The Alaska State Capitol in Juneau stands as a testament to the region’s rich history, nestled just across the street from the Juneau-Douglas City Museum.
Recently, the Alaska’s News Source team had the opportunity to embark on a personal tour of this architecturally significant building, which continues to weave new layers of history into its fabric each year.
As visitors approach the Capitol, the striking marble columns immediately capture attention.
According to Kirk Smith, a tour guide from the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, these marble features are unique in that they are the only part of the building native to Alaska.
The building’s architectural style is reminiscent of the early American 20th-century post offices, a fact that Smith noted during the tour.
He described the design as relatively plain, reflecting the aesthetic of the era, which was carried out by the same design group responsible for several contemporary post offices.
Once inside, visitors are welcomed by the imposing seal of Alaska, which holds historical significance dating back to territorial days.
Smith explained that the seal visually encompasses various elements that symbolize Alaskan life, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, including mountains and the aurora borealis, alongside a log cabin emitting smoke and small vessels on the coast, while also paying homage to the state’s developing agriculture sector, particularly in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
Flanking the great seal are two notable artworks that add a splash of culture to the main hall.
These clay pieces, created in the 1980s, represent the agricultural richness and are titled “The Harvest of the Sea” and “The Harvest of the Land.”
Additionally, a bust of Elizabeth Peratrovich, a pivotal figure in Alaskan civil rights history, draws attention in the hall.
Crafted by her son in 1997, this bust, while relatively modern compared to the building’s history, serves as a tribute to her significant contributions to Alaskan society.
An interesting aspect of the Capitol’s layout is the designation of the ground floor, which many may perceive as the first floor.
Smith explained that this level was originally the federal territorial building, which included a post office due to its multi-agency purpose.
The Capitol houses a fascinating variety of spaces, and during the tour, we ventured up to the fifth floor to explore rooms dedicated to the Senate and House Finance Committees.
The Senate Finance Committee room featured a wooden bust of a Viking, humorously titled “Uhtred Permenantfundsen,” or the Defender of the Permanent Fund, catching the eye of many visitors.
Reflecting its past, the layout of the room, while simple, retains elements reminiscent of its earlier life as a federal courtroom, as Smith pointed out.
The walls, adorned with paintings depicting Alaskan scenery, serve to enrich the otherwise austere environment.
One particular painting, which illustrated Sitka as it appeared in 1886, was created by Cleveland Rockwell, a talented cartographer whose artistic skills lent a photographic quality to his work.
Next, we explored the House Finance Committee Room, affectionately known as the Al Adams Room.
This space felt more inviting and offered a stunning view of Juneau, making it a pleasant stop on the tour.
Accompanied by Smith, we descended to the fourth floor, where we observed walls lined with historical newspaper clippings rich in Alaskan context.
The tour progressed to the third floor, where Smith remarked, “This is where the magic happens.”
It’s noteworthy that the Capitol uniquely accommodates both the Legislative and Executive branches within the same building.
The third floor showcases portraits of all of Alaska’s governors, including the territorial governors, with the governor’s office located above the House of Representatives.
We proceeded to the House of Representatives galley, where the space is imbued with the memory of Elizabeth Peratrovich, who addressed the assembly in 1945.
The grand room is capable of accommodating all members for joint sessions, a tribute to the Capitol’s multifaceted role.
As we neared the conclusion of our tour, our attention shifted to the first floor, where the pièce de résistance, or “Showstopper,” awaits all who enter.
The Alaska State Capitol is more than just a building; it is a repository of history, encapsulating the essence of Alaska through its architecture, art, and the stories woven into every corner.
By the end of the tour, one cannot help but appreciate the importance of this historical edifice, a true reflection of the state’s journey and identity.
image source from：https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2025/06/06/roadtrippin-2025-tour-historic-alaska-state-capitol/
