The highlight of Utah’s newly constructed North Capitol Building is an unparalleled $1.6 million stained-glass dome intended to awe visitors and instill a collective admiration for the state’s splendor.
The custom-made vaulted ceiling will flood a multistory atrium with the diverse colors of the Utah landscapes it depicts once the expanded state office building, which will also house Utah’s first state history museum, is opened to the public in 2026.
"This stained glass laylight serves as a strong symbol that Utah's resilience stems from our common heritage and our dedication to forging a more prosperous future collectively," stated Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
Symbols in the details
Consisting of 14,000 separate glass components, this massive 25x25-foot window showcases the hues representative of Utah’s main ecological zones. It also features intricate depictions of state emblems such as the honeybee, sego lily, and California gull set against famous landscapes including Wasatch Mountains, Goblin Valley, and Bryce Canyon National Park.
A particular artistic component holds a unique bond with Utah: two bristlecone pines infused with sand, rocks, and pieces of wood sourced from all 29 counties within the state. These great basin bristlecone pines, which happen to be among the longest-lived species on Earth, thrive exclusively in just three regions, with Utah being one of them.
Recognizable landmarks such as Dead Horse Point, Rainbow Bridge Arch, and Mount Olympus lie beneath the vivid hues of the sky—deep blues, golden yellows, and whites—which originate from crystals sourced from retired governmental observatories. These crystals will project rainbows onto the second floor for visitors to admire their preferred sites across Utah.
"It’s all about celebrating the place where we live," stated Dallin Orr, who leads the artistic endeavor as the chief artist.
Orr is employed by Holdman Studios, a Lehi-based firm that has created stained-glass installations for various public and private establishments. These include a massive 200-foot wall at the Utah Valley University library as well as multiple temples belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
While it is not their biggest project ever, it is by far the largest skylight they have built, according to James Graham, the project manager at Holdman Studios.
Applying stained glass to curved architecture posed significant challenges; thus, they needed to construct each of the 89 glass panels using specially designed molds at their studio in Lehi prior to installing them at the Capitol. This process concluded with completion on May 2nd, as stated by Graham.
Graham aims for the initiative to enhance the standard of dialogues on Capitol Hill, with both engaged civilians and public representatives being impressed by the same artwork.
“It’s really an opportunity for us to come together and enjoy something on a very emotional, personal level,” Graham said.
How much did the new building cost?
The artwork was procured through the Division of Facilities and Construction Management with input from some members of the Capitol Preservation Board and the Department of Government Operations.
Coming in at $1.6 million, according to the preservation board’s executive director, Dana Jones, the stained-glass dome was not part of the original plans for the North Capitol Building.
In 2022, the state’s 60-year-old office building, used mainly for executive agency staff, was torn down to make room for a new five-story, 151,535-square-foot building that would replace the former building’s mid-20th century design with a neoclassical style matching the historic Capitol building dedicated in 1916.
Throughout the process, both the scale and expenses associated with the project have expanded.
At the 2022 groundbreaking ceremony, The project was initially anticipated to cost $168 million; however, it is now estimated to have a total expense of $281 million. This revised figure encompasses refurbishments for the central plaza along with the development of an underground parking structure capable of accommodating 400 vehicles, according to reports from the Deseret News. previously reported .
A significant portion of this rise can be attributed to escalated construction expenses; however, additional elements such as the stained-glass dome also played a role.
However, the structure’s uniquely designed dual-domed stained glass feature signifies a significant commitment to the future, as per Jones. This addition will integrate itself into the enduring legacy of the Capitol complex, remaining so for many generations ahead, she stated.
We envisioned a space where Utah residents could feel connected to this building," Jones stated. "Our aim was for everyone who enters here to experience awe and discover their personal connection to Utah.
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