The Memorial Chamber



Tile Dome and Chandelier of the Memorial Chamber


The central room of the 14th Floor Observation Level is the Memorial Chamber, it is "dedicated to the forms of heroism called for in the public service and in devotion to humanity". The dignity of the Chamber is derived from the monumental use of black marble--Black Belgian, Italian Porto Oro, and Vermont Verde Antique. The inscription beneath the murals is taken from Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address.

Eight murals representing "heroic enterprises associated with Nebraska history" were added to the Chamber in 1996. The murals were painted by Nebraska artist Stephen Roberts and represent four military themes and four civic themes. The dome quietly represents the evening sky, and the chandelier the stars shining in it.


"The Ideal of International Law"


"The Perils of Fire"


"The Ideal of Freedom"


"The Scourge of Poverty"


"The Ideal of Universal Peace"


"The Scourge of Plague"


"The Ideal of Self-Determination"


"The Scourge of Famine"

 

 

In his plan for Nebraska's third capitol, Goodhue suggested on-axis boulevards radiating from the Capitol site into the city. Centennial Mall connects the Capitol with the State Historical Society and University of Nebraska. State and federal office buildings, and museums are located along this pedestrian corridor through downtown Lincoln.

NORTH View from Observation Deck

 

The Department of Labor is one of several buildings surrounding the Capitol which house state agencies. Lincoln High School, the city's first high school, is at the intersection of J Street and Capitol Parkway. Domed tennis courts shine brightly above the tree canopy at Woods Park. Growth in Lincoln was originally to the east, but recently has expanded in all directions.

EAST View from Observation Deck

 

The area south and southeast of the Capitol contains some of the oldest homes in Lincoln. To the southeast is the Thomas P. Kennard House- Nebraska's Statehood Memorial- constructed in 1867. The Governor's Residence was completed in 1954. McPhee Elementary took the place of the Capitol School. At the edge of the city, grain elevators serve agricultural interests.

SOUTH View from Observation Deck

 

Lincoln Mall connects the seat of state government with the seat of county and city government. Beyond the overpass of Rosa Parks Parkway, the railroad yard routes coal trains from western mines to eastern markets. To the nortwest, remnants of the salt marshes which once dotted the area can be seen as lakes.

WEST View from Observation Deck



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