JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – On Friday Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson announced that he is reopening the historic House Lounge to public tours effective Friday. Under COVID protocols, this space was closed to the public and available only upon approval by the Speaker of the House during the legislative session. Now, the House Lounge will be reopened for tours except during special events.
“We are proud to showcase the rich history of our state by inviting Missourians and visitors back into the House Lounge,” Speaker Patterson, R-Lee’s Summit, said. “As Speaker of the House, I want to make state government more accessible to constituents and that starts us.”
The House Lounge is home to the State Capitol’s most famous mural, Thomas Hart Benton’s “A Social History of the State of Missouri.” Benton was born in Neosho in 1889, he lacked formal education, yet his artistic talent propelled him to prominence within the American Regionalist movement, solidifying his status as one of the foremost painters of the 20th century. Benton’s paintings often portrayed scenes of rural America, capturing the essence of the heartland and its inhabitants. Renowned for his bold use of color and dynamic compositions, Benton’s works often sparked controversy with their realistic portrayal of American life. His mural in the House Lounge, his most renowned masterpiece, was commissioned during the Great Depression as part of the Public Works of Art Project.
Visitors can reserve a guided Missouri Capitol tour with the Missouri State Museum at www.mocapitoltours.com or by calling 573-751-2854, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Representative Jon Patterson, a Republican, represents District 30, which includes parts of Lee’s Summit. He was elected to his first two-year term in November of 2018. Rep. Patterson currently serves as Speaker of the House and is committed to making life safter, better, and more affordable for Missouri families. For more information, please contact Rep. Patterson’s office at 573- 751-0907 or via email at Jonathan.Patterson@House.Mo.Gov.