Key Element Of Golden Capitol Sculpture Departing

ST. PAUL (AP) - The golden sculpture atop Minnesota's Capitol is temporarily losing a defining feature.

Crews will use a crane Tuesday to remove the charioteer that is symbolically steering the golden horses. The figure that is part of the Quadriga sculpture is being sent off during repairs that will take about three months. It will be returned as weather permits.

The Quadriga has been a prominent fixture in front of the marble dome for more than 100 years. It has been refurbished at various points, but the charioteer figure is being removed so crews can fix corrosion at the base of the sculpture. While it's down, the charioteer figure will be regilded.

Minnesota's Capitol is several months into a $270 million renovation that will last until 2017.