Capitol Furniture Tour
The Michigan Capitol is home to an impressive collection of late 19th century furniture.
In this tour, you will take an up-close look at a few of the prominent furniture pieces in the building, examining intricate ornamental details and learning more about the history of American furniture styles.
Begin the Tour
Proceed from the Heritage Hall Tour Desk to the Exhibition Ramp. Begin at the large case to the right of the Conservation Lab window.
Rolltop Desk
This rolltop desk was purchased from the Chicago-based Kappes & Eggers Company in 1878. Its beautiful carved floral design tells us that it is of the Eastlake style, popular from about 1870-1900.
The desk's lockable rolltop, complete with a mail slot for letters recieved while the owner is away, hides a pigeonhole filing system. Faux drawers on its lower right side swing open to reveal a hidden vertical filing system for large ledgers. Clearly, this desk was created to be practical and functional.
Please proceed to the adjacent exhibit case titled “Michigan’s Third Capitol.”
19th-Century Armchair
This armchair is believed to have been in one of Michigan's first two capitol buildings. It is fashioned in the Empire Style, popular from about 1820-1850.
The curved "klismos" legs of this chair denote a classical influence, as this was a popular feature of ancient Greek furniture. The caning on the seat is not original, though it has been completed in a historically accurate fashion.
Please proceed halfway down the ramp to the case titled “A Changing Capitol.”
Senate Armchair
This armchair is fashioned in the Colonial Revival style, as evidenced by the scroll designs on its arms and back. This piece is one of the set of chairs used on the Senate floor from 1900-1939. Though it would have been upholstered, its current upholstery is not original.
In 1939, the Senate purchased new chairs and sold the old chairs to members for $5 apiece. This armchair was purchased by Harold Saur, then Senator for the 17th district. It was subsequently passed down through his family and later donated to the Capitol by his granddaughter.
Proceed to the bottom of the ramp. The elevator to reach the ground floor is on your left.
