Iowa State Capitol

Completed in 1886, the Iowa State Capitol is one of the most prominent 19th-century capitol buildings in the United States. Designed in the Renaissance Revival style by John C. Cochrane and Alfred H. Piquenard, it features a gilded central dome and richly ornamented interiors with marble, scagliola, and decorative painting. Over time, alterations and wear obscured much of the original decorative program.

For the interior restoration, EverGreene conducted a finishes investigation and paint analysis to identify the historic schemes and guide treatment. Craftsmen restored decorative finishes throughout the rotunda, including gilding and glazing of pressed metal coffers and column capitals to recreate the appearance of gold leaf within the dome. The team also conserved the original scagliola columns, preserving both their structure and finish.

EverGreene recreated the original sky mural on plaster based on archival research and physical evidence uncovered during investigation, reestablishing the dome’s illusionistic ceiling. As part of this multi-phase project, EverGreene restored eight lunette murals by Kenyon Cox, as well as Westward by Edwin Blashfield, stabilizing and reintegrating the painted surfaces. The project also included re-gilding the main copper dome and two quarter domes, returning the Capitol’s exterior to its historic appearance and reinforcing its presence on the Des Moines skyline.