Capitol, Austin

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I went with a tourist guide group to visit the Capitol and it was worth it. There are too many things to know about it and too many things happened here. I did not know that were the Spanish who took the caws and horses to Texas ...

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My first idea, when visiting the Capitol, was to visit the Visitors Center first as it was closest to the parking lot, but on Sundays it doesn't open until later. So, I discovered the Capitol Building first. Honestly, it doesn't really matter...

The Capitol Visitors Center is more of a Texas History museum than anything else. They have different movies of Texas when it was becoming a (country first!) state. They have small rooms and areas but I didn't explore all of them because I'm pretty claustrophobic.

They have lots of fun things for kids, though. Plenty of games and historical problem solving games. Check out the pictures and travelogue for details.

The building is in the restored 1856-57 General Land Office building. The three-story castle-like structure reflects the mid-19th century mock-medieval revival architectural style and is the oldest state office building in Texas.

They also have a really cool traveler center where you can pick up hundreds of Texas travel brochures.

Admission is free, and self-guided tour information and pamphlets are also available. Self-guided tour literature and pamphlets are also available in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Italian, Russian, Korean and Spanish.

Capitol Visitors Center :

Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday Noon - 5:00 pm

512.305.8400

Capitol Visitors Center Giftshop:

Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday 10:00 am- 5:00 pm

Sunday Noon - 5:00 pm

512.305.8408

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I didn't know if I wanted to visit the capitol on a Sunday afternoon but I found to like it very much. On a Sunday there weren't huge groups of people and many of the rooms were open to view. That's not bad for a National Historical Landmark.

There is parking available for visitors. On Sunday there was plenty of parking and it was FREE (yeehaw). I just followed the signs as I arrived in the area. The signs show you where to park. You can also meter park on the street leading up to the Capitol Building.

When I arrived I toured the outside statues first. There are many plaques commemorating soldiers who fought and died in the Civil War for the Confederacy. There is also a Volunteer Firefighters memorial.

After getting some lovely pictures of the building I went inside the (huge) doors. Instantly I went through metal detectors (which always make me feel important). Then you walk into a grand hallway. As I was arriving a tour was starting. I listened to some great pieces of information, and having taught all the concepts in my classroom, I went about touring on my own. In the old Treasury Dept room you can find the self-guided tour guides. But you really don't need it. You'll find the Senate and House of Representatives rooms pretty easily.

When you're in the middle of the general area make sure to look up at the beautifully designed dome. It really is spectacular. And you'll find many people in very funny positions trying to snap some photos. Some even lie on the floor on their backs to get the perfect shot.

The gift shop is a bit confusing, though. You go down the elevators (or stairs) and then down a quiet hallway. Very strange if you ask me...

Great field trip for kids, though, and you can talk a lot about government. Only downside was the Supreme Court was open.

After touring the Capitol make sure to visit the Capitol Visitors Center on the grounds, towards the parking lot.

BEST PART: FREE! I didn't spend a dime...until I got to the gift shop :)

Texas Capitol & Extension

Weekdays 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm

Hours are extended during legislative sessions.

The Capitol Information and Guide Services is located in the restored Treasurer'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. This tour features the Capitol, Texas history, and the Texas legislature.

Tours are generally 45 minutes in length and available during the following times:

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Saturday, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Sunday, Noon- 3:30 pm

The Visitors Center , the Visitors Center Giftshop and the Capitol will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Day and Easter

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When strollling through Austin, it's virtually impossible to miss the tall, imposing dome of the Capitol Building.

Atop the dome rests a 16 foot tall Goddess of Liberty with a five pointed star in her hand (pic #4). This Renaissance Revival-style building was completed in 1888 and features a red granite exterior.

Our footsteps echoed throughout the cavernous hallways as we toured the edifice. We noticed fine detailed carvings circling doorways, etched glass door panels and colorful marble floors, all adding a touch of elegance to our state capitol.

An almost life-size portrait of Davy Crockett hangs in the rotunda, while sculptures of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin by Elizabeth Ney grace the entry.

Each floor accessed by stairs or elevator rose towards the elaborate domed ceiling, which was highlighted by the star of Texas. Each level opened to view the dome above and Governor's gallery below, where portraits of Presidents of the Republic of Texas or Governors of the state were represented.

A docent guided us to the state Senate (pic #2) and House of Representatives (pic #3) Chambers, noted by the gilded letters marking their chamber doors. Portraits of famous Texans, such as, LBJ and earlier leaders peer down from the walls of these historic rooms.

We were impressed to learn that the original wood desks from the 1800's once used by the first State Senators are still being utilized with a few modifications: telephones, microphones and electronic voting buttons.

A visitors center offered maps and information. Guided tours can be scheduled on Mon.-Fri. 8:30 am-4:30 pm; Sat. 9:30 am-3:30 pm and Sun. noon-3:30 pm.except during legislative sessions and other events. There is no charge for admission.

The Capitol gift shop provided several souvenirs to take home for our family and was stocked with all sorts of interesting items.

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What is now the Capitol Visitor's Center was once the General Land Office, the oldest state office building in Texas (1858-1918).

In 1989 a massive renovation project restored the building to its 1880's appearance. Two main floors of the interior were restored to it's 19th century beauty. Its purpose is to 'educate visitors about the history of Texas (pic #2), the Captiol and the General Land Office".

Inside you'll find a miniature replica of the Capitol Dome and surveyors transit (pic #3), to allow for viewing of the real thing directly outside of the window, where the Goddess of Liberty atop the dome can be seen more clearly.

The O'Henry room gives tribute to the success of William Sydney Porter who once worked in the General Land Office. A 15 minute film detailing the story of the XIT ranch and how the Capitol came to be financed was interesting. A large collection of travel brochures are available, which will be helpful with future travel plans.

Computers educate visitors on Texas facts and trivia, while land grants of well-known Texans can be examined and the kids can have some hands on fun embossing one of their own!

My favorite part of the visitor's center was the Slave Narratives section, where oral history is shared via earphones by those who experienced slavery personally (pic #4). Photos accompany this exhibit.

Visitor hours are Mon.-Sat. 9am-5pm; Sun. 12Noon-5pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day. New Year's Day and Easter.

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The Capitol Building sits on nearly twenty-two acres of grounds encircled by a sturdy iron fence. Within the fenced area sits many monuments commemorating historic events. (Please enlarge photo to see entire sculpture)

As the expansive lawn and walkway spreads out before the Capitol, four of its oldest monuments can be seen:

(pic #1) The Heroes of the Alamo by artist, J.S. Clark
(pic #2) Volunteer Firemen by artist Pompeo Coppini
(pic #3) Confederate Soldiers by FrankTeich
(pic #4) Terry's Texas Rangers by Pompeo Coppini and Frank Teich

A pretty fountain surrounded by flowers sits mid-way along the Great Walk, which leads to the main street, Congress Avenue. Benches and period lighting were reproduced to add an authentic flavor for the enjoyment of the public.

Cannons from 1864-1865 punctuate the park-like setting, while immense trees, whose heavy branches kiss the ground, provide shade here and there, a respite from the heat.

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It is Taller than US capital, and one of the most visit attraction in Texas. Free 45 minutes Capitol tours are conducted daily. This tour features the Capitol, Texas history, and the Texas legislature.
Visitor Parking is available in the parking garage at San Jacinto and 12th Street. ( First two hours are free)

Capitol in Austin is taller than the US Capitol, the Texas State Capitol and Capitol Grounds are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the capital of Texas and a favorite spot for the locals as well