by Olivia Discon
Though it was the last day on our tour of the Southwest, the momentum we had from experiencing incredible hikes, interesting art and history, and a handful of slips and falls, left us feeling pumped! With the onset of the spring semester looming, we were determined to finish the trip strong.
Oklahoma Capitol Building
After visiting the New Mexico Capitol and its hallways full of art, we weren’t sure that we were able to see anything nearly as colorful in Oklahoma.
But as we approached the OK Capitol, we felt right at home–we were greeted by an Allan Houser statue!
Moreover, we stood corrected about the colorfulness of the capitol! The Oklahoma Capitol is both extravagant in its composition and color, with paintings lined on every wall of the building-even the dome!
“The Guardian” graces the top of the Capitol Dome…
…and a replica of the statue is also inside.
And the capitol dome’s interior was beautiful!
Of course, it goes without saying that there were several pieces of Oklahoma history in this building. There is something to be said, however, about the manner in which the history is represented in its art collection, which included a room dedicated almost exclusively to busts of its former governors…
…as well as murals of some of its most impressive native sons.
We had the chance to step into the House and Senate Chambers, both of which had their own themes. The Senate Chamber had its beautiful stained glass ceilings and brown hues, and the House had a serene ambiance, intricately carved floral ceiling tiles, and lots of green. Both, in their own right were simply stunning!
And, although we are bloggers, we don’t often feel like journalists–until today. Following some time in the chambers, we undertook another first: using a phone booth!
Although no longer equipped with phones, it still serves its purpose of giving journalists a quiet space to work or call their editors following eventful days in the state legislature. For us: we would just like to “report” that we had a fantastic time!
For Cinthia, this was her third capitol building, all visited in the past two years. For Olivia, it was her fifth capitol building, all visited in the past two years. These won’t be the last.
