Alaska State Capitol, Government building in downtown Juneau, United States
The Alaska State Capitol is a six-story brick-faced reinforced concrete building in downtown Juneau. Its first two floors are clad in Indiana limestone, and the central portico rests on four columns of Tokeen marble from Prince of Wales Island, also used for interior trim. The upper facade is red brick divided by horizontal bands of lighter stone, and the words "ALASKA STATE CAPITOL" are carved above the columns.
Construction began on September 18, 1929, and the Federal and Territorial Building was dedicated on February 14, 1931, housing a federal court and post office. The 1959 Alaska Statehood Act let the state government occupy it, and the legislature has met there since. Voters rejected capital-relocation proposals in 1960, 1962, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1994 and 2002.
The lobby holds two clay reliefs, Harvest of the Land and Harvest of the Sea, depicting hunting and fishing, and a bust of Alaska Native civil rights activist Elizabeth Peratrovich. Portraits in the Hall of Governors run from the District of Alaska era to the present, and busts honor the state's first two U.S. senators, Bob Bartlett and Ernest Gruening.
Guided tours of the legislative chambers, committee rooms, and public areas are available during regular business hours throughout the year. Access may be limited on certain days when the legislature is in session, so it's helpful to check ahead before visiting.
Unlike many other state capitols, this building lacks a traditional dome and instead features Art Deco styling with black birch doors carved with Alaskan industry motifs. These hand-carved details give the structure a distinctly local character.
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