The Capitol has been located in Tallahassee since 1824. The structure today has been restored to its 1902 version, primarily because that is when the dome was added to the building. For many Floridians, the dome is a familiar symbol of state government. The art glass "subdome" allows light into the rotunda.
The Historic Capitol underwent restoration from 1978-1982, when it opened as a museum site of the Museum of Florida History. Among the restorations were the addition of 21-inch steel sliding doors within the walls. In case of fire, a heat activated alarm triggers the doors to close off the rotunda.