Iowa State Capitol

The Iowa State Capitol at 1007 E Grand Ave in Des Moines is one of the most architecturally distinguished state capitol buildings in the United States, completed in 1886 after 14 years of construction at a cost of $3.3 million. The building's most dramatic exterior feature is its gilded central dome, covered in 23-karat gold leaf, which rises 275 feet above the ground and can be seen from most of downtown Des Moines. Four smaller flanking domes complement the central dome in a composition unique among American state capitols. The interior is equally impressive, with grand staircases of Iowa stone, 29 varieties of marble sourced from across the United States and Europe, intricate mosaic tile floors, and a magnificent stained-glass skylight beneath the central rotunda. The Law Library — a circular, three-story space lined with more than 100,000 volumes behind ornate ironwork balconies — is among the most beautiful working legal libraries in the country. Free guided tours depart from the ground floor information desk on weekdays and cover the main chambers, governor's suite, rotunda, and law library with interpretation from volunteer docents. Self-guided tours are possible using printed materials available at the desk. The Capitol grounds feature statuary including the Iowa Soldiers and Sailors Monument and a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Exterior photography from the Grand Ave approach, looking up at the gilded dome against the sky, is the classic vantage point for visitors.