Capitol Tours :
Your safety is important to us. We ask that you comply with the following guidelines.
Tours fill quickly. We recommend scheduling in advance. Walk-ins are welcome according to availability.
Arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour time and check in with the guide at the information desk.
Our tours are limited to 40 guests total per tour. Book your tour online at www.pacapitol.com. You may now book one year in advance.
As a reminder self- guided tours are not permitted weekends and holidays.
Sincerely, the Capitol Tour Guides.
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Visiting the Capitol
A National Historic Landmark
Pennsylvania's State Capitol, proclaimed as one of the most beautiful in the nation, is a priceless architectural and artistic treasure, a majestic symbol of history and power, and an icon of democracy and freedom.
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The Capitol Complex
A Palace of Art
The Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex is comprised of the buildings owned by the Commonwealth and are centered around the Capitol in Harrisburg.
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Interactive Welcome Center
A fun and informative way to learn.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly's Interactive Welcome Center now has a refreshed look, new interactive exhibits and features that will make it even more fun, informative and interesting for visitors to our State Capitol.
Directions and Parking
Located in center-city Harrisburg, there are many ways to get to the Capitol and several parking opportunities. Click here for directions and parking locations.
The CapitolA National Historic Landmark
Pennsylvania's Capitol is, first and foremost, a public building belonging to the citizens of the Commonwealth. It is also a priceless architectural and artistic treasure, a majestic symbol of history and power, and an icon of democracy and freedom.
When President Theodore Roosevelt attended the dedication of the building on October 4, 1906, he said, "This is the handsomest building I ever saw." The Capitol was designed in the American Renaissance style by Philadelphia architect Joseph Huston (1866-1940), who envisioned the building as a "Palace of Art."
Built and furnished at a cost of $13 million, the Capitol features paintings, stained glass and furnishings by some of the best artisans of the day. The building incorporates various Renaissance designs in some of its largest rooms: Italian in the House Chamber, French in the Senate Chamber, and English in the Governor's Reception Room. It also reflects Greek, Roman and Victorian influences in its art and ornamentation. Throughout the building, Huston blended the various styles with motifs featuring Pennsylvania's achievements in labor, industry and history, making the Capitol uniquely American. Its five-story exterior is faced with handsome Vermont granite, and the roof is composed of green glazed terra cotta tile.
The Capitol's centerpiece is a spectacular 272-foot, 52 million-pound dome inspired by Michelangelo's design for St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Following its completion, the building was the tallest structure between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh for 80 years. While the building has been modernized over time, efforts to blend form and function continue today, and a special Capitol Preservation Committee ensures that as the building evolves, the artistic elements are never lost. The seat of Pennsylvania's government continues to inspire visitors with its wealth of art, its outstanding architecture, and its strong connection to the vision of the Commonwealth's founder, William Penn, who sought to establish a land that would be governed by just laws and tolerant of all religious faiths.
What our visitors are saying?
I am thrilled to see that you have a video tour so I can share the link with my students since they are missing their field trip due to the quarantine. I was also delighted to hear Tammy's voice on the video. Please let her know that she is our absolute favorite tour guide (I've been to the Capitol for tours over 20 times!) and she does a fantastic job speaking clearly and including all of the amazing facts that the Capitol has to offer. Thank you so much for giving our students to opportunity to see your amazing building and learn about our state's history and Capital.
4 years ago
This is a stunningly beautiful building.
5 years ago
An amazing piece of architecture. Be sure to check it out.
5 years ago
The architecture in the senate and house chambers is incredible. Worth taking the tour.
5 years ago
Very nice Capitol! Decked out In 24k gold, very opulent. Definitely recommend coming here and taking a tour, they are free but very detailed.
5 years ago
The capitol building is absolutely beautiful! I took my five-year-old son and he also enjoyed it. We walked around a bit on our own, but also went on the short (30 mins) guided tour. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. My son was a big fan of the Welcome Center downstairs in the East Wing. I look forward to going back.
6 years ago
A great place to visit when in Harrisburg.
6 years ago
History, art, architecture and learning how government works combine to make a memorable and worthwhile experience,
7 years ago
Beautiful building, free tour, friendly staff.
7 years ago