The dome of the Maine State House is now being illuminated at night for
the first time in many years.
The present dome was built in 1910 as part of an expansion of the State House.
Outside lighting was originally added prior to World War II and remained in place until
1987.
(For larger view click thumbnail)
The lights were turned off in 1987 because of deterioration in the wiring, and the dome
remained dark until January of 1995.
In 1992, several chunks of plaster fell from the top of the dome to the third floor
rotunda. This evidence of deterioration led to a major restoration of the interior of the
dome, the first significant renovation to the State House since the 1920s.
The project included a return to the original color scheme of the dome as well as new
interior lights.
The replacement of the outside lights completed the restoration, literally highlighting
one of Maine's best-known public buildings.
