Lansing became Michigan’s state capital in 1847. The Michigan State Capitol, in its third and current iteration, was completed in 1879, replacing two earlier structures that served as the seat of government. Designed by renowned architect Elijah E. Myers, it features a distinctive cast-iron dome and is celebrated for its classical beauty and intricate details. The capitol occupies 1.16 acres, has a perimeter of 1,520 ft (460 m). We visited the capital building in 2022.
Michigan’s legislative bodies – consisting of the House of Representative and Senate, general public can access the rooms through the third floor. Public galleries are at both ends of the third floor. The Senate, with 38 members, has its chambers on the south side of the building, while the House of Representatives, with 110 members, has its chambers in the north wing.
Rotunda – The Michigan State Capitol is 267 feet (81 m) from the ground to the tip of finial/spire above the dome. The rotunda measures 44.5 feet (13.6 m) in diameter and 160 feet (49 m) in height measured from the floor to the oculus. Below the cast-iron dome, the ceiling displays eight muses painted in 1886.
Michigan’s state capital Grounds – A statue of Austin Blair (1818-1894) stands on the grounds. He was a politician who served as the 13th governor of Michigan during the American Civil War and in Michigan’s House of Representatives and Senate as well as the U.S. Senate. He was known as a strong opponent of slavery and secession. He also led efforts to provide women and black citizens the right to vote.
