National Historic Landmark-Pennsylvania State Capitol Building

The Pennsylvania State Capitol building is an example of Renaissance Revival architecture as defined through Beaux Arts Classicism.

It also reflects an outstanding collaboration between architect, artist, sculptor, and craftsman, seeking to develop a true unity and singleness of purpose.

Murals by Edward Austin Abbey and Violet Oakley, sculptures by George Grey Bernard, floor tiles by Henry Chapman Mercer, and stained glass by William Brantley Van Ingen, adorn the building with historic depictions of the history of Pennsylvania.

During the period that witnessed a national movement to build monumental state capitols, the Pennsylvania State Capitol emerged as a perfect example of the American Renaissance influence on government buildings.

The design of the Capitol shows direct influence of the Europe and the Chicago Columbian Exposition of 1893, as well as the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and the Boston Public Library by McKim, Mead and White.

Courtesy National Park Service National Historical Landmarks