Madison, WI

Madison, WI - Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Thai Sala - only one of its kind in North America.  A gift from the Thai Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association in 2001.   It is embellished with gold. 

Gardens were OK, we have seen better ones!

  

Wisconsin State Capital - they spared little when they built this capital.  The current capital was built 1906 - 1917 for $7.25 million.  It has 43 varieties of stone from 6 countries and 8 states.  The building is 284.4 ft. tall, 16 ft. 2 in. taller than the U.S. Capital. It has the one of the largest dome, by volume, in the world.   

Building has 4 wings that span North / South & East / West with entrances at each intersection. 

Beautiful Statues decorate the interior, wow this one looks like Cheryl!

Painting at the top of the dome, 34 ft dia. and 200 ft. above the ground floor.

The Governor's Conference Room - styled after the small council chambers of the Doge's Palace in Venice. French Walnut furniture with the walls and ceiling decorated with historical paintings.

The Badger!!  This bronze statue was mounted on the 1st USS Wisconsin battleship in 1901.  Sailors would rub its nose for good luck and they ask everyone passing through to rub its nose for good luck.

Murals in the Assembly chambers with stain glass ceilings.

If you look closely center of picture, below border, you can see a fossil in the stone wall.  There are several of these in the stone throughout the building.

An example of how the split the stone and was able to match the pattern.

Senate Chamber - Notice the Eagle mounted in the center.  "Old Abe" served with the 8th WI Regiment during the Civil War, he was their mascot.  He was carried into battle on a perch along with the flag.  He survived the war and received numerous honors. 

Looking from the dome to Lake Mendota

Statues on top above the dome wall way.

Hahl Automatic Pneumatic Clock - purchased in 1909 for $125 this clock controlled 170 secondary clocks within the capital building.  A puff of air was released every minute, through piping, to all the clocks advancing their hands by a minute.  Everyone had the same time, no excuse for being late to a meeting!

Governor's Executive Residence - Was able to tour the 1st floor.  Governor and family only stays here when needed.  House sets on Lake Mendota and has served as the Governor's Executive residence since 1949.  It's only 16,000 sq.ft. 34 rooms, 13 bathrooms & 7 bedrooms. It is used mainly to entertain special guests and dignitaries.

Special hand painted wall paper in the dining room.

The setting room

The Library.

"Backyard"

As you can see the landscaping is very beautifully maintained!