Grand Staircase

One of two staircases within the late-nineteenth century addition, the Grand Staircase provides access from the ceremonial halls of the second floor to the representatives' chambers on the third. Wrought iron rails are of an original pattern called ""Black Lace,"" designed by John Williams Company of New York. On the landing of the split stairs is a Palladian stained glass window containing the earliest seals of Massachusetts as well as those of the royal governors. Frank Hill Smith painted the coved ceiling with the names of four colonial patriots (Samuel Adams, John Hancock, James Otis, and Joseph Warren) surrounded by allegorical symbols and references to Massachusetts; this is capped with a plaid-patterned laylight. The Grand Staircase is frequently used for meetings, performances, and other public gatherings.