California State Capitol Museum

CALIFORNIA STATE CAPITOL MUSEUM, GRAND STAIRCASE

From 1976 to 1982, the California State Capitol Museum building underwent a massive $68 million restoration. The building was considered unsafe, and the goal of the restoration was not only to repair it, but also to restore it to is original 1906 appearance.

During 1906, however, four elaborate grand staircases were removed to make room for offices and elevators. Agrell Achitectural Carving was charged with the daunting task of recreating the missing staircases. The project took over two years to complete. Using a rich blend of walnut, mahogany and redwood, the intricately hand-carved newel posts feature bear heads and other decorative motifs from the original structure.

The Grand staircases are also featured on the California State Capitol Museum virtual tour http://capitolmuseum.ca.gov.