Pennsylvania's State Capitol is a priceless architectural and artistic treasure, a majestic symbol o
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America’s First Fair was held in York, Pennsylvania in 1765, eleven years before the founding of our Nation’s Independence!! William Penn’s son, Thomas Penn, granted the charter to conduct the fair in York. It was held at various York locations, but in 1888 was moved to its current location. For the 2024 season, you’ll find multiple fairs throughout the state featuring food, rides, exhibits, and Grandstand shows! Visit https://www.pa-carnivals.com/ for all the fun!
Broad Street Market located in Harrisburg’s Midtown is the oldest continuously operating market in the country! The recent fire did a lot of damage to the market but not to the morale of the vendors who have opened a tent for the businesses that were displaced during that accident. The market has been around since the time of the Civil War and has fed tens of thousands of Union soldiers who were stationed at nearby Camp Curtin. Our office loves grabbing a quick breakfast or lunch from the Market! Definitely something to experience during your trip to our Capital City.
Have you seen a firefly yet? Pennsylvanians know them as “lightening bugs” that brighten a still summer night. This familiar little creature was chosen the PA state insect in 1974.
On days when our Capitol is busy or the Legislature is in session, we have other options all around the building, our Senate Library, Governor’s Reception Room, East Wing which features our Welcome Center, gift shop and Capitol Café are all available to our guests and visitors on most weekdays. We also have our State Museum next door and the Whitaker Science Center just around the corner. Check out our website www.pacapitol.com for more fun things to do around Harrisburg!
In January of 2020, The Woodmere Art Museum commenced “The Violet Oakley Experience,” a digital source that categorizes and presents over 3,000 works of art by Violet Oakley. Violet created incredible canvas art all throughout our building and is a favorite amongst guests and employees!
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court was created in 1722, predating the US Supreme Court by 67 years. Seven Supreme Court Justices are elected by the people for a 10-year term and can keep running for retention until the age of 75 years old! Our Supreme Court is located within the Capitol, but its Justices also sit in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Capitol Tours are canceled for today, Sunday July 7th 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience.
On this day, July 6, 1903, the granite from Vermont which was used on the Capitol Building’s exterior begins to be delivered. Now you can see our incredible building from quite some distance and from all angles of the city, the bright granite along with our sparkling green glazed terracotta dome are unlike any other structure in Harrisburg city.
Happy Independence Day! We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!
The battle of Gettysburg had a huge impact on the entire United States and is still celebrated to this day as the battle that helped us to ratify our Constitution. Our Mercer floor mosaic tile #378 features the battle of Gettysburg. As we reflect on the past and remember those who fought with honor for our freedom, we express our gratitude and thanks.
July 1st, 1902, Joseph Huston, our Capitol’s architect, decided to enlarge the two small domes on the North and South sides of the Main Capitol Building! This would increase their size and be more pleasing to the eye when viewing the front of the building! The domes are made from a beautiful green glazed terracotta tile and can be seen from miles away.
Did you know that the Matthew J. Ryan Office Building was the State Museum until 1964 and is the oldest building on Capitol Hill? It was completed in1893 and still stands on the current capitol complex directly next door to the Main Capitol Building. It was named after our 132nd Speaker of the House, Matthew J. Ryan who had various positions in our State Government, he was well known for supporting the Capitol Preservation Committee who have been an integral part in keeping our Capitol beautiful for decades.
June of 1972, over 50 years ago, the Susquehanna River crested at 32.47 feet. Hurricane Agnes had dumped from June 19-24 over 19 inches of rain. This would cause severe damage to the Walnut Street Bridge “Old Shaky”, flood the newly constructed Governor’s Mansion, and cause major flooding all along the Susquehanna River.
Henry Chapman Mercer was born today, June 24, 1856. Mercer was an American archaeologist, artifact collector and tile maker. He made the 16,000 square- ft tiled floor throughout the first floor of the Main Capitol. This floor consists of almost 400 mosaic picture tiles that show the history of Pennsylvania every day, life industry, insects and wildlife. His business is still in business today. You can take tours of his castle home Font Hill, the Mercer Tile and the Mercer Museum all located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania!
Donald R. MacGregor painted five murals in our Capitol, two murals in particular represent spring and summer, and are located at the end of the House of Representatives Hall. The Summer Solstice began June 20th, and we can certainly tell the hot summer heat is upon us!
On this day, June 17th, 1885, thousands of spectators welcomed the emblematic Statue of Liberty, which was a gift to the United States from the people of France! She has become one of the country's most recognized symbols and a reminder of our freedom in all parts of the country.
June of 1752, Benjamin Franklin was out in the middle of a storm, flying a kite. He drew an electric spark down from the sky and demonstrated the electrical nature of lightning and began his hypothesis on electricity. Our Mercer floor even features a tile depicting the event!
City Island is a mile-long island in the Susquehanna River between Harrisburg and Wormleysburg, PA. This unique area features an island train ride, mini golf, a beach bar and it's also home of the Senators, Harrisburg's beloved baseball team. When you're done touring the Capitol make sure you walk over to see all City Island has to offer!
Today we here in the Tour Guide Office celebrate the birth of our Capitol muralist, Violet Oakley. She was born in New Jersey June 10th, 1874, but of course we prefer to claim her as a Pennsylvanian. She painted over 40 murals for this building, her art resides in the Governor's Reception Room, Senate Chamber and the Supreme Court Chamber.
In our Capitol, there are 4 statues in the alcoves around the rotunda balcony, I’m sure if you’ve visited you have wondered who they are. Thomas Stewart, Mathew Quay, Andrew Curtin, and George Oliver. The families of these gentlemen provided these sculptures and they have faithfully watched over those who walk the halls for many years!
June is a great time to get outside and explore Pennsylvania! We have so many beautiful State Parks and trails, and one cannot pass up those amazing food and music festivals! www.visitpa.com has lots of recommendations and directions for your planning pleasure.
The Pennsylvania State Museum is right next door to the Capitol and offers levels of fun, historical artifacts, and interesting exhibits for everyone! The Museum is a perfect complement to everything you’ll experience at our Capitol! Visit www.statemuseumpa.org and www.pacapitol.com to plan an unforgettable day!
Did you know the glass globes on most of the Capitols’ light fixtures are cut with a diamond pattern? This effect causes the light to expand and brightens the rooms! It really came in handy early on when only 25-watt bulbs were available! Now, the building has switched to energy efficient lighting, but the “x” effect you’ll see was not altered.
A fun random fact for the middle of your week…there is only one town in Pennsylvania, and it’s Bloomsburg! Everywhere else is either a city, a borough, or township. The more you know!
Today we honor the memory of service members and their families who fought to protect our freedom. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day.
Did you know, Violet Oakley’s Supreme Court Murals were dedicated May 23, 1927? These murals represent the history of law, notable men in law making, the history of the courts and world peace.
Our Capitol has come a long way since it was built in 1902. We have had multiple restoration projects, and they are never ending. Our Governors Reception Room is off the beaten path inside our building, and it’s not always available to the public but if you get an opportunity to visit it’s a short walk down a very long hallway on the House side. The private offices of the Governor were just restored as part of an ongoing renovation a few years back and the Reception Room is a gem all its own.
If you’re standing on the balcony level on the second floor in the Main Rotunda, you’ll notice two ornate gold figures atop the entrance to each chamber. Legislature and Finance on the Senate side and Truth and Justice on the House of Representatives side. You can even see the tops of these sculptures from the fourth floor covered in 23 carat gold leaf.
Our Capitol was designed in what is known as the American Renaissance style. This architectural style includes many classical European styles. Even the Capitol building's main chambers have subtle differences: the House Chamber in Italian Renaissance; the Senate Chamber in French Renaissance; the Supreme Court Chamber in Greco-Roman stylings; and the Governors' Reception Room in Tudor!
Harrisburg, PA
17120
| Monday | 8:30am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 8:30am - 4pm |
| Friday | 8:30am - 4pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 3pm |
| Sunday | 9am - 3pm |
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