Over the past four years, the State of Minnesota has undertaken a once-in-a-lifetime project to preserve the Minnesota State Capitol. Since the Capitol is historically significant for both its architecture and its artwork, most of the paintings and murals have been cleaned and repaired for the learning and enjoyment of visitors for the next hundred years.

This preservation project has provided an opportunity to pause and reflect on the Capitol’s artwork:

  • What is its purpose?
  • What was the original intent of the architect and builders of the Capitol?
  • Have works of art created over one hundred years ago stood the test of time?
  • Considering the commitment of MNHS and the state of Minnesota to valuing diversity and inclusion, are there themes and topics that are missing?
  • Are there works in place today that should not be there?

In 2015, the Capitol Preservation Commission (CPC), which coordinates the preservation of the Capitol, appointed a subcommittee to consider these issues. The subcommittee gathered input from Minnesotans at many public meetings around the state to discuss these issues. The subcommittee recently submitted its recommendations to the CPC. Learn more about the CPC's Art Subcommittee and the Capitol Restoration project, as well as background information on the Capitol's artwork.

Under Minnesota law, the Minnesota Historical Society, working with the Capitol Preservation Commission and the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, makes the final determination over works of art that may be added or removed from the Capitol. The MNHS governing board has appointed a committee of board members to consider these issues.

Read the report 

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