Capitol dome reopening set for Thursday

State officials will be holding a dedication ceremony Thursday to mark the reopening of the newly restored Colorado Capitol dome.

The $17 million project was necessary because Colorado’s intense freeze-thaw cycle caused the exterior metal surfaces to deteriorate during the past 100 years. Cast iron columns that support the dome began to rust, and when a 10-pound piece of iron fell in 2006, it prompted the closure of the dome’s observation deck to visitors.

The dome also was re-gilded with 65 ounces of gold.

The first public tour of the dome and observation deck will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday following the dedication ceremony.