Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex image

Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex

State government office

Historic 1906 beaux arts landmark with a signature dome, stained glass, art, treasures & tours. People often mention tour, building, beautiful, Capitol, guide, architecture, free, history, Pennsylvania, rotunda,


Address

501 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17120, United States

Website

www.pacapitol.com

Contact

+1 800-868-7672

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (328 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 7 am to 6 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: 9 am to 4 pm
  • Monday: 7 am to 6 pm
  • Tuesday: 7 am to 6 pm
  • Wednesday: 7 am to 6 pm
  • Thursday: 7 am to 6 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tour (30) building (24) beautiful (18) Capitol (12) guide (10) architecture (9) free (9) history (9) Pennsylvania (8) rotunda (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Brian D. 8 months ago on Google • 905 reviews
    Hands down the most awesome capital building I've been in yet. Well, it rivals New Yorks. The staircase is stunning as well as the rotunda. The House and Senate chambers blew my mind. I'd love to sit in on one. The light fixtures were amazing. The fountain out front also makes this capital building special. I'd visit again if I make it to Harrisburg again.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Han S. 9 months ago on Google • 881 reviews
    Beautiful State Capitol building! Although if you visit during the weekend, there is not much to see other than the exterior and the rotunda inside. Cool architecture. Street parking is mostly free in Downtown Harrisburg, and there were plenty of available spots when I was driving around the area. Definitely recommended!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevin L. 5 years ago on Google
    This was a very beautiful building to see and to walk around take a tour of. The architecture and paintings were fantastic. This is something that you should see if you are in the area. Parking can be a little bit difficult, but you can find a spot if you keep looking.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 John H. 5 years ago on Google
    A beautiful building sitting on well maintained grounds that is well worth a visit if you are in Harrisburg, PA. One can generally find street parking within walking distance of the Capitol Building. One has to go through security to get into the building, which is a lot easier if one is selective in terms of what one carries. Plan to have lunch in the cafeteria -- a good selection at reasonable prices.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan M. 1 year ago on Google • 213 reviews
    Definitely one of the best state houses in the United States! The tour of the Capitol building lasted about 30 minutes. On it you get to see the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Senate, and Supreme Court. All of the rooms on the tour are beautiful. The lunettes in the arches of the rotunda are spectacular. The chandeliers are one of a kind, as they were designed by James Tiffany. Each part of the Capitol building has paintings depicting Pennsylvania state history in larger than life fashion. Statues of famous Pennsylvanians can also be spotted around the rotunda. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is actually the oldest Supreme Court in the United States. On some days it is possible to see the legislature in action, other times it is not. The tour is easy to find once in the rotunda. Tickets are free, but you should reserve a space ahead of time. Tour guides are knowledgeable and friendly. Also, take a walk around the Capitol Complex outside if you get the change. Very nice area!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nate B. 10 months ago on Google • 753 reviews
    I really enjoyed this place. I took a walk around the ground. The historic buildings are a must to see if you go to Harrisburg. It was clean and safe. I would definitely recommend this place.

  • 5/5 Phil B. 9 months ago on Google • 86 reviews
    A lot of people in the States seem to rate Pennsylvania’s state capitol as the most beautiful. It’s certainly very elegant outside, especially from the fountain side, although I found the decoration inside too heavy. The tour, however, was excellent, done at a brisk pace but full of information by an engaging and knowledgeable guide, and there was plenty of literature about the building and Pennsylvania that we were encouraged to take away. Only potential problem is that the website for booking tours doesn’t work outside the States, so I had to get a U.S. friend to book it for me - worth knowing for other overseas visitors as you can only enter on a tour on weekends and holidays, and the tours are in any case worth doing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mukaram S. 4 months ago on Google • 524 reviews
    Very well maintained historic architectural complex. Watch the steps for demonstrations. There is convenient parking around.

  • 5/5 Jane H. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazingly beautiful architecture and art work! Definitely look online and book the free tour in advance! The tour guide was great, talked about the history, art work and meanings behind how things came to be. Visited the rotunda, house and Senate chambers, as well the supreme court. Highly recommend the tour!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M.P. 2 years ago on Google
    Ok, you need to visit and watch it by your own eyes to appreciate the beauty..pictures don't do the justice at all...the design and architectural beauty is beyond excellent, breathtaking. Also make sure to sign up online for the tour, gets filled pretty quickly...has a park near by, also many museums...Harrisburg is a charming little city.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Darryl S. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the most impressive Capitol buildings I've seen in my travels. if you're in the area it's worth taking a walk around.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joshua B. 6 years ago on Google
    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 and it seems like she truly loves her job and the building. My son was a big fan of the Welcome Center downstairs in the East Wing. If you go on a weekday, I believe you're able to walk through more of the building on your own - they have more portions closed off on the weekends. I look forward to going back. It truly is a sight to see.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yaraslau Y. 1 year ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Beautiful Capitol complex! Breathtaking interior with one-of-a-kind Mercer tiles, superb mosaics, paintings, golden chandeliers, etc. Sign up for a free guided tour if you can. Our guide was super knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions we had about the building/interior/PA Commonwealth in general. Great experience overall. I’ve heard the building looks beautiful during the night but unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to look at it after dusk.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sophie X. 1 year ago on Google
    They have New Year’s decorations and it is really sweet I really enjoyed the tour and the explanations from the guide. besides I took longer time on the fourth floor enjoying all the decorations and the quietness.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natalie A. 2 years ago on Google
    Definitely worth booking the tour online on the website,tour guide was phenomenal and was about 45min in length. Recommend visiting the gift shop on the fifth floor and be sure to take a look at the tiles made by Henry Mercer in the grand Rotunda beautiful and breathtaking experience. Strongly recommend at least going once on your life.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abhi Reddy D. 6 months ago on Google • 117 reviews
    We were able to go on a guided tour, the person who was a guide that day was super nice and accommodated us the last minute. Its a beautiful capitol building and the interior architecture was just gorgeous.

  • 5/5 Ganesh P. 6 months ago on Google • 52 reviews
    One of the most beautiful state capitol. The capitol building and surrounding architectures also are very beautiful. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history of PA and the capitol building in particular.

  • 5/5 Janie M. 1 year ago on Google • 50 reviews
    We did a guided tour with the school that I work for. The tour is definitely geared towards high schoolers and adults. Our guide was very detailed and knowledgeable about the building. If you are interested in stained glass, murals, architecture, light fixtures, or just beautiful, ornate buildings this is the tour for you. If you want to get a lot out of your visit, plan with your local representative to meet them in person. You may want to come on a day that is in session so you can see our government at work!

  • 4/5 Linda D. 11 months ago on Google
    I didn't get to see the whole thing as it is only open to tours on the weekend however I definitely want to go back and take a tour. What I did see look beautiful it was very informative and I got to see a lot of beautiful Pennsylvania history

  • 5/5 Sailesh S. 1 year ago on Google
    The Pennsylvania State Capitol Building is an absolute must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture. From the moment you step inside the grand entrance hall, you'll be in awe of the building's stunning design and attention to detail. The interior is beautifully decorated with marble, mosaics, and gold leaf, and the Rotunda is particularly breathtaking. If you happen to be in the vicinity of Harrisburg, I suggest you take advantage of the opportunity to visit this place free of charge.

  • 5/5 Sam S. 1 year ago on Google
    Spectacularly beautiful building, words can't describe it! Take a free tour and learn about the interesting history of this unique building. There's unique architecture and artwork everywhere you look!

  • 5/5 Khanhlinh Le B. 1 year ago on Google
    Pretty places to visit. State capital historic places. Nice to walk around see the city . 😍😍

  • 5/5 JASSIN 1 year ago on Google
    Great architectures. You can also learn the history of the building inside. They are conducting free tour, the one we attend is 1pm

  • 5/5 Simone P. 1 year ago on Google
    Downtown is beautiful at night. It is so good to walk during the night and see this beautiful Architecture. Harrisburg, PA has your charm.

  • 5/5 Natalee P. 1 year ago on Google
    I enjoy the architecture and history of this building. Great photo opportunities and gorgeous views from the front steps and around back around the fountains. Don’t miss stopping by to enjoy the architecture and views!

  • 4/5 Sushila N. 5 years ago on Google
    The Pennsylvania State Capitol building is one of the most ornate in the country. It is absolutely lovely and worth checking out. Book a free tour on the state capital website. It can get crowded and reserving a place is a good idea. The tour allows you to see rooms you would not be able to get to otherwise. In the weekend you have to use the main rotunda entrance which is on Third and state street. There is lots of street parking and there is wheel chair access. You have to go through security so get there a little early. There was no queue in the weekend but during the week it can get crowded.

  • 5/5 Lawrence G. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful structure inside and out! Walking the grounds is always enjoyable. It grants deep appreciation for the history of our great state.

  • 5/5 Hennesey 1 year ago on Google
    Capitol building is beautiful. A pleasure to drive past it 🙌

  • 5/5 Dennis B. 2 years ago on Google
    A friend of ours who used to work at the State Museum took us to the Capitol for a tour last Saturday (4/2). Glad that we went, since it turned out to be more spectacular than we had imagined. Saw the dome, reception area, House of Representatives, the Senate and the Supreme Court chambers and was blown away! The tour guide has been doing the tour gig for 23 years and certainly knew her stuff. Would love to go back during the week, when other areas are opened. If you get the chance to take a tour, which is free, do so. You need to call the Capitol for a booking.


Call +1 800-868-7672 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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