The first floor, or ground floor, was the first completed and has the least amount of decorative finish work.
The exterior stairs on the east and west ends of the building lead to this level, versus the front steps which lead directly to the second floor.
When first completed in 1916 the ground floor was mostly a vast, open exhibit space spanning the entire length of the building, while offices were built in the four corners of this level.
The ceiling beneath the rotunda above is made of glass (which also serves as the floor above), and allows light from the 2nd floor to illuminate the ground floor also.
Over time the large open areas of the ground floor were walled in and divided, extending the offices into the public space.
Now the ground floor still contains many of the capitol's exhibits, and includes a small visitor center and gift shop.
The first floor, or ground floor, was the first completed and has the least amount of decorative finish work. The exterior stairs on the east and west ends of the building lead to this level, versus the front steps which lead directly to the second floor. When first completed in 1916 the ground floor was mostly a vast, open exhibit space spanning the entire length of the building, while offices were built in the four corners of this level. The ceiling beneath the rotunda above is made of glass (which also serves as the floor above), and allows light from the 2nd floor to illuminate the ground floor also. Over time the large open areas of the ground floor were walled in and divided, extending the offices into the public space. Now the ground floor still contains many of the capitol's exhibits, and includes a small visitor center and gift shop.
Utah State Capitol