Missouri Capitol Series

Posted by Bonj (Jefferson City, United States) on 7 April 2008 in Cityscape & Urban and Portfolio.

Missouri Capitol Series #8 of 13
The Dome.
Many probably do not think about it, but the dome you see in this photo is the interior dome (rotunda). There is actually a support structure above it that supports the outer dome. There is probably 15-20 foot of space between the two. Hence what you are looking at on the inside does not seem that expansive compared to what you see from the outside.

Beneath the windows and the light blue paint paint, you can see the banister that goes around the entire dome. This area is often referred to as the Whisper Chamber.

The chandelier, which looks relatively small in the photo, hanging in the middle of the rotunda, was taken down for restoration in 2006. While down for restoration the 8,000 lb chandelier, which consists of 2,000+ parts, fell from its stand leaving it damaged. It was taken to St. Louis Antique Lighting Company in University City for repair. After repair it was hung back in place where it has been hanging since 1918.

This story by KETC Channel 9 gives one some perspective of how great the chandelier itself is and a bit more about the repair.

Thank you for any comments you might leave.