Pennsylvania State Capitol
Pennsylvania State Capitol
4.5
About
Teddy Roosevelt declared that this Italian Renaissance-style building was the handsomest building I ever saw. Indeed, the State Capitol, with its vaulted dome and grand staircase and the murals and painted floors inside, is thing to behold.
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The area
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How to get there
- Harrisburg Transportation Center • 7 min walk
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Restaurants
332 within 5 kms
Attractions
103 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- PaleoGypsyPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania2,140 contributionsA Worthwhile StopAs you will be going through a security check, make sure that you understand this before you visit. Public parking is available. Download the app ahead of time. You may take photos. The building and artifacts are really something. The length of the visit correlates to your level of interest.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten April 2, 2023
- Holly OColumbus, Ohio21 contributionsGreat Quick Visit to Harrisburg!We had a blast in Harrisburg PA! We started out visit with a late afternoon tour of the gorgeous State Capital building then drove along the river and saw a the cool bridges. The next morning we toured the National Civil War museum which was very well done and informative. We had time to go to Hershey too before we headed to a car meet in Gettysburg.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten May 29, 2023
- Peggy TSingapore, Singapore844 contributionsHarrisburg Artistic State Capitol BuildingThis is a must visit place. It is at the historical street where you find a row of different churches too. When I was there happen to come across candidates speaking on air about education, policy, etc. The entire building is fabulouus, so much to see and explore. I visited their Senate Library, museum, etc. A huge building with state of the art articture, etc. They do provide short tour around the building too.Visited June 2023Travelled soloWritten July 2, 2023
- ChemTeacherTravellerYpsilanti, Michigan743 contributionsBuilding is beautiful, tour worthwhileIt was a rainy day in Harrisburg, and I was looking for indoor things to do. The Pennsylvania State Capitol offers free tours, but I didn't want to lock in a time, so I just showed up for the 3:30 pm tour. (The website shows whether a time slot is full, which really helped.) The tour started right on time under the main dome. (I walked up the front steps, went through security, and was right there. Bathrooms are right after security.) Our tour guide was AMAZING! I went after the sessions were done for the day, so the guide was able to talk about the art in the House and Senate chambers. You also get to go in the elevator and the Supreme Court. I've been to several state capitols, and most are impressive, but this is truly a "Palace of Art"! So glad I went! Highly recommended.Visited June 2023Written July 6, 2023
- Michael K995 contributionsAll that glitters is goldThis is a magnificient building both inside and outside. To see the interior, you must join a tour. We didn't sign up in advance but they just let us join the next tour anyway, which included the Senate Chamber, the Supreme Court, and the House Chamber. The tour guide mentioned of the liberal use of gold in the decoration and it costs $13 million when it was built in the early 20th century. It was beautiful and well worth a visit.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 24, 2023
- Rita SStockport, United Kingdom273 contributionsJust stunning!This place is absolutely stunning. We always try to visit a state capitol building whilst in the US and I have got to say all the others are going to pale into insignificance after this one. We were so lucky to catch the final tour of the day, you can do a self guided tour but would really recommend the half hour guided tour, gives a building soul! Just me and hubby on the tour and the lady was really nice and definitely knew her stuff, what a beautiful place to work. The paintings are amazing as are the glass windows and dome, I have seen European palaces less glitzy than this! Make sure you pick up the A4 size free brochure as a souvenir on your way out. 100% recommend a visit here. Parking outside on the streets is on a meter and is $4 an hour.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 28, 2023
- Shawn HWashington DC, District of Columbia413 contributionsSoaring Artistry Open to the PublicWe sauntered up to the Capitol grounds on a chilly Thanksgiving. The building is scaled monumentally, set on a hill in Harrisburg. It is more ornate and detailed then the average capitol, with some truly spectacular artwork. We were surpised that even on Thanksgiving, the front door was open for the general public to proceed through security. This allowed you straight into the atrium under the dome - where you could look up at the spectacular murals and artistry. There were some modest historical exhibits around the periphery and the beginnings of the Christmas tree and holiday decorations being installed. While we didn't get to go on a broader tour, even standing udner the dome is worth the effort, particularly if you can find easy street parking nearby, as we did on a holiday.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten December 2, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
977 reviews
Excellent
753
Very good
182
Average
29
Poor
7
Terrible
6
Shawn H
Washington DC, DC413 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We sauntered up to the Capitol grounds on a chilly Thanksgiving. The building is scaled monumentally, set on a hill in Harrisburg. It is more ornate and detailed then the average capitol, with some truly spectacular artwork. We were surpised that even on Thanksgiving, the front door was open for the general public to proceed through security. This allowed you straight into the atrium under the dome - where you could look up at the spectacular murals and artistry. There were some modest historical exhibits around the periphery and the beginnings of the Christmas tree and holiday decorations being installed. While we didn't get to go on a broader tour, even standing udner the dome is worth the effort, particularly if you can find easy street parking nearby, as we did on a holiday.
Written December 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rita S
Stockport, UK273 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This place is absolutely stunning. We always try to visit a state capitol building whilst in the US and I have got to say all the others are going to pale into insignificance after this one. We were so lucky to catch the final tour of the day, you can do a self guided tour but would really recommend the half hour guided tour, gives a building soul! Just me and hubby on the tour and the lady was really nice and definitely knew her stuff, what a beautiful place to work. The paintings are amazing as are the glass windows and dome, I have seen European palaces less glitzy than this! Make sure you pick up the A4 size free brochure as a souvenir on your way out. 100% recommend a visit here. Parking outside on the streets is on a meter and is $4 an hour.
Written October 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael K
995 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This is a magnificient building both inside and outside. To see the interior, you must join a tour. We didn't sign up in advance but they just let us join the next tour anyway, which included the Senate Chamber, the Supreme Court, and the House Chamber. The tour guide mentioned of the liberal use of gold in the decoration and it costs $13 million when it was built in the early 20th century. It was beautiful and well worth a visit.
Written October 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lemens L
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
Tour capital BLD and got in as last people cause someone did not show up. Important to plan ahead and get on list. We would have waited 3 tours. Great information and details
Written October 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JeffBreedlove
Atlanta, GA4,347 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The exterior of the building is stunningly beautiful. The rotunda ARA inside is quite nice.
Here are the areas for improvement:
There are, ironically, very few things to actually see inside - one suspects they do so to get visitors to the state museum
The gift shop closes before the building does to visitors - yet they don’t tell visitors that - we missed the gift shop because of this
When not in session, the floor should be open to visit and take photos
Just a few things to be aware of
Here are the areas for improvement:
There are, ironically, very few things to actually see inside - one suspects they do so to get visitors to the state museum
The gift shop closes before the building does to visitors - yet they don’t tell visitors that - we missed the gift shop because of this
When not in session, the floor should be open to visit and take photos
Just a few things to be aware of
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brendan P
Lancaster, PA12 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Went for a tour today in the capital building and it was really cool and interesting to learn the history of the building and to see where all the branches of government are taken place in Pennsylvania. Highly recommend
Written July 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChemTeacherTraveller
Ypsilanti, MI743 contributions
Jun 2023
It was a rainy day in Harrisburg, and I was looking for indoor things to do. The Pennsylvania State Capitol offers free tours, but I didn't want to lock in a time, so I just showed up for the 3:30 pm tour. (The website shows whether a time slot is full, which really helped.) The tour started right on time under the main dome. (I walked up the front steps, went through security, and was right there. Bathrooms are right after security.) Our tour guide was AMAZING! I went after the sessions were done for the day, so the guide was able to talk about the art in the House and Senate chambers. You also get to go in the elevator and the Supreme Court. I've been to several state capitols, and most are impressive, but this is truly a "Palace of Art"! So glad I went! Highly recommended.
Written July 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peggy T
Singapore, Singapore844 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
This is a must visit place. It is at the historical street where you find a row of different churches too. When I was there happen to come across candidates speaking on air about education, policy, etc. The entire building is fabulouus, so much to see and explore. I visited their Senate Library, museum, etc. A huge building with state of the art articture, etc. They do provide short tour around the building too.
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holly O
Columbus, OH21 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We had a blast in Harrisburg PA! We started out visit with a late afternoon tour of the gorgeous State Capital building then drove along the river and saw a the cool bridges. The next morning we toured the National Civil War museum which was very well done and informative. We had time to go to Hershey too before we headed to a car meet in Gettysburg.
Written May 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kmc11_11
Waynesburg, PA276 contributions
May 2023
My children didn't remember much of their previous visit to the Capital, so while traveling through the area to visit family, we stopped to visit again.
Capital is a beautiful building with amazing architecture and art work. We did a free guided tour (on-line reservation) and visited the House, Senate, and Supreme Court spaces. Self guided tours are possible, but the tour guide was great for the history and information she added to the tour.
Being a government building the usual security is in place at the entrances, but it was not difficult.
Capital is a beautiful building with amazing architecture and art work. We did a free guided tour (on-line reservation) and visited the House, Senate, and Supreme Court spaces. Self guided tours are possible, but the tour guide was great for the history and information she added to the tour.
Being a government building the usual security is in place at the entrances, but it was not difficult.
Written May 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wtpoohb
Prattville, AL706 contributions
Hello,
I saw your review about the state capitol. I'm planning on being in Harrisburg March 15-19. I plan to see the capital building. Do you have any other recommendations? We will have a car so we can travel out a bit.
Michael A
18 contributions
Deff go to Hershey Park, and Harrisburg Museum
Why was the pool red in 2009?
Doris U
Harrisburg, PA5 contributions
I have seen the fountain look red, on occasion. I remember thinking that someone put too much red into the fountain works. But I am sure that it was in October, and when they had tinted the fountain pink for Breast Cancer Awareness. It is also possible that the time and temperature may have been factors.
luv4kids4172
Franklin, VA1 contribution
Our church is taking a trip to PA to visit Hershey Park during July While in PA i would like us to tour the capital building ,I would like to know do we need to book for a group tour of the capital building.
handymandave
Harrisburg, PA20 contributions
Tours are available.
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
9:00, 11:00 a.m., 1:00 & 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Sundays and most holidays
Call 1-800-868-7672 to schedule
In addition to visiting the Welcome Center, you may want to consider a 30-minute guided tour of “the handsomest building” President Theodore Roosevelt ever saw. Capitol Tour Guides are available to point out the architectural and artistic highlights, and to make the Capitol’s history come alive for you.
Guided tours of Pennsylvania's Capitol are offered every half hour Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Weekends and most holidays tours are offered at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. The Capitol is closed for tours New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Schedule subject to change without notice.
Tour the Capitol when you are "tour'n PA" by calling the Tour Guide Office 1 - 800 - TOUR N PA (868-7672). Advanced reservations are suggested and required for groups of 10 or more. For your safety, and the safety of others, group size is limited to 80.
Jen H
Chicago, IL
What areas are included in the tour? Is there a lot of walking or is it mostly talking? Do you take the stairs or elevators? Where do you meet for the tour to begin? Would it be interesting for my 12 yr old? Thanks in advance!
TommyBoy94
Philadelphia, PA742 contributions
I was on my own, too. Lobbying as well. Usually 12 year-olds are not too interested in this type of tour unless he or she is unusually interested in architecture or government. I think it's better to just go inside casually with the young 'un and informally walk around.
How much is a guided tour for adults & children? How long does it take?
BandV1066
Perryville, MD8 contributions
I believe the guided tours are free. There is no mention of a fee in a brochure we picked up on-site, and no mention of a fee on the web site for the State Capitol. The tours last 30 minutes. Monday through Friday, the tours run every half hour from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. Weekends and holidays, tours are offered at 9 AM and 11 AM, and 1 PM and 3 PM. And there are self-guided brochures available at the information desk if you want to go that route.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pennsylvania State Capitol
- Hotels near Pennsylvania State Capitol:
- (0.30 km) Hilton Harrisburg
- (0.67 km) City House Bed and Breakfast
- (0.47 km) Crowne Plaza Harrisburg-Hershey, an IHG Hotel
- (0.44 km) Downtown Artist Enclave
- (0.44 km) Quirky Downtown Loft
- Restaurants near Pennsylvania State Capitol:
- (0.05 km) El Rancho Restaurante y Pupuseria
- (0.15 km) Cafe Fresco Center City
- (0.15 km) Mc Grath Pub
- (0.16 km) Stock's on 2nd
- (0.16 km) Carley's Ristorante