The Virginia Capitol Foundation is an independent non-profit organization to raise funds for the ongoing preservation of the Virginia Capitol, Executive Mansion, Bell Tower, and Capitol Square. The current Illuminating History Campaign seeks to more fully interpret the story of Virginia, while simultaneously igniting young people’s interests in our state’s history, through the following initiatives:


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Capitol Square Fair a Success!

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Virginia Capitol Square Preservation Council was pleased to host the Virginia Capitol Square Fair, a community outreach and education event on Saturday, September 24, 2016. The event was a partnership with non-profit and public educators to offer families and visitors an array of history and conservation learning opportunities and to explore Virginia’s history and the natural environment. This event was free and open to the public and located on the historic grounds of the State Capitol to celebrate the Bicentennial of Capitol Square. Free parking was provided for all visitors.

Partners across the commonwealth highlighted their important work by providing engaging, SOL-based activities for children and families. While this event was focused on the outdoors, the Virginia State Capitol was open for tours and self-guided opportunities. Visitors had the opportunity to talk with Thomas Jefferson on why he designed the Capitol the way he did, hear Patrick Henry’s famous speech, and walk the historic grounds with Maggie Walker. Along with our special guests, visitors participated in a Capitol Police equipment and K9 demonstration, discovered how to maintain a healthy habitat in their own backyard, and searched for artifacts while learning the power of archaeology to uncover our past. We sincerely thank the following organizations for providing exciting activities: The Valentine Museum, National Park Service, Virginia Historical Society, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Department of Historic Resources, Department of Forestry, Children’s Museum of Richmond, John Marshall House, James Monroe Museum, St. John’s, Montpeleier, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Henricus Historical Park, Preservation Virginia, Commonwealth Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Wilton House Museum, Fairfield Foundation, Library of Virginia, The Division Capitol Police Commonwealth of Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia Executive Mansion.

We also thank all students, teachers, and visitors who came to enjoy the Virginia Capitol Square Fair.
Please contact the Capitol Square Preservation Council Education Coordinator, Maggie Jackson, with any questions by phone at (804) 225-8051 or by email.

Capitol Visitor Guide

The Virginia State Capitol houses the oldest legislative body in the Western Hemisphere. The Capitol was conceived of by Thomas Jefferson and Charles-Louis Clérisseau in France, completed in 1788 and is 226 years old as of 2016, the current Capitol is the eighth built to serve as Virginia's state house.

Capitol Square

Many monuments are situated throughout the 12-acre grounds. Among those honored with memorial trees on the grounds are presidents Washington and Tyler, governors Colgate Darden, Charles Robb and Gerald Baliles, and Nobel peace laureate Martin Luther King, Jr. The newest memorial in Capitol Square honors Virginians who were active in the Civil Rights movement.

Directions & Parking Information

Located in Richmond Virginia, the Capitol is accessible via I-95 and I-64. Parking is available in pay lots and parking decks nearby, with limited street parking adjacent to the Capitol. Private vehicles with handicap tags are able to park and unload passengers on Bank Street near the new public entrance.

Visitor Hours

The Capitol building is open to visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Self-Guided tours are available during operating hours each day our Capitol Visitors Brochure will help you get started. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

Guided tours are available from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays, with the last tour commencing at 4:00 pm.

Directions

I-95 North

If traveling north on I-95 take exit 74C (Broad Street). At the fork in the exit ramp bear right (follow “Broad St. East” sign) and enter onto 17th Street heading South. At light turn right onto Broad Street and drive uphill (west) to the light at 14th Street. Turn left at 14th Street and go downhill (south) to the light at Franklin/Bank Street. Turn right onto Bank Street and go straight ahead through one light and a short distance further to the Capitol entrance plaza, on the right side of Bank Street opposite 10th Street.

I-95 South

If traveling south on I-95 take exit 74B (Franklin Street). Be careful to slow down when taking this exit because it is a short downhill ramp ending at a traffic light. At the light turn right onto Franklin Street and proceed straight ahead through two lights. Franklin Street becomes Bank Street. The Capitol entrance plaza is on Bank Street (on the right side) opposite 10th Street.

I-64 West

If traveling west on I-64 get into the left lane while crossing a bridge into downtown Richmond and take the left ramp, exit 190, onto I-95 south. After a short distance take exit 74B (Franklin Street). Be careful to slow down when taking this exit because it is a short downhill ramp ending at a traffic light. At the light turn right onto Franklin Street and proceed straight ahead through two lights. Franklin Street becomes Bank Street. The Capitol entrance plaza is on Bank Street (on the right side) opposite 10th Street.

I-64 East

If traveling east on I-64 into downtown Richmond proceed straight ahead on 95 south (AVOID the right exit for I-64 East to Williamsburg) and take exit 74B (Franklin Street). Be careful to slow down when taking this exit because it is a short downhill ramp ending at a traffic light. At the light turn right onto Franklin Street and proceed straight ahead through two lights. Franklin Street becomes Bank Street. The Capitol entrance plaza is on Bank Street (on the right side) opposite 10th Street.

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Capitol Tours

Indoor guided tours last about one hour and include two newly restored rooms that were not previously on tour. In addition to the Rotunda, Old House and Old Senate chambers, tour groups usually see one of the 1906 legislative chambers located in the wings (when the General Assembly is not in session).

For more information on arranging guided tours, contact:

Tours are available daily of the underground extension and newly restored Capitol.
Tours are available daily of the underground extension and newly restored Capitol.

Capitol Square Guided Tours

capitoltourguides@house.virginia.gov

Capitol Guided Tours
c/o tour supervisor
Post Office Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218

Call our main voice number 804-698-1788 to verify daily tour schedules and make group tour appointments for groups of 10 or more people.

Accessibility

The new underground extension has wheelchair accessible restrooms, ramps and elevators. There is barrier-free access from the new extension to the original 1788 Capitol and the 1906 legislative wings. Please contact us if you have any special needs and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Accessible Parking: Private vehicles with handicap plates are able to park and unload passengers on Bank Street near the new public entrance. There is no public parking on the Capitol Square grounds.

Access to the General Assembly Building

A wheelchair-accessible ramp and door is located at the 9th Street entrance of the building. Please ring the bell located at that door and the Capitol Police will provide entry.