New Mexico State Capitol

Photo: Einar E. Kvaran License: 1

Often called the Roundhouse the New Mexico capitol building is the only round state capitol in the United States. The building was designed to resemble the Zia Sun Symbol when viewed from above.

The first floor contains the semicircular House and Senate chambers, which are actually below ground level and not accessible to the public.

The Rotunda in the center of the building is 49 feet (15 m) in diameter and 60 feet (18 m) high, spanning the second, third, and fourth floors. It is finished with Travertine marble native to New Mexico and inlaid with a turquoise and brass mosaic of the Great Seal of New Mexico. The ceiling skylight is designed to resemble an Indian basket weave, with blue and pale pink stained glass representing the sky and the earth, respectively.