The dome of the Maine State House is now being illuminated at
night for the first time in many years.
The present dome was built in 1910 as part of an expansion of
the State House.
Outside lighting was originally added prior to World War II and
remained in place until 1987.
The lights were turned off in 1987 because of deterioration in
the wiring, and the dome remained dark until January of 1995.
In 1992, several chunks of plaster fell from the top of the dome
to the third floor rotunda. This evidence of deterioration led
to a major restoration of the interior of the dome, the first
significant renovation to the State House since the 1920s.
The project included a return to the original color scheme of
the dome as well as new interior lights.
The replacement of the outside lights completed the restoration,
literally highlighting one of Maine's best-known public buildings.