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Gov. Mark Dayton and other state officials gathered outside the Minnesota Capitol Friday to celebrate the building's ceremonial reopening after a four-year, top-to-bottom renovation.


The Capitol returned to full use in January, but some detail work was only completed in the past few weeks. 

Celebrate the restored Capitol with an audio tour

Minnesota State Capitol rises, 1896-1905

Behind the scenes of the Capitol face-lift

The formal grand opening event beginning Friday calls for concerts, fireworks set to Minnesota music and political panels. It runs through Sunday.

 
"I just treasure every moment I walk in there," Dayton said in a speech to start the three-day celebration. "I get tingles in my spine when I look at see how much brighter it is now, how much clearer, how much cleaner."

The $310 million renovation required the temporary displacement of offices, including Dayton's and the Legislature's. The governor also thanked lawmakers for the unselfish action to make the project work.

"I hope you can all appreciate that this weekend, especially those of you who are visiting here for the first time, and appreciate the effort that went into this undertaking," he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Gallery

Tim Pugmire

Author

The Minnesota State Capitol is open again after four years of renovations, and Minnesotans are celebrating with a three-day  party.

Evan Frost | MPR News

A man in a top hat watches the ribbon cutting. 

Dayton kicks off weekend bash for State Capitol's grand reopening

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