Post 4: The Elegance of the Capital

Nebraska, home of Runza, the original Cabelas, Car Henge, and the Cornhuskers, is also home to the Nation’s most architecturally beautiful state capitol building, which is located in Lincoln, NE. Being a college student living in Lincoln, the state capitol is a must-see, so I figured I had better go visit, being the good Nebraskan that I am.

Traipsing by the sparkling, blue water fountain, clambering up the two flights of stairs, and then hefting open the gigantic double doors meant my arrival to the capitol. With the buildings huge shadow casting down upon me, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

One step inside, I realized that they weren’t kidding about the amazing architecture. As an art major, I have a deep appreciation for the arts, and I was mesmerized by the stunning beauty and elegance of all that surrounded me. Gazing toward the heavens, I discovered a ceiling rising way up, which when it finally ended was rounded and had an incredible mosaic upon it with a chandelier hanging from the middle. This was surrounded by four intricate and sturdy columns, one in each corner lead my eyes back to the floor, which was masterly laid out with tiny square tiles forming another mosaic. Following the floor, I was lead straight through the main interior hall of the structure. More chandeliers of various sizes lit the dark hall and extravagant works of art decorated the tall walls. Continuing my walk down the hall and gazing around at all the doors, never-ending hallways, and stairways, I realize how easy it would be for one to get lost in this labyrinth.

As a native Nebraskan, I never knew there was such an amazing building within Nebraska’s borders. I felt as if I had journeyed to Europe during an era bygone when architecture was still considered an art form, just in the time it took to pass through the capitol’s double doors. I loved the architecture, and beauty of the building, but wish I had had more time to explore all of its hidden crevices.