Post #4, Exhibiting History and Art

If you don't know much about the State Capitol; it is considered to be the number one stop for architecture and art work in the state of Kansas. The building took on what was considered "an impossible task" in 2014, in that of a major renovation. The renovation added new murals, statues, and many other pieces of art work that is a part of The Kansas State Capitol Visitor Center is the entrance into the Capitol Building which is located on the North Side of the building. Once you enter, you will be greeted by the Capitols security and be given orders to pass through a metal detector (much like airport security). After passing through security, you will be introduced to one of the many exhibits that the Capitol has to offer to its visitors. 

This particular exhibit is located on the ground level of the Capitol and it displays many historical pieces. Everything from the thirty-four star U.S. flag to an original dome window that was placed on the outer dome in 1903. The exhibit covers everything from notable Kansan's, historical events in Kanas, and the Capitols history itself. This gorgeous exhibit is surrounded by offices that houses the many different departments of the Kansas State government and many, many skylight windows. When you enter from the north side of the building, you will first set your eyes on the part of the exhibit that displays notable Kansan's that have had an influence on the state of Kansas as well as national significance. During the 1800's, Kansas was known for birthing some of the brightest individuals of the time. People like John Brown, Fred Harvey, Amelia Earhart, James Naismith and Dwight D. Eisenhower have had national influence that progressed the history of Kansas. These individuals have created, designed, and implemented their life-changing and revolutionizing ideas into the world in which we all know today.

The most enjoyable part for me was seeing what seems to be "cell blocks"? Did individuals use to be held in the ground floor of the State Capitol? It wouldn't be surprising if this was the case, but it's hard to say. The building has seen major renovations over the years and it's hard to know for sure if this was the case. These "cell blocks" are located in the middle of the ground level floor and are in what seem to be a rectangular pattern. It's hard to know whether there were individuals who were placed here or not because if there was it most likely happened a century ago if not longer than that.  This is no doubt the conversation starter for tourists who happen to witness this setting as there is literally no further information that you can gain from the exhibit regrading this topic. It's truly interesting, were there prisoners kept here? If so, what happened here and were only the most dangerous individuals placed front and center?
*Check out the pictures below and tell me what you think in the poll located in the side bar and make sure to leave a comment below to share your thoughts and knowledge.

* (Unfortunately, I wasn't able to cover everything that this exhibit does, but I can tell you that it's a privilege to have the Capitol Building as the topic of this blog.) *

What do you think?

Thank You for joining me for yet another week and for another wonderful blog post about the Kansas State Capitol. Next week, we are going to talk about some of the canvas paintings and sculptures that you will encounter while making your way through the best architectural masterpiece in the state of Kansas.

*This blog post has a high influence from the Kansas Historical Society and therefore I will refer you to the following page which consists of further information regarding the Statehouses many interactive exhibits. (https://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-state-capitol-visitor-center-exhibits/18477#lobby)*

*Also note that some of the information provided in this blog is taken by individuals and tour guides who currently hold positions at the Kansas State Capitol as well as some information was reviewed from the official Kansas State Historical Society webpage.*

For your convenience, here is the address to the Kansas 

State Capitol Visitors Center.