Nebraska’s State Capitol in Lincoln has some interesting architecture and surprising artistic features. Unlike most state capitols with their traditional domes, this structure rises 400 feet into the Great Plains sky with its distinctive tower design, earning it the nickname “Tower on the Plains.”
Designed by New York architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue and completed in 1932, the 400-foot tower is topped with a 19-foot bronze statue called “The Sower,” representing Nebraska’s agricultural heritage. The building cost approximately $10 million to construct during the Great Depression—an investment in both functionality and artistic excellence that continues to serve Nebraskans nearly a century later.
What truly sets the Nebraska State Capitol apart are its stunning mosaics created by artist Hildreth Meière. Her works of art transform the government building into a cultural treasure.
The Great Hall Mosaics
The great hall features spectacular ceiling mosaics depicting “Native American Life on the Plains.” These colorful works show indigenous peoples engaged in hunting bison, cultivating crops, and performing ceremonial dances. Meière did careful research into Native American history to create the authentic patterns and vibrant colors for these mosaics.
The Rotunda Mosaics
In the central rotunda are eight mosaics called the “Virtues of the State” They represent wisdom, justice, power, mercy, temperance, faith, hope, and charity. Each medallion contains approximately 4,000 individual glass tiles, meticulously laid to create images that seem to shimmer with life.
The Vestibule Ceiling
The magnificent vestibule ceiling, where Meière created a mosaic depicting the cosmos, with the sun at its center, may have been our favorite. Surrounding this celestial display are images representing the four seasons and agricultural activities—connecting Nebraska’s fertile soil with the greater universe.
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What makes these mosaics even more remarkable is their creator. Hildreth Meière was a pioneering female artist who broke into the male-dominated field of architectural decoration. Commissioned in 1925, she spent years creating the capitol’s approximately 20,000 square feet of mosaic artwork. Her art deco style perfectly complemented Goodhue’s architectural vision and continue to connect visitors to Nebraska’s history and culture today. There are so many wonderful pieces of artwork to see that a free guided tour is recommended. Plus, you’ll be able to visit the observation deck in the tower, which offers spectacular views of the city of Lincoln.
The Nebraska State Capitol isn’t just a government building—it’s a living monument to artistic excellence and cultural heritage. Its mosaics tell the story of Nebraska’s past while inspiring its future. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, or simply someone who appreciates human creativity, the Nebraska State Capitol and its magnificent mosaics offer an experience that stuck with us long after we left the state.
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