CENTER CITY SIGHTS
Capitol Complex
The majestic Capitol with its gilt and marble halls, vast rotunda, murals and sculpture, sparkling crystals and gold leaf. The symmetry and grandeur of the Capitol Complex’s classic buildings with its parks, plazas, fountains, and celebrated statuary.
1. STATE CAPITOL BUILDING* - N. Third and State Streets.
Dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt upon completion in 1906 and architecturally inspired by St. Peters Basilica in Rome, many consider this pinnacle of the Commonwealth as the finest state capitol building in the United States. The brilliantly restored rotunda and Senate and House of Representative Chambers are particularly exquisite spaces adorned with marble, murals, gold leaf and stained glass.
2. CAPITOL PARK - N. Third and Walnut Streets.
Rising from the downtown as 18th Century topography is this sylvan oasis, four acres of which were set-aside in 1785 through the original town plan for the hoped-for establishment of Harrisburg as the state capital. Note the stately Mexican War Monument erected in the 1860 in the Park’s center.
3. EAST WING OF THE STATE CAPITOL BUILDING - Commonwealth Avenue.
Spectacular addition to the rear of the Capitol Building through the sensitive application of a neoclassically designed legislative office center, underground parking garage and smaller, yet beautifully executed rotunda to complement that of the main building. Grand atrium lit public spaces.
4. FINANCE BUILDING - N. Seventh and North Streets.
Mate to the Forum Building and last to be completed in the original Capitol Complex in 1939. Home to the Pennsylvania Department of Treasury and to the high tech Treasury Investment Center.
5. FORUM BUILDING - Walnut Street at Commonwealth Avenue.
Completed in 1931 as continued expansion of the original Capitol Complex and the first to frame the Soldiers Grove Mall. Home to the Pennsylvania State Library and to the splendid Forum Concert Hall with its astrological star-studded ceiling. Building known for its exuberant art deco design.
* Individually Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
