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  Citizen's Guide Section Publications Section Legislative Information System of Virginia Homepage Capitol Classroom Section Whos My Legislator
 
  Welcome to the Visitor's Guide.


 
2012 Regular Session
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  FAQs - Visitors


How do I schedule a tour of the Capitol?

What are the directions to the Capitol?

Where will I park?

How can I get publications?

How can I schedule a Chamber Presentation for a group?

Can I observe a daily floor session?

Can I observe a committee meeting?

What security measures are in place at the Capitol?

What accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities?


How do I schedule a tour of the Capitol?

The Capitol building is open to visitors Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guided tours are available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with the last tour commencing at 4:00 p.m. On Sunday, guided tours are available from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the last tour commencing at 4:00 pm. In addition, Self-Guided tours are available during operating hours each day.

Mailing Address:
Capitol Guided Tours
Virginia State Capitol
Post Office Box 406
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone:
804.698.1788
Fax:
804.698.1906
E-Mail:
capitoltourguides@house.virginia.gov

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.

Please provide the following information when arranging:-

  • Group name, tour coordinator, main telephone number, cell phone number, fax or e-mail.
  • Preferred date and time of visit (have alternate dates available if possible).
  • Total number in group, including chaperons. (Note: appointments for groups larger than 90 people are subject to availability of guides.)
  • Age/grade level of students.

What are the directions to the Capitol?
The Capitol is located in the heart of downtown Richmond and is easily accessible from the highway. Directions to the Capitol Square Bus Loop are available from points North, South, East, and West.

Where will I park?

Handicap 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.

Motorcoach Parking: Three or four spaces are presently available on Bank Street between 10th and 12th Streets. Buses should not stay on Bank Street longer than 2 hours. As of 2008 the former “Bus Loop” behind Old City Hall is no longer available to school or tour buses visiting the Capitol. Overflow bus parking is available at the Virginia War Memorial, on 2nd Street south of Spring Street. Group leaders will need to be in phone contact with their drivers.

Public Parking: There are four free general public spaces (1 hour) on the north side of Bank Street, between 9th and 10th Streets. A limited number of metered public parking spaces (2 hours) are located on the west side of 10th Street, between Main and Bank Streets, on Bank Street, between Governor and 14th Streets, on the south side of Main Street, between 9th and 12th Streets and on 12th Street between Main and Bank Streets. Pay parking lots and decks are nearby on 8th and Grace Street and 7th and Marshall Streets.


How can I get publications?
The House and Senate offer a variety of publications. These publications can be downloaded or ordered from the Publications page. Please be advised that quantities on certain publications are limited.

How can I schedule a Chamber Presentation for a group?

The House and Senate conduct Chamber Presentations when the General Assembly is not in session. To arrange a presentation contact the following:
House Chamber - House Information and Public Relations Office, toll free at 1-877-391-FACT
Senate Chamber - Senate Clerk's Office (804) 698-7400

Can I observe a daily floor session?

Public galleries in the House and Senate Chambers are limited to 99 people at any one time. In addition, the public may view the session from any of the committee rooms in the Capitol and General Assembly Building on televisions when the rooms are not in use. The General Assembly convenes its annual session on the second Wednesday in January and is in session for 60 days in an even-numbered year and 46 days in an odd-numbered year. Generally, the House and the Senate convene their respective floor sessions at 12 noon.

Can I observe a committee meeting?
House and Senate committee meetings are open to the public. A complete listing of upcoming committee meetings is available online.

What security measures are in place at the Capitol?
Individuals entering the General Assembly Building and/or the Capitol building will be asked to pass through metal detectors and all personal belongings will be searched. To reduce delays, it is advisable to leave all non-essential personal items either in your vehicle or on the bus.

What accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities?
There are various accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.