HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Capitol Building is glowing once more, thanks to its newly installed state-of-the-art lighting system that is now fully operational—and weeks ahead of schedule. The Department of General Services (DGS) proudly announced the completion of the highly anticipated upgrade, ensuring that the Capitol continues its long-standing tradition of illuminating its iconic façade in colors that reflect special causes and events that unite Pennsylvanians.
Jason Snyder, DGS Deputy Secretary for Property and Asset Management, highlighted the deeper purpose behind the project, stating, “The installation of this new lighting system reflects our commitment to maintaining the beauty and functionality of the Capitol building while honoring the many causes and events that bring Pennsylvanians together. We are excited to see the Capitol illuminated once again and thank all those involved in expediting the replacement process.”
A Symbol of Resilience and Unity
This isn’t just about lights—it’s about preserving one of Pennsylvania’s most powerful symbols of unity and community engagement. The Capitol dome, often lit with colors tailored to significant occasions, has been a beacon of solidarity for years. Whether it’s raising awareness for diabetes by casting the building in blue or celebrating Pride Month with a vibrant array of hues, these lights bring attention to issues and accomplishments that matter to Pennsylvanians.
The upgraded system now offers more than just reliability—it delivers versatility and a stunning visual impact. The advanced fixtures, installed after months of careful planning and labor, blend red, blue, green, and white tones to create an endless spectrum of colors. This ensures the Capitol remains a visual centerpiece for celebrations, awareness efforts, and other landmark events without interruption.
Replacing the Past, Brightening the Future
The previous lighting system, installed in 2013 on the balcony of the Lieutenant Governor’s office, had suffered irreparable damage from a power surge earlier this year. Age-related wear had further compromised its functionality. Prior to that system, the Capitol relied on colored gels to create similar displays, a method first employed in 2007 to commemorate World Diabetes Day.
The old system averaged around 95 custom lightings per year, dedicating its dazzling colors to statewide and local causes. The new fixtures not only retain that tradition but push it further with upgraded energy efficiency and cutting-edge technology to ensure seamless transitions and unforgettable displays. Efficiency meets innovation in this system, ensuring that the Capitol shines brighter, longer, and more reliably than ever before.
The Community’s Capitol
The new lighting policy ensures the Capitol remains a symbol for everyone. Individuals or groups can request the building be illuminated in specific colors to honor days, weeks, or months that commemorate special causes or initiatives. For instance:
- Single-day observances (e.g., Women’s Day) have the Capitol lit in designated colors for one day.
- For longer observances (e.g., Pride Month), the building will shine for a maximum of two consecutive days.
On all other days, the Capitol will default to its classic white illumination—a timeless symbol of Pennsylvania’s heritage. The Governor’s Office maintains discretion over special requests, including holiday-related displays, ensuring the Capitol remains a responsive emblem of its people’s goals and values.
A Beacon for Generations
This new system isn’t just a maintenance upgrade—it’s a renewal of the Capitol’s role as a vibrant cultural and civic centerpiece. Since 2007, lighting the Capitol has been about more than aesthetic appeal; it resonates as a shared commitment to progress, inclusion, and civic pride.
The enhanced display ensures that Pennsylvanians can continue to gather, reflect, and celebrate together under the glow of meaningful colors. As the heart of the Commonwealth, the Capitol now stands ready to illuminate public passions for decades to come.
This achievement also speaks to the ingenuity and teamwork behind the project. Finishing weeks in advance is no small feat, and Pennsylvanians can now enjoy this renewed tradition as they close out the year.
Lighting the Way Forward
Some may see a building illuminated in colorful hues. But for Pennsylvanians, it’s a reminder that the Capitol is more than its stately architecture—it is a living, breathing representation of the causes, people, and progress that define the Commonwealth.
The new lighting system is up and running, showcasing not only the beauty of Pennsylvania’s Capitol but the unity of purpose that drives its residents. By combining innovation with tradition, the Capitol stands as a shining symbol of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going together.
The lights are back, Pennsylvania. And they’re brighter than ever.
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