Inside Havana’s Beaux Arts El Capitolio

December 28, 2018

Photo: Library of Congress

Where does the third largest indoor statue reside? Why, inside Havana’s glorious beaux arts El Capitolio! Once the tallest building in Havana, it was constructed in 1926 to house the Cuban Congress & served that purpose until the 1959 revolution. Inspired by his studies abroad, architect Eugenio Rayneri Piedra based its soaring dome on that of the Pantheon in Paris & its overall form on the United States Capitol Building. No expense was spared on its interiors. Lavish marble halls, frescoes, & fine paneling can be found throughout. Custom cast lighting bears the short lived Republics coat of arms. Best bits? That wonderful dome! Also, those chic custom lights!

More on Havana’s spectacular beaux arts El Capitolio here.

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