5,353 votes

Texas State Capitol Building

1400 Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78701 USA

9
Photos

Free

Free to Visit

Closed Now

Opens Wed 8:30a

Independent
Wheelchair
Accessible
Public
Restrooms
No Wifi

Historic Treasure

Our Take

The Texas State Capitol Building is beautiful and surrounded by a park in the heart of downtown Austin. As they say, everything is bigger in Texas, and their state capitol building is no exception. It's gorgeous and loaded with thoughtful detail, from the dome to the door hinges. Seriously, it has the biggest and most intricate door hinges! The surrounding grounds are well manicured and add to the charm. The guided tours are free and only take about 30 minutes. The tour guides are professional, knowledgeable and could double as stand-up comics, or you can enjoy a self-guided tour. Either way, it provides a nice break from the Texas heat. Access is restricted during legislative sessions, so plan accordingly.

by larissapiper

“taller than the US capitol in DC!”

The Texas State Capitol is the capitol building and seat of government of the American state of Texas. Located in downtown Austin, Texas, the structure houses the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and of the Governor of Texas. Designed in 1881 by architect Elijah E. Myers, it was constructed from 1882 to 1888 under the direction of civil engineer Reuben Lindsay Walker. A $75 million underground extension was completed in 1993. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. The Texas State Capitol is 302.64 feet tall, making it the sixth-tallest state capitol and one of several taller than the United States Capitol in Washington, DC. The capitol was ranked 92nd in the 2007 "America's Favorite Architecture" poll commissioned by the American Institute of Architects.