Domes and Skylights Construction
Dome construction, near completion
Photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society
The Minnesota statehouse central dome is one of only four free standing stone domes in the world and the second largest after St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The construction of the dome was a challenge to architect Cass Gilbert and to the engineers and tradespeople who worked on the State Capitol. The solution involved three domes, one visible from within the rotunda, constructed of Gastovino vaulting tiles, a second interior dome of brick and steel that supports the structure crowning the dome and the marble covered exterior.
Smaller domes were built over the Senate and Supreme Court chambers and a skylight was constructed above the House of Representatives Chamber.
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Minnesota State Capitol, Constructing base of dome, October 1,1900.
Image courtesy of Thomas Blanck and Associates. Used with permission.
Ironworkers and framework of Minnesota State Capitol dome, 1901
Image courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. Used with permission.
Workers atop partially completed Minnesota State Capitol dome, 1902
Photo courtesy of New York Historical Society
Laying Guastivino Tile, Interior of State Capitol Dome, n.d.
Image courtesy New York Historical Society Used with permission.
Minnesota State Capitol, skylight ironwork above House of Representatives Chamber, December 1, 1899
Image courtesy of Thomas Blanck and Associates. Used with permission.
Iron workers and laborers constructing Senate Chamber dome, September 1, 1900.
Image courtesy of Thomas Blanck and Associates. Used with permission.
Minnesota State Capitol, Senate Chamber dome iron framework, October 1, 1900
Image courtesy of Thomas Blanck and Associates. Used with permission.
Documents:
St. Paul Globe June 6, 1900-Butlers Paid for Dome Construction
Image courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. Used with permission.
View of Saint Paul from the Capitol Dome, Saint Paul Globe, July 24, 1904