Which dome is bigger: the one on the U.S. Capitol or the Wisconsin state Capitol?
Rough estimates of both indicate the dome volume of the U.S. Capitol building is larger, but the state Capitol dome is taller. A calculation of the U.S. Capitol dome volume from the First Visitors Gallery, or interior balcony, to the base of the Statue of Freedom which sits on top totals approximately 850,000 cubic feet, said Sharon Gang, communications manager for the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. A recent calculation of the Wisconsin state Capitol building’s dome — measuring from the 7th level at the base of the exterior columns to the 12th level just below the lantern on top — estimated its volume is 790,000 cubic feet, according to the state Department of Administration. In terms of height, the state Capitol stands at 284.4 feet from the ground floor to the top of the bronze and gold-leaf “Wisconsin” statue, which is 16 feet and two inches taller than the U.S. Capitol. George B. Post and Sons, who designed the Wisconsin state Capitol, was influenced by European buildings such as the
