Saint Paul, MN
Capital of Minnesota
Known as “The Saintly City”
Overview
Saint Paul is the capital city of Minnesota, located in the Midwest region of the United States. Founded in 1841, the city has grown to a population of approximately 311,527 residents within a state of 5,706,494 people. As the seat of Minnesota's state government, Saint Paul serves as the political and administrative center of the state.
The city is home to the Minnesota State Capitol, a Beaux-Arts / Renaissance Revival structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1905. Designed by Cass Gilbert, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Saint Paul has served as the capital of Minnesota since 1849.
Minnesota State Capitol
The Minnesota State Capitol in Saint Paul was designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert, who later designed the U.S. Supreme Court building. The building features the world's largest unsupported marble dome and is adorned with sculptures, murals, and decorative elements that make it one of the finest Beaux-Arts buildings in America. A comprehensive restoration completed in 2017 restored it to its original grandeur.
St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
Notable Features
- World's largest unsupported marble dome
- Designed by Cass Gilbert (architect of the U.S. Supreme Court)
- Gilded 'Progress of the State' horse-and-chariot sculpture on the roof
- Extensive interior murals and paintings
- Marble from six countries used throughout
- Comprehensive $310 million restoration completed in 2017
Media Gallery
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Fun Facts & Trivia
- ★The Minnesota State Capitol has the world's largest unsupported marble dome, modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
- ★The 'Progress of the State' quadriga (four-horse chariot) sculpture on the roof is one of the most recognizable symbols of Minnesota government.
- ★Architect Cass Gilbert was a Minnesota native who went on to design the U.S. Supreme Court building and the Woolworth Building in New York.
- ★A $310 million restoration completed in 2017 was the most comprehensive in the building's history.
- ★Saint Paul and Minneapolis are the 'Twin Cities,' but Saint Paul has been the capital since Minnesota became a territory in 1849.
- ★The building features marble from Italy, France, Norway, Greece, Georgia, and Minnesota.