New York State Capitol
State St. and Washington Ave, Albany, NY
Set at the top of State Street hill, the capitol has been the seat of New York State government since the 1880s. Featuring hand-built masonry in a blend of Renaissance and Romanesque architectural styles, the building is a National Historic Landmark, regarded as one of the most beautiful state capitols in the country.
Explore the New York State Capitol at your own pace on a self-guided tour, a 20-stop self-guided audio tour, or a 45-minute guided tour, available daily during the week. Highlights include the historic staircases (including the Million Dollar Staircase), Senate Chamber, Governor’s Reception Room, Hall of New York, and the Hall of Governors.
You can combine a visit to the capitol with a tour of nearby Empire State Plaza and attractions such as the Corning Tower Observation Deck or the New York State Museum.
There’s no admission fee to the New York State Capitol.
Guided tours for groups of 10 or more people must be arranged in advance.
Security measures include a metal detector and X-ray for bags. Leave large bags and backpacks at home.
The New York State Capitol stands at the northern end of Empire State Plaza, on top of State Street hill. Paid parking is available on State Street and Washington Avenue, under Empire State Plaza, or at the Riverfront and Green-Hudson Garages. Several buses stop nearby, including the 214, 224, 233, 519, 530, and NX. Free bike racks can be found around Empire State Plaza.
The capitol is open from morning to evening Monday through Friday. Guided tours are available three times a day, plus there are early-evening tours on Fridays during the summer and monthly on the first Friday through early December. While reservations aren’t necessary for groups under 10, space is limited and it’s a good idea to reserve in advance to secure your spot.
One of the highlights of the New York State Capitol is the Great Western Staircase, also known as the Million Dollar Staircase. Built at a cost of nearly $1.5 million, the massive staircase contains 444 steps and features 77 mostly famous faces carved into it, which took more than 500 stone carvers more than 14 years to complete.
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