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During your Salt Lake City vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Capitol Building
Built between 1912 and 1915 of unpolished Utah granite and Georgia marble, the capitol, considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance Revival style in the West, rests on a hill in a beautifully landscaped 40-acre park. The state symbol, the beehive (representing industry and cooperation), is a recurring motif both inside and out. Those who don't want to take the free tour can walk through on their own.The Rotunda, which stretches upward 165 feet, is decorated with murals painted during the WPA years (the four largest depict important scenes in the state's early history) and houses several busts of prominent historical figures, including Brigham Young and Philo T. Farnsworth, the man whom we can all thank for bringing us television. The chandelier is astounding -- weighing 6,000 pounds and hanging from a 7,000-pound chain.Other rooms include the State Reception Room, known as the Gold Room because the walls are made from locally mined gold-traverse marble; the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor at the west end; the Hall of Governors, a portrait gallery that honors all those who have served as governor of Utah since statehood in 1896; and at the east end, the offices of Utah's attorney general. Downstairs, you'll find a small souvenir shop and some exhibits, including a large topographical map of Utah.The third floor houses the Senate, House of Representatives, and Supreme Court of Utah. You can either climb one of the two marble staircases or take the elevator. The state legislature meets for 45 days in January and February; visitors are welcome to sit in the galleries on the fourth floor, which overlook the chambers. In front of the House of Representatives, you'll see a replica of the Liberty Bell, one of 53 bronzed and cast in France in 1950. Allow at least an hour to explore here.
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
This is among the very best art museums in the state, boasting a permanent collection of more than 17,000 objects. Displays might include Greek and Egyptian antiquities, Italian Renaissance works, art by European masters, early American art, 20th century lithographic prints and photography, and art objects from Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and African and pre-Columbian cultures. Changing exhibits highlight shows from other institutions and private collections. The 74,000-square-foot museum has over 20 galleries, a bookstore, a cafe, a community education center, and a sculpture garden. Allow 2 to 4 hours.
Governor's Mansion
Silver magnate Thomas Kearns built this palatial home in 1898, sparing no expense to make it as lavish as possible. African and Italian marble and exotic woods from around the world were used extensively throughout. Kearns' widow deeded it to the state in 1937, and the 36-room mansion is now the governor's residence. It suffered a devastating fire just before Christmas 1993, but has been fully restored to its 1902 appearance (1902 was the year that Kearns and his family first moved in). The best time to see the mansion is in December, when it's elaborately decorated for Christmas. Allow about half an hour.
Courtyard by Marriott Salt Lake City
The hotel designed by business travelers, Courtyard surrounds you with all the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel easy. Get ready for the day ahead in one of our newly renovated guest rooms featuring cable television with free HBO premium channel, comfortable sitting area, hairdryer, in-room coffee and tea service, iron and board, spacious well-lit work desk with ergonomic chair, two dataport telephones with speaker and voicemail plus and voicemail plus the new bed from ...
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