The two 7,500-pound bronze state seals that normally hang from the Capitol building have been taken down for the first time since the building was completed 40 years ago.

The seals, which are 15 feet in diameter, are being cleaned and inspected.

It took three days to remove each seal from the four chains that hang them on the north and south sides of the volcano-like building.

The job will cost the state $312,000. Art preservationist Rosa Lowinger was hired as conservator of the project.

They will be cleansed, and the conservator will put a protective coating on them.

State Comptroller Russ Saito said the seals should be back in place in August.