“The New Jersey State House Today” For more than 200 years, the New Jersey State House has proudly served as the seat of our State government. While occupants have come and gone, it remains home to the State Legislature, the Governor's office and other Executive branch offices. In addition to quartering our elected officials, the State House stands as an impressive historic monument, rich in tradition and style. In fact, part of the original 1792 structure still exists, making our state capitol the second oldest in continuous use. A long renovation project began in 1987, which addressed structural, mechanical and electrical deficiencies in the State House, restored the legislative portion of the building and added legislative office space, known as the South Addition. Next, the State House Annex was renovated and a pedestrian tunnel and multi-level parking garage constructed. A public-private partnership allowed for the golden dome and interior rotunda space to be The Senate chamber, completed in 1903, includes a stained glass dome and murals celebrating liberty and prosperity. refurbished. A Welcome Center, cafeteria and landscaped "Plaza" are the most recent improvements. The restored General Assembly chamber reflects the specialized work of craftspeople. Hundreds of craftspeople and workers participated in these efforts, including carpenters, painters, electricians and plasterers, who dedicated months - in some cases, years - to the restoration and construction projects. Craftspeople specializing in such areas as stained glass restoration, gilding, millworking and decorative molding painstakingly recreated original details of the chambers, rotunda and Annex. Under the New Jersey Arts Inclusion Act, state artists were commissioned to create artworks to commemorate this new chapter in the capitol's history. John Goodyear's marble bas-relief in the South Addition lobby depicts famous lawgivers of the ages. Marquetry walls by artist Hiroshi Murata incorporate architectural details in the intricate design of inlaid wood. A water sculpture by Clyde Lynds is a lively focal point for the Plaza. Many other impressive works are found throughout the complex. Memorabilia related to the history of the State House and Legislature are displayed in an exhibit space on the third floor. Additional exhibits are contained in the Welcome Center. Daily tours of the State House are available Monday through Saturday. Today, the New Jersey State House is a building all residents can be proud of. Visitors are encouraged to tour the building and learn more about its historical past. As home of our state democratic process, it will continue to serve the citizens of New Jersey as they The State House South Addition provides office work space for the Legislature. come to participate in the shaping of public policy. Courtesy of the Office of Legislative Services, Office of Public Information. Restoration photos ©1991 by Brian Rose. top
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