With the reopening of Virginia's historical capitol building, there are a number of changes and new opportunities for visitors to the Capitol.
Access to the the Capitol Building: Private
vehicles with handicap tags are able to park and unload passengers on Bank
Street between 9th and 10th streets, near the new public entrance. 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.
Capitol Hours: 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.
Newly Expanded Capitol: The working space of the Capitol has increased by about one third by means of an underground extension. This new working space features many visitor amenities, including public restrooms, meeting rooms, an exhibit gallery and a cafe.
Public Entrance: Commercial tour groups, school groups and the general public will enter the restored and expanded Capitol from a new entrance plaza near 10th and Bank streets.
Street Traffic Patterns: Bank Street has become a two-way thoroughfare between 9th and 14th streets, in order to make the new public entrance more accessible.
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.
Expanded 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).
Gift Shop: The Capitol Shop, by Very Richmond (804)698-7661 is open to the public in the new extension. Gift store hours are Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Food Service: Meriwether's Cafe offers several dining options and venues for guests
visiting the Capitol. In the new Capitol Extension is a cafe, open to the public, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guests
can enjoy a meal in the cafe, which has limited seating, or use Meriwether's
take-out service. The cafe can be reached by phone at (804)698-7438.
A word of caution to our visitors: Food is not allowed in the original 18th-century portion of the Capitol.
Meriwether's also operates a cafeteria in the General Assembly
Building on the 6th floor, open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cafeteria offers some hot meals, as well as sandwiches and beverages. Vending machines are located in the basement and floors 2, 3, and 7.
|
