The Texas Capitol stands at 1100 Congress Avenue in downtown Austin, Texas, a short walk from the city's lively streets. It is widely recognized as one of the nation's most distinguished state capitols, and its place among American landmarks is official: it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.
Visitors come to see the building itself, which rewards a slow look at its architecture, its hidden spaces, and the rooms where Texas state government has long been conducted. The building's own website describes pages on its history, its architecture, and a collection of objects tied to the Capitol, so there is plenty to read before or after a visit.
What to expect
- Guided tours of the Capitol are offered, a good way to hear about the building from someone who knows its spaces well.
- Significant and hidden spaces that are easy to miss on a quick walk through the grounds.
- A collection that connects the building to the state's past.
The Capitol is a fitting first stop for anyone interested in how Texas is governed and remembered. Allow time to walk around the outside as well as inside, and check the building's website for current visiting details, since hours and tour schedules can change.
To plan ahead, you can reach the Capitol by phone at (512) 463-4630 or through the official site at tspb.texas.gov.