Did you know that you can visit one of the most important and beautiful buildings in our city with a free guided tour? That’s right – the Ohio Statehouse, home of our state’s government, welcomes you into its beautiful halls. Read on to learn more about this magnificent structure and the work that goes on inside.
The building is built in the Greek Revival style.
OhioStatehouse.org This style was very popular during the middle of the 19th century. Its features resemble buildings such as the Parthenon in Athens. Since Ancient Greece is the birthplace of democracy, this reference was important to young American states.
The first cornerstone of the Statehouse was laid on July 4th, 1839.
OhioStatehouse.org The building was completed in 1861. One of its most impressive rooms is the Rotunda. The floor of this room contains 4,917 pieces of hand-cut marble, including salmon stones from Portugal, black and green marble from Vermont, and white marble from Italy.
The dome of the Rotunda has a 29-foot-wide skylight.
OhioStatehouse.org In the center of the skylight is a hand-painted Seal of Ohio. The Seal has changed several times throughout the state’s history. This seal features mountains, a bundle of arrows, and a canal boat.
Other rooms include the Senate Chamber, the House Chamber, and the Governor’s Office.
OhioStatehouse.org In all of these rooms you’ll find a lot of original details and woodwork. Some features, such as the desks in the Senate Chamber, are replicas of the originals.
The guided tours of the Ohio Statehouse start in the Map Room.
OhioStatehouse.org The tours will allow you to view the building, learn about its history, and discover its place and importance in the history of Ohio’s democracy. Tours last about an hour.
The tours are available every day.
OhioStatehouse.org Monday through Friday tours start every hour on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays tours are available from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. You can learn more about the guided tours here.
The Ohio Statehouse is located at 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
OhioStatehouse.org
This style was very popular during the middle of the 19th century. Its features resemble buildings such as the Parthenon in Athens. Since Ancient Greece is the birthplace of democracy, this reference was important to young American states.
The building was completed in 1861. One of its most impressive rooms is the Rotunda. The floor of this room contains 4,917 pieces of hand-cut marble, including salmon stones from Portugal, black and green marble from Vermont, and white marble from Italy.
In the center of the skylight is a hand-painted Seal of Ohio. The Seal has changed several times throughout the state’s history. This seal features mountains, a bundle of arrows, and a canal boat.
In all of these rooms you’ll find a lot of original details and woodwork. Some features, such as the desks in the Senate Chamber, are replicas of the originals.
The tours will allow you to view the building, learn about its history, and discover its place and importance in the history of Ohio’s democracy. Tours last about an hour.
Monday through Friday tours start every hour on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays tours are available from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. You can learn more about the guided tours here.
Have you had to chance to visit the Ohio Statehouse? If so, share your experience with us in the comments!
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