The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln is one of the most architecturally significant public buildings in the United States, a 400-foot Art Deco tower completed in 1932 that replaced an earlier Victorian-era statehouse and remains the defining feature of the Lincoln skyline. Designed by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue and completed after his death by his firm, the building departs radically from the conventional dome-and-colonnade template of American state capitols, rising instead as a tiered limestone tower crowned by a 19-foot bronze figure known as The Sower, sculpted by Lee Lawrie.
The exterior is rich with allegorical limestone carvings, mosaic panels, and sculptural programs interpreting Nebraska's agricultural heritage, democratic governance, and the history of law. The Great Hall entrance features elaborate mosaic floors designed by Hildreth Meière depicting themes from Nebraska's cultural heritage. The interior houses the chambers of Nebraska's unique unicameral legislature, the only single-chamber state legislature in the United States, adopted by Nebraska voters in 1934 following a reform campaign led by Senator George Norris.
The legislative chamber, accessible on guided tours, is a soaring two-story space with ornate ceiling coffers and amber-tinted windows that flood the room with warm light. The building also contains the Nebraska Supreme Court chamber, the governor's suite, and the Hall of Fame gallery commemorating notable Nebraskans throughout the state's history.
Free guided tours depart from the main entrance on weekdays at regular intervals and provide access to the legislative chamber, rotunda, observation level, and key ceremonial spaces. The observation level near the tower's base offers views across Lincoln and the surrounding plains. Self-guided tour maps are available at the information desk for visitors who prefer independent exploration. The building underwent a major restoration program in the 1980s and 1990s that addressed structural issues and restored damaged mosaic and sculptural elements to their original condition.
Why it matters
The Nebraska State Capitol, completed in 1932, is a landmark of American Art Deco civic architecture and the seat of the only unicameral (single-chamber) state legislature in the United States, a governance innovation adopted in 1934 that remains unique among all fifty states.
Location
1445 K St, Lincoln, NE 68509
40.8080, -96.6993 View on map
Highlights
- The Sower—a 19-foot bronze figure by Lee Lawrie crowning the 400-foot Art Deco limestone tower
- Great Hall mosaic floors by Hildreth Meière with themes from Nebraska's cultural and agricultural history
- Unicameral legislative chamber—the only single-chamber state legislature in the United States
- Observation level with views across Lincoln and the surrounding Great Plains
- Free guided tours departing hourly on weekdays from the main entrance on K Street
Tips for visiting
- Free guided tours depart hourly on weekdays—arrive 10 minutes early to join at the main entrance
- The observation level near the tower base offers the best elevated view and is included in the free tour
- Photography of the interior mosaics and legislative chamber is permitted outside of active sessions
- The building is free to enter and no reservation is required for individual or family visitors
- Combine with a walk through the nearby Sunken Gardens and Antelope Park for a full Lincoln half-day
Frequently asked questions
How long does a guided tour of the capitol take?
Guided tours typically last 45 to 60 minutes and cover the rotunda, legislative chamber, supreme court, and the history of the unicameral legislature.
Is the Nebraska State Capitol wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The building is fully wheelchair accessible via ramps and elevators. The main entrance on K Street has a level approach, and the elevator serves all major public floors including the observation level.
Can children visit the capitol?
Yes. The capitol welcomes visitors of all ages, and the scale of the architecture, bronze statues, and mosaic floors tend to engage children. The guided tour is appropriate for school-age visitors.
Is the legislative chamber open to the public when the legislature is in session?
Public gallery seating is available when the unicameral legislature is in session, typically from January through June. Check the Nebraska Legislature website for session schedules and committee hearing times.