Free indoor guided tours last about one hour and include newly restored rooms that were not previously on tour. In addition to the Rotunda, Old House and Old Senate chambers, tour groups will usually see one of the present-day legislative chambers located in the wings (when the General Assembly is not in session) and a newly created committee room next to the south portico, renamed the Thomas Jefferson Room.
All groups of ten or more are expected to make tour reservations in advance by calling 804-698-1788. Groups of more than 50 people will need to be divided and take separate tours, either simultaneously or at different times, as the daily tour schedule and guide staffing levels allow. Groups of more than 100 will need to schedule more than one tour time on the day or days they wish to visit.
The visiting public who are not members of an organized tour group may go on free guided tours with a Capitol Guide, subject to availability. These tours without appointment for walk-in visitors will be offered at various intervals during public hours, as the daily group tour schedule and guide staffing levels allow. Walk-in visitors also are free to tour the public spaces of the Capitol on their own. Self-guiding brochures are available at the information desk inside the Bank Street entrance.
Self Guided Tour
Individuals, couples, families and small groups of friends (fewer than 10) are welcome to tour the Capitol building on their own. Please note that groups of ten or more are expected to make prior appointments to visit inside the Capitol. The grounds of historic Capitol Square, containing notable monuments and memorial trees dedicated to various leaders and citizens, are open to the general public daily from 7 AM to 11 PM.
Visitors touring inside the Capitol building on their own may visit the gift shop, cafe and exhibit gallery located in the new Capitol extension. They also may visit the Old House and Old Senate Chambers, the Rotunda containing presidential statuary, and the Jefferson Room located on the second floor of the original 1788 Capitol. The present-day House and Senate Chambers in the east and west wings on the second floor are not open to tour unless visitors are accompanied by a Capitol guide. During sessions of the Assembly, visitors may watch the House or Senate from the public galleries in each chamber, accessible from the east and west mezzanine levels.
Visitors also may tour the gallery displaying portraits of the last 16 Governors of Virginia, located on the third floor of the original Capitol. Visitors in the Governor's Gallery will be able to take a closer look at the rotunda dome, which is located within the building under the A-line roof.
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