12 State Capitol Buildings Open for Self-Guided Public Tours

7. Nebraska State Capitol - Lincoln's Art Deco Tower of Democracy

The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln stands as one of the most architecturally innovative and artistically significant government buildings in America, offering self-guided visitors an opportunity to explore a structure that revolutionized capitol design and remains a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture. Completed in 1932, this 400-foot tower broke with traditional dome-and-wings capitol design, creating a vertical monument to democracy that reflects the optimism and forward-thinking spirit of the early 20th century. The building's exterior features intricate stone carvings and decorative elements that tell the story of Nebraska's agricultural heritage and democratic values, while the interior showcases one of the most comprehensive artistic programs ever incorporated into a government building. Self-guided visitors can explore multiple floors of the tower, discovering murals, mosaics, and sculptures created by some of America's most talented artists of the 1920s and 1930s. The building's unique design allows natural light to flood the interior spaces, creating an atmosphere that is both inspiring and functional for the conduct of state business. The legislative chamber, known as the "Unicameral" because Nebraska is the only state with a single-house legislature, features custom-designed furniture and decorative elements that reflect the state's commitment to efficient and democratic government. Throughout the self-guided tour route, visitors encounter artistic representations of Nebraska's history, from Native American cultures through European settlement to modern agricultural and industrial development, creating a comprehensive visual narrative of the state's evolution and character.