This year’s ornament was inspired by a “one of a kind” photograph of the ground floor rotunda from a unique vantage point. The distinctive geometric marble design and decorative stonework was captured by a camera suspended from the top of the inner dome.
This central “Crossroads of the Capitol”
anchors the light-filled rotunda and its architectural and artistic treasures. Since 1917 when the present State Capitol was completed, the patterned marble floor has remained virtually unchanged.
For well over a century, the footsteps of generations of elected officials, state workers and countless visitors to the State Capitol have traversed this distinctive floor. School children awaiting their tours of the historic building have stood or often stretched out on the marble floor to gaze up at the soaring inner dome.
The ornament, manufactured in America, is gift-boxed and includes an 8-page brochure. The brochure includes historic details of the ground floor rotunda’s design and the materials used. It also features photos of events held in the magnificent public setting.
The Capitol Ornament Program began in 2004 and is supported by the Wisconsin State Historical Foundation. A volunteer committee coordinates the design and development of the ornament each year.
Proceeds from the sale of the ornament go to the State Capitol Restoration Fund. Projects utilizing those funds have included the visitor’s viewing deck, which is located inside the dome and overlooks the rotunda.
Suggested retail price is $20, the ornament is available at the following:
*The Capitol Tour Desk in the ground floor
rotunda of the State Capitol
*The State Historical Society online at
wisonsinhistory.org/
*The gift shop at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison
*Orange Tree Imports, 1721 Monroe Street, Madison
*Tis the Season, 6333 University Avenue, Middleton
*Prairie Flowers and Gifts, 245 E. Main St., Sun Prairie
*Brennan’s Market, 8210 Watts Road, Madison
For more information on the Capitol Ornament, contact Cate Zeuske at (920) 264-7027.