New York State’s Capitol: A Reminder of the Gilded Age

White granite quarried from Maine covers the upper section of the Capitol’s western façade. A granite called gneiss, quarried in Saratoga, N.Y., was used in the lower sections of the foundation. New York State Office of General Services

The ornately realized five-story New York state Capitol encompasses three acres in downtown Albany, New York. Construction of the present building began in 1867. The building resembles not a typical 19th-century governmental building, but an imposing French chateau, much in the same vein as the gilded-age Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, and The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island.

In fact, Stuart Lehman, a curator and tour guide at New York State’s Office of General Services, noted in an interview that the Capitol exhibits a convergence of “French and Italian Renaissance, Romanesque, and Gothic [styles].”

Over a period of 32 years, three architect teams were involved in the project: Thomas Fuller, the firm of Leopold Eidiltz and Henry Hobson Richardson, and Isaac G. Perry. Famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park in 1857 and the World’s Columbian Exposition park ground in 1893, served as an adviser. Richardson designed the legislative chambers in a Romanesque style. A fire in 1911 destroyed untold volumes, documents, and artifacts housed in the state library. Limestone used in the construction was quarried in Essex County, New York.

Arguably, the 1876 Report of the [New York State] Advisory Board achieved its goal: “The Capitol should be an architectural monument worthy of the grandeur of the Empire state.”

Though at one time the New York State Capitol was set apart on Albany State Street Hill, the resplendent, historic structure is now nestled among modern architecture. Mostly terra cotta tiles define the Capitol’s two towers, but the roof also sports copper and slate. Harold Stiver/Shutterstock

The building has several staircases throughout the interior. Red Corsehill sandstone from Scotland, chosen because it can be carved, was shaped into the “million-dollar staircase,” so nicknamed by 19th-century journalists. It took 14 years to complete and is filled with intricate stone carving work on every railing, arch, and column, and includes faces, plants, animals, geometric designs, and gothic medieval style images. Some faces are of famous figures, such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. New York State Office of General Services

Elaborately designed balconies grace each floor. Every Corinthian capital, or head, of the balcony’s railings displays unique carvings, including eagles, the state seal, and the Medal of Honor from the Civil War. Creating an even greater theatrical effect are the numerous and lavish original cast-brass lighting fixtures. New York State Office of General Services

The staircase to the Assembly Chamber is made of Dorchester sandstone from New Brunswick, Canada, and was designed by Leopold Eidlitz. This part of the Capitol presents half arches with bas-relief animal carvings, polished columns, and quatrefoil cutouts as part of the arch and banister designs. Moorish-style cutouts along the staircase enable anyone traveling up or down the stairs to view other areas of the Capitol. New York State Office of General Services

Designed by architect Leopold Eidlitz, the Capitol’s Assembly Chamber is an eclectic presentation of Moorish and Gothic design elements. Multiple arches are placed around the stained-glass windows. Classical-style marble columns frame the medieval-style chandelier under the carved mahogany coffered ceiling. The room has seating for 150 assembly members. Nagel Photography/Shutterstock

The entryway stairwell was designed to be the main ceremonial feature of the Capitol. The stone carvings were designed by architect Isaac Perry. New York State Office of General Services

The Senate Chamber was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and opened in 1881. The ceiling of the Senate Chamber presents sections of carved wood and is covered in 23-karat gold leaf. Richardson also designed the room's grandfather clock, which still keeps official time. The columns in the viewing galleries are made of Scottish red granite, and the arches are constructed of marble. Nagel Photography/Shutterstock

Each of the staircases at the Capitol opens up to a large space naturally lit by a skylight. The skylight was covered for 60 years because of concerns that it might become a navigational point for enemy pilots during World War II. Both architects Richardson and Perry put their mark on the skylight to bring as much light as possible into the space. New York State Office of General Services

Would you like to see other kinds of arts and culture articles? Please email us your story ideas or feedback at [email protected]