PHOTOS: A look at Lansing's $3M restoration to Michigan's State Capitol rotunda

LANSING, Mich. (WWMT) — A $3 million project that aimed to restore the rotunda of Michigan's State Capitol Building is nearing completion.

Friday, WWMT got an up-close look at the restorations, including a harrowing climb to the rotunda's oculus to view various paintings gracing the dome.

"We're really pleased with the way that it turned out, we did not have any major hiccups if you will," Barb Thumudo, assistant director of Capitol Facilities, said. "The scaffold went up in August and we're actually a month ahead of schedule from what we originally estimated it would take so, we're very proud of the fact that we're going to have it done quicker and under budget and that way we can get that beautiful rotunda view back for folks to see when they enter the Capitol."

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Rising 160 feet above the first floor of the State Capitol Building, the 150-year-old rotunda stuns visitors with 976 pieces of glass, each about 5/8 of an inch thick, according to the Michigan Legislature.

At the top, the oculus or "eye" of the rotunda's dome sparkles with a depiction of a starry night sky, while paintings of eight muses wait just below.

Painted by Tommaso Jugularis in 1886, each of the eight muses inspired by Grecian and Roman mythology represent art, agriculture, law, science, justice, industry, commerce and education, according to officials.

"The Rotunda was designed with one purpose in mind: to awe and inspire," officials said. "As you gaze into the starry sky high above, you feel that all the endless possibilities it represents is just within your grasp. The muses are there, offering their assistance and guidance, while encouraging us all to “reach for our stars.”

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The last time the rotunda was restored was between 1989 and 1992, according to state officials.

Restoration work won't be needed again for another 40 years.