New Mexico State Capitol
The New Mexico State Capitol, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is
the house of government of the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is the only round
state capitol in the United States, and is known informally as "the Roundhouse".
The building was designed to resemble the Zia Sun Symbol when viewed from above,
with four entrance wings that protrude from the main cylindrical volume.
Architecturally, the Capitol is a blend of New Mexico Territorial Revival style
and neoclassical influences. Above each entrance is a stone carving of the State
Seal of New Mexico. The building has four levels, one of which is below ground.
Dedicated on December 8, 1966, the building was designed by W.C. Kruger and
constructed by Robert E. McKee. Its extensive marble-work was installed by the
New Mexico Marble and Tile Company. The capitol contains 232,346 square feet
(22,000 m˛) and was built for the cost of $4,676,860, or $20 per square foot
($215/m˛).
The capitol houses the New Mexico State Legislature. The first floor (below
ground) contains the semicircular House and Senate chambers, which are not
accessible to the public. The second story, which is the ground floor, includes
galleries where visitors can view the House and Senate chambers. The House
gallery seats 281 people and is located on the south side of the building. The
Senate gallery, which seats 206 people, is on the north side of the building.
The two upper floors are mainly offices, with legislative committee offices on
the third floor and the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and
Legislative Council Service on the fourth floor.
The Rotunda in the center of the building is 49 feet (15 m) in diameter and 60
feet (18 m) high, spanning the second, third, and fourth floors. The Rotunda is
finished with Travertine marble native to New Mexico and inlaid with a turquoise
and brass mosaic of the Great Seal of New Mexico. The ceiling skylight is
designed to resemble an Indian basket weave, with blue and pale pink stained
glass representing the sky and the earth, respectively. The flags of New
Mexico’s 33 counties are on permanent display on the fourth floor balcony.
Surrounding the capitol is a lush 6.5-acre (2.6 ha) garden boasting more than
100 varieties of plants, including roses, plums, almonds, nectarines, Russian
olive trees, and sequoias. Statues of native Pueblo peoples carrying pottery and
hunting dot the property.
A renovation in 1992 included expansion of the committee rooms, asbestos
abatement, mechanical and electrical improvements and greater accessibility for
handicapped people. The building was rededicated on December 4, 1992.
The Legislature created the Capitol Art Foundation in 1991, which has since
become one of the building's most endearing features. The Foundation was created
to assist in the acquisition of art for permanent, public exhibition in the
State Capitol. The Collection features contemporary masterworks by artists who
live and work in New Mexico. The Capitol Art collection is housed throughout the
public areas of the building on all four floors. The Collection consists of a
wide range of media, styles and traditions, including handcrafted furniture
groupings. The mission of the Capitol Art Foundation is to collect, preserve,
exhibit, interpret and promote appreciation of works of art that represent the
history, cultures and art forms of the people of New Mexico.
Text from Wikipedia
Interior
hall showing the round nature of the building
Temporary Quilt Show
Adobe Shadow Dance - Michelle Jaxkson
