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Minnesota State Capitol

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Saint Paul, MO
Minnesota State Capitol

Discover the incredible history, art, and architecture of the Minnesota State Capitol building!
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The Minnesota Historical Society is entrusted with sharing the stories of the Capitol. Designed by Cass Gilbert, who was known for his classical style and pioneering skyscrapers, the Capitol features the second-largest self-supporting marble dome in the world, works by important 19th- and 20th-century artists, and battle flags from the Civil and Spanish-American Wars. Home to Minnesota’s Governor,

Supreme Court, Senate and House of Representatives, the Capitol building is an active place of business as well as a state historic site. Please note: Messages posted here will not reach lawmakers or state officials. Please direct comments related to legislation or governance to your representatives. Find your representatives here: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/get-involved/contact-your-elected-representatives/

09/06/2026

I spy a butterfly!

09/03/2026

On this day, September 3 of 1907, the Board of State Capitol Commissioners adjourned. Formed in 1893 with the purpose of overseeing every element of the design and construction of our current Capitol building, the Board of State Capitol Commissioners wrote this in their last report in January of 1907:

“Through a period of nearly fourteen years, we have been engaged in this work. Patiently, thoughtfully and conscientiously, we have carried it to a successful conclusion, at all times being governed and controlled by a knowledge that, though possibly making some mistakes, we were each one doing what his best judgment and conscience approved…Our labors are nearly over, and we shall soon cease to have any official relation to the enterprise, but we shall always feel proud of it and interested in its future welfare.”

The architect of the Capitol, Cass Gilbert, designed and placed a plaque just inside the front doors that same year which acknowledged their role and their service.

The image of the Board of State Capitol Commissioners was taken by C.A. Zimmerman and pictures (from left to right): Edgar Weaver, John DeLaittre, Charles, H. Graves, Channing Seabury, George A. Du Toit, Eben E. Corliss, and Henry W. Lamberton. (MNHS Collections)

09/02/2026

Happy puzzling! https://mnhs.info/3SI8nEJ

One of the unique features of the capitol building’s design is the beautiful arabesque hand-painted ceilings on the first and third floors which highlight grains and fruits grown in Minnesota. Get up close by working this puzzle, or visit and see the ceilings in person on a guided or self-guided tour!

08/31/2026

The intricate details of this first floor railing come into sharp focus in the afternoon light.

08/29/2026

Weekend Walk: Floyd B. Olson

We have come to the end of our summer weekend walks around the capitol mall. We hope you have enjoyed learning about the many memorials and monuments to Minnesotans! Here is a final figure for you.

Floyd B. Olson served as Minnesota's 22nd governor from 1931 to 1936. He was the first Farmer-Labor Party governor of Minnesota, a skilled orator and used a progressive agenda to address concerns rising from the increased unemployment and foreclosures of the Great Depression. Tragically Olson passed away while in office at the age of 44 from stomach cancer.

On September 1, 1958, as part of the state’s centennial celebrations, this bronze statue of Olson was unveiled in front of the capitol. Minnesota’s Governor Freeman dedicated the memorial, saying “His courage enabled him to lead in the discovery of new ways to meet the problems of his day.”

This statue, along with another at Penn Ave along Highway 55 (Olson Memorial Highway), were both made by Carlo and Amerigo Brioschi.

Historical image:
St. Paul Dispatch-Pioneer Press. Floyd B. Olson statue dedication. September 1, 1958. Minnesota Historical Society.

08/27/2026

Picture of the Past

Did you know that Minnesota has the only remaining State Band in the country?
Formed in 1898, the Minnesota State Band is the official band of the State of Minnesota. Over the last 128 years they have performed at important state events, military anniversaries, events honoring veterans, as well as for audiences in public venues like Como Park, Lake Phalen and the Minnesota State Fair. The band has been invited to travel and perform internationally, but they always prioritize providing high quality music to the people of Minnesota.
In this photo from 1907 they are posed on the State Capitol’s steps. Most recently they performed here during the National Reading of the Declaration of Independence event in July.

Image:
Minnesota State Band on State Capitol steps. 1907. Minnesota Historical Society

08/25/2026

Here’s a detail that takes a keen eye to find!

This painted plaster pheasant is tucked into the ornate design of the panel just to the left of the “Spirit of Government” statuary in the House Chamber.

See if you can spot it during your next visit to the Capitol!

08/22/2026

Weekend Walk: Hubert Humphrey

On August 4, 2012, former President Bill Clinton and former Vice President Walter Mondale were both present at the unveiling of this statue in honor of Hubert Humphrey. Though born in South Dakota, Humphrey went to the University of Minnesota for college and later moved to Minneapolis where he became mayor in 1945. He went on to be a United States Senator and was then Vice President under Lyndon B. Johnson. He made a bid for the presidency in 1968 but lost to Richard Nixon.

Hubert Humphrey was known for his oratorical skills, his good humor and progressive strategies. Loved and respected by many, he was described by President Carter as one of those people who "help us see a better version of what we can become" and was popularly known as the "Happy Warrior".

The sculptors of this memorial are Jeff and Anna Koh Varilla.

08/19/2026

A quadriga puzzle for you today! https://mnhs.info/4wXPGvQ
Check out the Minnesota Historical Society’s MN250 Road Trips as you finish off your summer and learn about Minnesota’s contributions to the nation’s history. Visiting the quadriga at the state capitol is one of the stops on the North Star Politics route.
Learn more at https://mnhs.info/3U8xPDK

08/17/2026

Some repair and restoration work was recently completed on the quadriga and it shines, even in black and white! Come and see the “golden horses” during guided tours on good weather days.

It is also one of the stops on the North Star Politics Road Trip as part of the Minnesota Historical Society’s MN250 commemoration! Learn more at https://mnhs.info/4g7GnSQ

Address

75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Saint Paul, MO
55155

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm
Saturday	10am - 3pm

Telephone

+16512962881

Website

https://www.mnhs.org/capitol?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=yext

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