Enhance your Visit
Enhance your Visit
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Sometimes the schedule allows for you and your students to explore arts-related resources and activities within and surrounding the Capitol. Saavy school leaders can pick and choose from these ideas to productively fill those moments with valuable learning.
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Resources:
Resources:
Note: You could spend several days exploring various aspects of the art and architecture inside, outside and around the Capitol, but there are plenty of things to explore even if you have just a few minutes. These ideas may enhance your student's learning experience. The resources below may help you decide how to spend your time.
Click to explore videos and orther resources before your trip.
Video
A virtual tour of the capitol - youtube video series
KOMU news story about artwork in Missouri's Capitol (4:09) contains ads
Stately Images - Public Arts of the Missouri Capitol - documentary (28:14)
Articles and Websites
1. About the Capitol Building
1. About the Capitol Building
The Missouri State Capitol Building (500,000 sq. feet) houses the offices of statewide elected officials (Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor) as well as offices of the two branches of the Missouri Legislature.
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From the walkway to the entrance through the Carriage Tunnel on the south side of the building, the west side of the building houses most offices of the Missouri House of Representatives and the east side of the building houses most offices of the Missouri Senate.
2. Visit your legislators!
Share your story about the value of arts education!
If you are able to meet with an elected official let us know!
Please complete the google form following the visit.
Tap for tips for a successful visit.
Tips for a successful legislator visit:
Plan ahead!
Contact your legislator and arrange a meeting time that fits the obligations of your Fine Arts Education Day activities.
Tell your story! Each time one of our decision-makers learns about the hard work of your students and their teachers, we build a bridge that can support arts-friendly future decisions.
If you have a specific "ask" prepare a document (letter, note, card, flyer) and leave it with them.
Suggested asks:
Restore core funding of $10.1M to the Missouri Arts Council,
Restore funding of $1M for MO Humanities
Fully fund the Missouri Academies for $1.1M to eliminate economic barriers for students with limited financial means. (MO Academies of MO Scholars Academy and MO Fine Arts Academy share a line item in the state budget)
Take a picture of the legislator with members of your group.
Thank them for their service and their time. Handing them a few student generated notes are also helpful.
Let the Alliance know about your visit using this form.
You can also access the elected official visit form throught the QR code below.
Participants: Contact your legislators directly to make an appointment.
Time varies
Tips for a successful legislator visit:
Tap to learn more
Plan ahead!
Contact your legislator and arrange a meeting time that fits the obligations of your Fine Arts Education Day activities.
Tell your story! Each time one of our decision-makers learns about the hard work of your students and their teachers, we build a bridge that can support arts-friendly future decisions.
If you have a specific "ask" prepare a document (letter, note, card, flyer) and leave it with them.
Suggested asks:
Restore core funding of $10.1M to the Missouri Arts Council,
Restore funding of $1M for MO Humanities
Fully fund the Missouri Academies for $1.1M to eliminate economic barriers for students with limited financial means. (MO Academies of MO Scholars Academy and MO Fine Arts Academy share a line item in the state budget)
Take a picture of the legislator with members of your group.
Thank them for their service and their time. Handing them a few student generated notes are also helpful.
Let the Alliance know about your visit using this form.
Inside the Capitol
Inside the Capitol
3. The first floor rotunda
3. The first floor rotunda
The first floor rotunda is a grand space which hosts countless events throughout the year, including Fine Arts Education Day.
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The vibrant colors and resonant sounds of the rotunda will be the first that greet you after you pass through security. Notice the many paintings on the ceiling and state seal in the floor between the 30 foot wide staircase. Look up to view the 9,000 pound chandelier and take in the quotes that crown each of the room's side walls.
With so much for the eye to see, what is a feature that stands out to you as you take in this space?
Workers raising the 9,000 pound chandelier after cleaning. (3:03) Youtube
Time varies
4. Missouri State Museum
4. Missouri State Museum
The capitol’s first floor is home to the Missouri State Museum. It offers a look at Missourians through military service, as well as the natural and cultural resources that built the state.
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The military gallery has an impressive exhibit that tracks the state’s involvement in World War I.
The resource gallery looks at the state’s history through the eyes of its residents, from the Native Americans, to the pioneers who settled the state. The natural resources are viewed by the state’s sections, from glacial land in the north to the swamps of southeast Missouri.
5. The Third Floor Rotunda
5. The Third Floor Rotunda
The third-floor rotunda of the Missouri Capitol is a central, 140-foot-high architectural hub connecting the House and Senate chambers. , and ornate Napoleon Gray marble walls and columns. It serves as a major venue for events, exhibits, and public access to the legislative chambers.
Look up - and remember to take a closer view of the 9,000 pound chandelier
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The third floor rotunda area is place of artwork, during Youth Art Month, but there is artwork always on display there as well.
6. Hall of Famous Missourians
6. Hall of Famous Missourians
Interior sculpture collection
Interior sculpture collection
This area houses a collection of bronze busts honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the state in various fields. Each has a name plate and a bit of information about that individual's contributions.
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Were you sruprised to learn that some of the famous people depicted were from Missouri?
Do you have a favorite sculpture?
7. Lunettes
7. Lunettes
The Resources Hall lunettes are located on the second floor lining the hallways of the west wing that overlook the museum exhibits. These 41 half-moon-shaped paintings, feature optical illusions depicting the state’s history and landscapes.
With the 41 paintings, you could visit this section of the museum for a
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Shaped like a "half moon" these paintings fit the "frames" of the many archways which are a part of the architectural structure of the building. Missouri artists were engaged to create these works of art which depict aspects of Missouri's history.
N.C. Wyeth was a famous artist from a family of famous artists. Two of his painting are part of the Lunette Series depicting civil war battles which occured in Missouri
Battle of Wilson Creek - took place near Springfield, MO. - painting by NC Wyeth
Battle of Westport - Kansas City area - painting by NC Wyeth
Time varies
8. House Lounge
8. House Lounge
Home of the famous Thomas Hart Benton Mural. NOTE: Advance arrangements are often necessary for a chance to visit this space.
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The House Lounge is located on the third floor, west side of the Capitol. This room contains famous floor-to-ceiling murals painted by Missouri artist, Thomas Hart Benton. It is often viewed as part of a guided tour, though its access may be limited during the legislative session (January through mid-May).
It may be possible to arrange a brief visit to the House lounge - escorted by a representative or member of their staff. Consult with your legislator to see if a brief visit to the House Lounge is a possibility.
The mural at first sparked controversy among the legislators with its bold and vivid scenes of everyday Missouri life. Surviving attempts to whitewash it, Benton's "Social History of Missouri" is now a source of pride and a popular stop for visitors touring the Capitol.
A replica of the Thomas Hart Benton is available for checkout from the Missouri State Parks.
Visiting the House of Representatives
Visiting the House of Representatives
The Missouri House of Representatives chamber is on the third floor. Only lawmakers may be on the floor of the House. Visitors may observe proceedings from the House Gallery which is accessed from the 4th floor.
Tap for a tip to get your group onto the House floor
Although generally only lawmakers may be on the floor of the house, there have been times in the past when school ensembles have sought an invitation as guests OF THEIR LEGISLATOR with permission of the House's Leader - the Speaker of the House to come on the House floor to lead the Pledge of Allegiance or sing the National Anthem. This is not something that can happen in the moment and requires significant planning.
Something to think about for this or a future trip to Jefferson City.
Time varies from 5-30 min.
9. Visiting the House Gallery
9. Visiting the House Gallery
Stairs or elevators can take you to the 4th Floor and gallery access on the West side of the building. Tap to read more
There is a doorkeeper that controls access to the space from visitors. To avoid disturbing the work on the house floor visitors are asked to remain quiet. Chairs are available in tiered seating.
Things to notice:
the stained glass windows
ceiling decor
quotes engraved on the wall
Discuss these with others after you exit the gallery.
The ten stained glass windows depict valued traits that are designed to inspire lawmakers as they accomplish their tasks.
Can you match the windows to their corresponding character traits?
Liberty
Equality
Law
Justice
Fraternity
Progress
Honor
Truth
Virtue
Charity
Visiting the Senate
Visiting the Senate
The Senate chamber is on the third floor on the East side of the building. Only lawmakers may be on the floor of the House. Visitors may observe proceedings from the Senate Gallery which is accessed from the 4th floor via stairs or elevator
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Time varies from 5-30 minutes
10. Visiting the Senate Gallery
10. Visiting the Senate Gallery
The gallery is located on the fourth floor, accessible via elevators or stairs. The gallery is open to the public when the Senate is in session, though visitors must maintain silence.
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Observe the artwork, color scheme and furniture.
What features of the room stand out to you?
11. Visiting the Legislative Library
11. Visiting the Legislative Library
The Missouri Legislative Library is located on the fourth floor of the Missouri State Capitol building.
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Visitors can access this, along with the rest of the Capitol, through the main public entrances for tours and research, with the building typically open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. A, balcony promenade on the fourth floor overlooks the rotunda and provides a popular view of the library.
Please check out the views toward the river from this room, as well as the room's decor.
Learn more about the Legislative Library here.
See if you can learn about the contents of Missouri's BLUE BOOK.
What features of the room stand out to you?
Time varies from 5-30 minutes
12. Visiting the Student Senate Fine Arts Exhibit
12. Visiting the Student Senate Fine Arts Exhibit
The Student Senate Fine Arts Exhibit Gallery is located on the basement level of the Capitol in the tunnel corridor that connects the Senate Parking Structure to the Capitol building. Each year a single piece of student art is selected by each Senator to represent their Senate district for the coming year.
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Can you find the student artwork from YOUR Senate District?
Can you determine which works of art was submitted by the youngest artist?
Once located in the building, Each brief quote can be explored verbally or through writing.
13. Engaging with Quotable Quotes
13. Engaging with Quotable Quotes
The architect and advisors chose to engrave quotes into the stone of the building. You will find many of them placed prominently above doors and walkways. Find a few of those quotes below and consider the questions.
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Questions to ponder as you read and interpret these words:
Why do you think these words were chosen?
Do you think these words might have been placed in each location for a special reason?
How are these quotes relevant today?
If you were on the committee to propose an inspirational quote to guide future lawmakers, what would you suggesst they engrave on the walls?
Party honesty is party expediency
First floor rotunda - East stairs
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Righteousness exalteth a nation
First floor rotunda - West stairs.
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Lord God of Hosts be with us yet, Lest we forget
First floor rotunda - West
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Where there is no vision, the people perish
Rotunda 1st floor south
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Ideas control the world
First floor rotunda - Southwest wall
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Progress is the Law of Life
(above the doors outside the House - 3rd floor rotunda West)
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Not to be served, but to serve.
(above the doors outside the Senate - 3rd floor rotunda East)
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"In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened"
-from George Washington's 1796 farewell address.
Looking up from the first floor rotunda to the circular 3rd floor landing.
Outside the Capitol
Outside the Capitol
14. Exterior Architecture - south side
14. Exterior Architecture - south side
This is the 4th structure to house the state's governmental offices and conduct the business of lawmaking. Completed in 1917, the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City is a masterpiece of Roman Renaissance Revival architecture, designed by New York firm Tracy and Swartwout. Built with Carthage limestone, it features a 262-foot dome topped by a bronze statue of Ceres.
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Students can climb the exterior steps on the South Side of the building, but the large bronze doors no longer provide an entrance into the building. The South Portico has eight 48-foot columns. The bronze entrance doors measure 13 by 18 feet.
Examine the pillars and the carvings, and ask yourself whether you think their presence if more functional or decorative?
Does the shape of the columns make influence your thinking?
How many different shapes are reflected in the highly decorative Capital (top of the column) on the Capitol?
How many columns are on the portico? How many on the sides wings?
Can your students count the number of stairs to the top?
Can your students read the Roman Numerals above the Large Brass Doors?
15. Exterior Sculptures - South Side
15. Exterior Sculptures - South Side
There are several sculptures of note on the exterior of the building on the Capitol Grounds. We'll highlight a few here.
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Thomas Jefferson statue in front of South Portico looks over the "City of Jefferson" or Jefferson City. sculpted by James Earle Fraser.
The historic bronze statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture rests atop the dome. The statue was installed on Oct. 29, 1924 and has remained there ever since. During her installation, a winch was tied to an elm tree and a pulley system was used to hoist her in three pieces to the top of the Capitol dome, where she was installed. Ceres weighs 1,407 pounds with the heaviest piece weighing 900 pounds. She stands 10 feet, four inches tall sculpted by Sherry Edmundson Fry.
Why do you think the Goddess of Agriculture was chosen?
What do you think she is holding in her arms?
What might the gesture of her right hand and arm mean?
She was removed in 2018 for refurbishment and replaced in her position on top of the dome in 2019. Art hisorians reported there was evidence that she had been hit by lightning over 300 times, but the lightning did not pass through the sculpture - causing minimal damage. read more
The two statues sculpted by Robert Aitken which flank the South Portico represent the two rivers which helped define the state. They are surrounded by many objects which symbolize things such as medicine, commerce and crops.
How many objects can you identify?
What do you think those objects symbolize?
16. Missouri Veterans Memorial north side
16. Missouri Veterans Memorial north side
The Missouri Veterans Memorial lays north east side of the Missouri State Capitol, seen in the background.
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Do you see any letters shapes in the overall design? If so - what do you think they might refer to?
What do you think is the most interesting feature of this memorial?
17. Exterior Sculptures - north side
17. Exterior Sculptures - north side
The north side of the capitol features a fountain and statue of the Louisiana Purchase. The statue was a part of the sculptures that were on display during the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the "St. Louis World's Fair."
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"Signing of the Treaty" authorizing the Louisiana Purchase which doubled the size of the U.S. in 1803.
Examine the toe of Jefferson's boot. What do you see and why do you think it is this way?
The Marbois fountain features several mythical creatures. Can you identify any of them?
This image shows the North Facade of the Capitol building which houses the Governor's Office and back side of the Goddess Ceres on the top of the dome.
Why do you think the architect made those choices?
18. Lewis and Clark Sculptures
- north east corner of Capitol Complex just beyond Senate Parking structure
18. Lewis and Clark Sculptures
- north east corner of Capitol Complex just beyond Senate Parking structure
Location: 101 W. Capitol Ave., near the corner of Jefferson Street and Capitol Avenue, overlooking the Missouri River. This collection of sculptures celebrates the "Corps of Discovery, which set out to explore the land acquired in the Louisiana Purchase and camped near Jefferson City on June 4, 1804.
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After the Louisiana Purchase was complete, President Thomas Jefferson sent an expedition "The Corps of Discovery" to explore the vast new US Territory. From 1804–1806 this U.S. Army unit led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, mapped the West, documented new flora and fauna, and established trade relations with Native American tribes, successfully reaching the Pacific Ocean.
Missouri artist Sara Tull Meyer (1927-2023) created the work of art in 2008.
Can you use any previous knowledge or deductive reasoning to determine who is who in this collection of statues? What is your evidence?
Depicted: Meriwether Lewis, William Clark - co-leaders, York (an enslaved man), George Drouillard (interpreter/hunter), and Seaman.
19. Governor's Garden and Mansion
19. Governor's Garden and Mansion
Location: 100 Madison Ave., near the corner of Jefferson Street and Capitol Avenue, overlooking the Missouri River. Tours of the Mansion are possible, but must be arranged in advance.
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The Governor's Mansion, is the residence of Missouri's Governors, is one of the few homes of a statewide elected official that is open to the public. Rours of the common rooms are available but advance reservations and security protocols are required. Details may be found on the website linked here. The Governor's Garden, on the corner of Jefferson and Capitol between the Lewis and Clark Sculpture and the Governor's mansion will be the site of concerts for Fine Arts Education Week in the afternoon.
This view of the Governor's Garden is from Jefferson Street.
Notice the architectural features. Notice the choices made in plant selection.
Why do you think these choices were made?
Image of the Governor's Garden from the Upper Garden toward the Capitol.
20. Jefferson Landing
20. Jefferson Landing
Jefferson Landing is a part of the MIssouri State Museum. The building at the end of Jefferson street was a busy center of commerce along the Missouri River during the mid-1800s.
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Steamboats traveling between St. Louis and Kansas City docked in front of the Lohman Building. The nearby Union Hotel contains the Elizabeth Rozier Gallery with changing exhibits on Missouri history, art and culture.
The Lohman Building, a sturdy stone structure that would serve as a grocery store, warehouse, tavern, telegraph office and hotel for the growing capital city. The area became known as "the landing," and a meeting place for rivermen and legislators.
As you look at the buildings in this area, how is it different or similar to the commercial hubs where you live?
https://mostateparks.com/basic-page/jefferson-landing-state-historic-site
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