Wisconsin State Capitol

The Wisconsin State Capitol is the heart of Wisconsin’s state government—home to the Governor’s office, the State Legislature, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Built between 1906 and 1917, the Capitol stands on a glacial isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona, symbolically and literally at the center of civic life in Madison. This granite-domed building is where laws are proposed, debated, and passed; where the state’s highest court interprets those laws; and where executive decisions impacting all Wisconsinites are made. Beyond its governmental role, the Capitol is also a public space—open for tours, student field trips, protests, rallies, and celebrations. Inside, you’ll find murals, mosaics, sculptures, and stone from around the world—each part telling a story about Wisconsin’s people, values, and history. The rotunda serves as a dramatic gathering place for visitors and lawmakers alike. In short: the Capitol isn’t just where government happens—it’s where Wisconsin shows who it is.