Lansing’s Gilded Age: State Capitol & Surviving 19th‑Century Gems

The Gilded Age, on HBO Max, is one of the latest pop culture trends to embrace history. True to its name, the show is set in the 1880s in the middle of the era that spanned the 1870s through the 1890s. Lansing, Michigan, was coming into its own at that time, with construction of the third Michigan State Capitol beginning in 1872.

Myers’ Masterpiece: Michigan State Capitol

One of the Gilded Age's most respected architects, Elijah E. Myers, was tapped to design the Capitol Building. His work can be seen across the country, including the Texas and Colorado State Capitols.

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While the white sandstone facade (brought in from Ohio) and dome are instantly recognizable, the interior is where you'll find the iconic Gilded Age design. From carved doorways and woodwork to wall treatments and chandeliers, the Michigan State Capitol is a love letter to a different era.

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And unlike most of the Gilded Age structures still standing in Michigan, you can tour the Capitol. Maybe you did as a child, but not since the HBO Max folks have refined your tastes.

Plan Your Lansing Gilded Age Tour

Ray Tan

The Michigan State Capitol is open for tours Monday through Friday. See their monthly tour schedule online or click here. I'd recommend scheduling a tour, just to be safe.

Architectural Icons Still Standing Today

With such an iconic structure being constructed at the beginning of the Gilded Age, there are many impressive time capsules still standing in Lansing from the period. Here's a look at Lansing's Gilded Age.

Lansing’s Historic Gilded Age Landmarks Still Standing

Lansing, Michigan's Gilded Age Michigan State Capitol is just one example of that era's architecture. Here's a look at five Gilded Age buildings that still stand in the Capitol City today.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Hidden Gems of Downtown Lansing: The Strand - Michigan Theater

The Atrium Office Center at 215 Washington Square in downtown Lansing, Michigan, was once the home of the Strand Theater and Arcade, which eventually became the Michigan Theater. See what remains of the classic French design as we explore the space once occupied by Harry Houdini and Al Jolson. Here's how Lansing's The Strand / Michigan Theater looks today.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Inside Lansing's Knapp's Department Store: See How it Looks Today

On what has been called a historical site long before the store was built, the land at 300 S Washington Avenue in downtown Lansing, Michigan, has been home to the Knapp's Department Store Building since 1937. After the fall of Knapp's in 1980, it found new life as offices for the State of Michigan. The top floors have been refurbished as offices and apartments, but a new project is underway in the former 1st floor and mezzanine thanks to the Eyde Company and Downtown Lansing Inc. Here's a look at how Knapp's Department store looks today.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Source: Gilded Age Lansing: Tour the City’s Historic 19th‑Century Icons

Filed Under: michigan history, Michigan State Capitol, Lansing History

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