Old Cap dome gets shiny facelift

Gold leaf is carefully removed from its packaging and placed on the dome.

Work to replace the gold leaf atop the Old Capitol dome began earlier this summer by priming the dome and applying the new gold leaf section by section. The project, scaffolding, and fencing removal will be complete by Aug. 5. Photo by Tim Schoon.

Regilding the Old Capitol Dome

In preparation to regild the dome atop the Old Capitol, workers spent six weeks building the scaffolding surrounding the building.

Despite the construction surrounding the building, the Old Capitol remains open during the project.

A view from the side of the Old Capitol where workers were installing the scaffolding to regild the dome.

The new gold leaf is expected to last about 30 years.

A view of the dome as workers begin the project of regilding the gold on the dome.

Work on the dome is expected to take a total of 2.5 months.

The project began by priming the dome in sections, followed by the gilding.

A worker prepares the dome for the layer of gold, which was to be applied a day after this picture was taken.

The existing gold leaf was removed using a low dust micro-abrasive blasting process.

Workers on the project are unrolling gold leaf to stretch and place on the dome.

After much study and discussion in the spring, it was recommended that the most cost-effective and long-term solution to restoring the failing gold leaf was to regild the dome this summer.

The project is expected to be completed by Aug. 5.

By: Office of Strategic Communication | 2022.07.25 | 09:33 am

Work to replace the gold leaf on the University of Iowa’s most iconic building began in late May and is entering its final phase.

UI photographer Tim Schoon captured these photos of Old Capitol throughout the summer.

In a nutshell, the project has included:

Removal of the existing, worn gold leaf on the dome using a low-dust blasting process.
Application of a primer to help the new gold leaf properly adhere.
Application of new gold leaf, section by section.

Project managers say it is on time and expected to be finished by Aug. 5, when the removal of scaffolding is scheduled to begin.

We look forward to the start of the fall 2022 semester and welcoming our Hawkeyes back to campus.

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