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An annual tradition at the capitol is the unveiling of the capitol ornament. The 2013 ornament was just recently unveiled and features the skylights of the legislative chambers of the Texas Senate and House of Representatives. The ornament is finished in 24k gold.
This is the eighteenth in a series of capitol ornaments, which began in 1996. The capitol ornaments have featured some of the most recognizable symbols of our state; more recently, the ornaments represent an architectural or decorative aspect of the capitol building. Past ornaments have depicted the state flag (1998); the lone star (1999); the state seal (2000); the capitol gates (2003); the interior of the capitol dome (2004); the goddess of liberty that sits atop of the capitol dome; the great seal as it appears in the capitol rotunda (2008); and the chamber chandeliers (2011).
Over $5 million has been raised from ornament sales over the past seventeen years. Proceeds from the sale of these ornaments go toward programs such as brochures for self-guided tours of the capitol and grounds; creating historical and education exhibits at the capitol visitors' center; restoration and maintenance of capitol historic artifacts such as original artwork and furnishings; and other necessary preservation needs. The 2013 ornament is available online at www.TexasCapitolGiftshop.com and in the Capitol Visitors Center, the Capitol Gift Shop or in the Texas State History Museum Store. The ten most recent ornaments (2004-2013) are also available. Ornaments may also be purchased by calling 1-888-678-5556.
For more information regarding any matter of state government, please contact my office by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by emailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us. My district office phone number is (903) 891-7297.
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