MICHIGAN CAPITOL VIRTUAL DOME TOUR
Explore the Dome - from Home!
The dome of the Michigan State Capitol, constructed from 1877 to 1878, stands as one of the first state capitol domes built of cast iron - second only to the Alabama and California state capitols.
Designed in the decade following the Civil War, the dome emerged as a proud symbol of freedom and liberty for all. At a time when the nation was healing from immense sacrifice, it became a beacon, inspiring more than 35 states to construct domed capitols that followed the architectural precedent that Michigan helped set.
Soaring 267 feet into the air, the dome was accessible to the public until the early 1950s. After a 1951 fire destroyed the top two floors of the nearby State Office Building (today the Elliott-Larsen Building), the Capitol dome was closed to the public by order of the fire marshal.
For the first time since its closure, we are giving the public the opportunity to climb the height of the dome - from wherever you happen to be! Join us on this virtual tour and ascend beyond the stars to experience the true height of the Michigan State Capitol.
6th Level Rotunda
View of the rotunda dome from the 6th level balcony.
View of the rotunda dome from below.
View of the 6th level from outside.
Drawing indicating where the 6th floor is at in relation to the dome.
Rotunda Oculus
The term “oculus” means “eye” in latin and is classically used as an architectural term for a round opening or window. The most well known architectural oculus, and likely the strongest influence for our Capitol’s oculus, is the Pantheon in Rome. But while the oculus at the top of the Pantheon’s dome is an open hole to the sky above, our dome only mimics the sky above with beautiful gold and silver stars!
View of the rotunda looking down from the oculus.
Drawing indicating where the oculus is at in relation to the dome.
Inside the Dome - Oculus Level - North Side
Welcome “inside” the dome! Whereas the stars are designed to feel like the top of the building, you’ll find that the true height of the Capitol rises another 100 feet above the oculus. Follow the tour to reach the top!
Inside the Dome - Oculus Level - East Side
The enclosed room surrounding the oculus is for temperature and weather control. Many of the dome walls from here on up consist of thin galvanized metal sheets, making it very susceptible to temperature fluctuations. These changes can be very harmful to the Capitol’s decorative and plaster surfaces,
Inside the Dome - Oculus Level - South Side
The dome has not been open to visitors since the 1950s. The dangerously steep staircase to your right, that rises more than 30 feet from the rotunda dome, serves as the only entrance and exit for the exterior dome. To ensure the safety of all visitors, this area remains closed.
View from the top of the dome access staircase.
Between the Domes
View from between the rotunda and exterior domes.
Location in relation to the rotunda dome below.
Drawing indicating where the oculus is at in relation to the dome.
Between the Domes - 7th Level Stairs
The stairway only grows steeper and more confined as it descends toward the rotunda dome. Below you can see that you even have to duck under a window!
View from the stairway looking up toward the oculus level above.
Drawing indicating where stairs are in relation to the dome.
Inside the Dome - Oculus Level - West Side
The dome was constructed from 1877-1878. The main skeleton of the dome consists of cast iron trusses produced by the S.J. Creswell Ironworks Company of Philadelphia. If you look to your left, you’ll see several names of Creswell foundry workers engraved into the original ironwork.
Closeup view of a dome truss.
Foundry worker names engraved into a dome truss.
Inside the Dome - Oculus Level - Spiral Stair
Note that the oculus, resembling an upside down cereal bowl, is suspended from the ceiling above it using cables. The bolts can be seen in the floor of the next level up.
View from spiral staircase looking down toward oculus.
View from spiral staircase looking south at dome trusses.
View from top of spiral staircase looking down.
9th Level
As mentioned earlier, the dome walls are thin sheets of galvanized metal, making them vulnerable to Michigan’s notoriously unpredictable weather. In some spots, such as this level, extra sheeting has been added along the interior walls to assist with condensation control.
Drawing indicating the 9th level in relation to the dome.
10th Level - Drum
View from the drum looking down at the 9th level.
View from the drum looking up at the lantern above.
Drawing indicating the drum level in relation to the dome.
Lantern
View from the lantern looking south.
View from the lantern looking north.
View from the lantern looking up.
Drawing indicating the lantern level in relation to the dome.
Lantern Stair - Bottom
View from the lantern stairs looking east.
View from the lantern stairs looking west at Capital Complex.
View from the lantern stairs looking up.
View from the lantern looking down at the east lawn and curvature of the dome.
Lantern Stair - Top
You’ve reached the top of the Capitol! Above you is the base of the finial, the tall spire that tops the dome. We hope you’ve enjoyed this virtual tour experience!
View from the top of the lantern stairs looking down at lantern and curvature of the dome below.
Drawing indicating the top of the lantern stair in relation to the dome.
View of the finial above from outside the dome.