September 10, 2010
Capitol Ohio : 117 - Grand Stair Hall
The Grand Stair Hall, located in the Senate Building, is made of white marble and is one of the most impressive spaces in the Statehouse. The ceiling contains detailed murals which surround a skylight containing a Seal of Ohio made of stained glass. The four murals, painted by Pedretti & Sons of Cincinnati, each picture a woman representing art, justice, manufacturing, and agriculture, respectively. The Grand Stair Hall also features gold and aluminum leafing. While the space appears to contain a large amount of this type of decoration, the building only contains about three ounces of gold. The Senate Building is home to 31 of the Ohio's 33 senators; the Senate President and Senate Minority Leader both have offices in the Statehouse.