Reception Room

State Reception Room

360 Panorama of the State Reception Room

Introduction

The curtins The State Reception Room is a formal meeting place used by the Governor and other elected officials to greet important visitors. During legislative session, legislators meet here with constituents who are visiting the Capitol. When the room is not being used by members of the state government, it is open for the public to tour and view.

The Curtains

The heavy, French velvet, red, curtains are original to the building. The state seal was embroidered by hand on each one by six women. If one looks closely, the embroidered seals are all a little different.

The Fireplaces

Over the fireplaces in the room are two interesting flags. One of the flags hangs on the west side of the room, and was carried in the statehood celebrations and parades of 1889. It has 42 stars representing Washington becoming the 42nd state. A state banner in faded green and gold can be seen over the east fireplace. The green is so old that it looks almost purple.

Chandeliers

A chandiler on the ceiling The chandeliers in the room are made of Czechoslovakian glass, and were designed by Tiffany's. Each of them weighs one ton and cost the state $5,000.00 a piece in 1928.

The Blüthner Piano

This distinctive piano was crafted by the firm of Julius Blüthner, in Leipzig, Germany, during the later part of the 19th century. In 1930, it was acquired by Hans Moldenhauer who was born on December 13, 1906, in Mainz, Germany. Dr. Moldenhauer brought the piano with him when he emigrated to the United States, in 1938. He made his home in Spokane in 1939, where he resided until his death in 1987. He bequeathed the piano to the state of Washington as an expression of his gratitude for "finding here a new home congenial to his affinities" which ranged from music to mountains. In 1989, the piano was completely restored by the Music Department of the School of Fine Arts at Eastern Washington University.

Marble

The marble on the walls in the reception room is Italian. It is sometimes called "picture-book marble" because if someone uses their imagination they can see images created by the marble veins. The marble on the floor is Belgian, and the panels above the windows are elaborately carved with mythological figures.

Carpet

Piano in corner resting on carpet The carpet was made by the Mohawk Company of New York, and was the largest single loomed machine woven carpet in the world. It is 55 1/2 by 25 1/2 feet. The carpet lies over a teak wood dance floor which is used during the inaugural ball celebrations.

State Reception Room Table

A table The seven-foot round ceremonial table in the State Reception Room was designed and constructed by the W. and J. Sloane Company of New York City. The table cost $1,000 in 1928.

The ornately carved base is made from Russian Walnut and the table top contains five different kinds of inlaid wood. During November, 2000, the table underwent a complete refinishing and once again is a very beautiful piece of furniture.

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