State Capitol Complex – Austin, Texas
This Renaissance Revival structure, based on the architecture of the 15th century Italy is truly a sight to see. It is on the National Registry of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
The capitol exterior is "sunset red" granite, quarried just 50 miles from the site. The building is characterized by classical orders, round arches and symmetrical composition. Additional structural support is provided by masonry walls and cast iron columns and beams. With this limestone foundation the building should stand for many years to come!
The construction was not paid for in cash, it was paid for in land, some three million acres in the Texas Panhandle which would later become the famous SIT Ranch.
The capitol is the largest in gross square footage of all state capitols and is second in total size only to the National Capitol in Washington, D.C.
In 1993 there was an extensive underground Capitol Extension completed to the north, doubling the square footage available to Capitol occupants. The support buildings for the Capitol are in underground facilities leaving the capitol as the central vision of the area.
The Capitol Visitor Center is located at 112 East 11th St. (southeast corner of the Capitol grounds) in the restored 1856-57 General Land Office building.
Hours: Monday – Sunday 9 – 5, Sunday Noon – 5
Phone: 512-305-8400
Texas Capitol & Extension: Weekdays 7 am- 10 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9 am – 8 pm Hours are extended during legislative sessions.
The Capitol information and guide service is located in the restored Treasure’s Business Office on the first floor of the Capitol. Free Capitol tours are conducted daily beginning in the Capitol South Foyer and concluding in the Capitol Extension. The tour features the Capitol, Texas history, and the Texas legislature.
Tours: 45 minutes in length and available: Monday – Friday 8:30 – 4:30; Saturday, 9:30 – 3:30 and Sunday Noon – 3:30.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Day, New Years Day and Easter.
Parking is available at the Visitor Parking Garage. The first two hours are fee. Enter either from 12th or 13th St. The garage is bordered by San Jacinto and Trinity.
Accessibility: Both the Capitol and the Capitol Visitor Center buildings are wheelchair accessible.
Email: cvc.cvc@tspb.state.tx.us
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