At the top of the Capitol there is a gold-leafed bronze statue. This statue, commonly known as "Forward," is officially named "Wisconsin." A picture of our state animal, the badger, is on her helmet. The statue is 15 feet high. Our state motto, adopted in 1851, is "Forward."

The Capitol is a meeting place for State of Wisconsin government officials. The State Senate and the State Assembly meet there to make state laws, the State Supreme Court sits there, and the lawmakers, justices and the governor have offices in the building.

The area around the State Capitol is known as the Capitol Square, or simply "The Square." Every year it is the scene of numerous events that are popular with the people of Madison.