained glass ceiling in this square spot but it leaked! So....they made a new ceiling and, as of today, they have no money to build the stained glass back to its original shape.

Our guide told that this painting is so inaccurate in many ways he could give enough text to cover it all. Suffice it to say, this event happened but the characters are all wrong. But, the design committee decided to leave it the way it is. But, it's still beautiful and sits in a great space.

Okay, here's one of the best rooms....the Supreme Court room of Illinois..

The ceiling is amazing!

Notice the lady justice has her foot on a number of gold coins? That's to signify that Justice cannot be bought. There's a lot of symbolism in this ceiling painting.

One last shot from behind. Oh, the dome top is covered with tin. We asked about that.

Now....

Even though they're gorgeous and immaculately decorated....why is so much money spent on this building instead of helping people with real problems? This is our question every time we visit a state capitol. Sooooo much money spent for a building!! But, if the people vote for it, and that's what they want, well, that's the right way. After all, it's their money.

We still get to enjoy it...decades and decades later. Thank you Illinois !

steve/kim/katie

We need to take a more recent selfie don't you think?