THE VERTICAL SYMPHONY
Nebraska's State Capitol stands as a testament to architectural innovation, blending Art Deco, Neo-Byzantine, and Gothic Revival into a 400-foot tower that defies convention.
ARCHITECTURAL MAPS
Explore the Capitol's unique "Cross within a Square" design through our custom Art Deco monoline maps, created exclusively for LNK Nebraska.
BIRD'S EYE "MASTER PLAN"
This aerial view reveals the Capitol's distinctive "Cross within a Square" footprint, showcasing the four symmetrical interior courtyards and the central golden dome topped by The Sower statue. The geometric precision of Bertram Goodhue's 1932 design is captured in our Art Deco monoline style.
STREET-LEVEL "TOWER OF THE PLAINS"
From ground level, the Capitol's 400-foot tower rises dramatically, embodying the "Vertical Symphony" concept. The Art Deco stepped architecture and The Sower statue create an aspirational monument that symbolizes Nebraska's agricultural heritage reaching toward the heavens.
AERIAL NORTH SIDE VIEW
This 3D isometric perspective from the north side reveals both the Capitol's footprint and its vertical architecture simultaneously. See the four interior courtyards, the surrounding government district, and the golden dome rising majestically from the center of the cross-shaped design.
STREET VIEW WITH NEIGHBORHOOD
Experience the Capitol's monumental scale in its neighborhood setting. This street-level view from the north shows how the 400-foot tower rises above residential buildings, churches, and green spaces, creating a dramatic focal point for the entire Lincoln skyline.
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
Explore the intricate inscriptions, relief sculptures, and Art Deco craftsmanship that make the Capitol a masterpiece of symbolic architecture.
"NOBLE LIVING" FACADE
The north facade features the powerful inscription "POLITICAL SOCIETY EXISTS FOR THE SAKE OF NOBLE LIVING" carved above three monumental arched windows. Between the arches stand four classical relief figures representing Law, Wisdom, Justice, and Power—the pillars of democratic governance.
FAMILY RELIEF SCULPTURE
This limestone relief sculpture depicts an idealized American family—father, mother, and three children—standing together in classical poses. The Art Deco geometric styling and recessed panel with dark background create dramatic depth, symbolizing the family as the foundation of society.
"IN BEAUTY I WALK"
This powerful carved inscription features a Native American prayer: "In Beauty I Walk / With Beauty Before Me I Walk / With Beauty Behind Me I Walk / With Beauty Above and About Me I Walk." Flanked by ornate corn stalks and a majestic bison, it honors Nebraska's indigenous heritage and agricultural identity.
"SALVATION" ENTRANCE
Above this monumental entrance, the inscription reads "THE SALVATION OF THE STATE IS WATCHFULNESS IN THE CITIZEN"—a powerful reminder of civic duty. The intricate Art Deco bronze grillwork door features geometric patterns, while a decorative corn frieze in gold accents crowns the composition.
THE CAPITOL'S STORY
Beyond the cornfields lies an architectural marvel that defies expectations
BERTRAM GOODHUE: THE MAVERICK ARCHITECT
While other architects were busy drawing bigger domes, Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue (1869-1924) was sketching skyscrapers. His vision for Nebraska's Capitol rejected the traditional dome entirely, opting instead for a towering shaft that symbolically reaches for the heavens—a literal and figurative uplift from the flat plains.
Completed in 1932, this architectural maverick blends Art Deco sleekness with Neo-Byzantine grandeur and Gothic Revival flourishes. It was a bold move that cemented Nebraska's Capitol as a truly unique American landmark.
THE SOWER & SATURN: AGRICULTURAL MYTHOLOGY
Atop the golden dome stands The Sower, a 19-foot bronze statue by sculptor Lee Lawrie, symbolizing Nebraska's agricultural heritage and the enduring spirit of its people. But look closer—beneath The Sower sits Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, wealth, and time.
Saturn's presence is deeply symbolic. Nebraska, an agricultural powerhouse, finds a natural connection with Saturn, often depicted with a sickle representing the harvest. His association with time also speaks to the enduring nature of the state and its commitment to long-term growth. Some say Saturn just wanted a good view of the cornfields. Can you blame him?
BUILT TO LAST: INDIANA LIMESTONE
The Capitol isn't just a pretty face—it's built from sturdy Indiana limestone, quarried in Indiana and transported by rail across hundreds of miles to Lincoln. Imagine the trains, the cranes, the sheer human effort involved in moving these massive blocks across states!
Inside, you'll find a rich palette of marbles, intricate bronze work, and stunning mosaics by Hildreth Meière. Each material was carefully selected not just for beauty and durability, but also for its symbolic resonance, contributing to the Capitol's overall message of strength and permanence.
THE "PENIS OF THE PLAINS"? IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK
Let's address the elephant in the room—or rather, the tower on the plains. The Nebraska State Capitol has carried the rather colorful nickname, "The Penis of the Plains." While certainly humorous and a testament to its distinctive verticality in a flat landscape, this playful moniker often overshadows the profound architectural intentions behind its design.
Goodhue's vision was not about phallic imagery, but about creating a building that symbolized growth, aspiration, and departure from tradition. The tower represents a plant growing from the earth—a powerful metaphor for Nebraska's agricultural identity and its upward trajectory. It's a bold, modern statement that stands in stark contrast to conventional capitol designs.
EXPLORE MORE NEBRASKA SECRETS
Dive deeper into Nebraska's hidden stories, myths, and architectural wonders