Pennsylvania's State Capitol is a priceless architectural and artistic treasure, a majestic symbol of history and power, and an icon of democracy and freedom.
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#DYK the John A. Roebling's Sons Company of Trenton, New Jersey installed the wire rope for the elevators for the Capitol? This was the same company/family that built the Brooklyn Bridge!!
#DYK the John A. Roebling's Sons Company of Trenton, New Jersey installed the wire rope for the elevators for the Capitol? This was the same company/family that built the Brooklyn Bridge!!
#OTD, 1644, William Penn was born in London, United Kingdom! He was the founder of Pennsylvania, a Quaker, and promoted religious tolerance. His simple framework of government inspired our founding fathers, self-government, religious freedom, and fair trials.
#OTD, 1644, William Penn was born in London, United Kingdom! He was the founder of Pennsylvania, a Quaker, and promoted religious tolerance. His simple framework of government inspired our founding fathers, self-government, religious freedom, and fair trials.
#DYK Vincent Maragliotti created 14 murals down the Senate North Main Capitol Hallway representing transportation and Industry in Pennsylvania? Maragliotti also did murals in the Irvis Office Building, Finance Building, and Forum on the Capitol Complex!
#DYK Vincent Maragliotti created 14 murals down the Senate North Main Capitol Hallway representing transportation and Industry in Pennsylvania? Maragliotti also did murals in the Irvis Office Building, Finance Building, and Forum on the Capitol Complex!
The Pennsylvania State Capitol welcomes Autumn with one of Donald Macgregor's Four Seasons paintings, “Autumn”, located at the end of the North Main Hallway. The four seasons are just part of the hidden history here in the Capitol building!
The Pennsylvania State Capitol welcomes Autumn with one of Donald Macgregor's Four Seasons paintings, “Autumn”, located at the end of the North Main Hallway. The four seasons are just part of the hidden history here in the Capitol building!
Don’t blink or you could miss some of the detail within our building! Our chandeliers in the Courtroom, for example, have statues inside of them. Moses, Solomon, Aristotle, and Solon are the four founding fathers of law and are hidden inside the chandeliers!
Don’t blink or you could miss some of the detail within our building! Our chandeliers in the Courtroom, for example, have statues inside of them. Moses, Solomon, Aristotle, and Solon are the four founding fathers of law and are hidden inside the chandeliers!
October is the perfect month to enjoy fall in PA! There are so many different festivals all throughout the state! www.uncoveringpa.com is a great site to visit for fall info and inspo! Cooler weather is coming PA!
Looking for the best things to do in Pennsylvania? Come along as I personally explore the state and share my favorites on the most read PA travel blog.
When you schedule your Capitol tour don’t forget to visit the Welcome Center! Our interactive Center is open during the week and offers many different exhibits that you can explore for hours!
When you schedule your Capitol tour don’t forget to visit the Welcome Center! Our interactive Center is open during the week and offers many different exhibits that you can explore for hours!
In the month of October, we raise awareness for Breast Cancer by turning our fountain on Commonwealth Avenue pink this also serves to commemorate survivors and those affected by Breast Cancer
In the month of October, we raise awareness for Breast Cancer by turning our fountain on Commonwealth Avenue pink this also serves to commemorate survivors and those affected by Breast Cancer
#DYK the oldest bridge in the US is located in Holmesburg, PA? The Frankford Avenue Bridge aka the Pennypack Creek Bridge was built in 1697 and reconstructed in 1893!
#DYK the oldest bridge in the US is located in Holmesburg, PA? The Frankford Avenue Bridge aka the Pennypack Creek Bridge was built in 1697 and reconstructed in 1893!
Our building is filled with incredible details, some are off the beaten path. This original tooled leather chair from the early 1900s resides in the Governors Reception Room amongst the lush carpets and bronze light fixtures. When you visit us, don’t hesitate to explore!
Our building is filled with incredible details, some are off the beaten path. This original tooled leather chair from the early 1900s resides in the Governors Reception Room amongst the lush carpets and bronze light fixtures. When you visit us, don’t hesitate to explore!
There are so many beautiful monuments and landmarks around our Capitol Complex, the monument featured here is a dedication to the citizens who lost their lives during the war with Mexico. It towers above the benches in this beautiful park and is frequented by guests and employees throughout the day.
There are so many beautiful monuments and landmarks around our Capitol Complex, the monument featured here is a dedication to the citizens who lost their lives during the war with Mexico. It towers above the benches in this beautiful park and is frequented by guests and employees throughout the day.
#DYK Andrew Hamilton was the Speaker of the House from 1729 to 1732 and then again from 1734 to 1738?! His portrait now hangs in our House hallway!
#DYK Andrew Hamilton was the Speaker of the House from 1729 to 1732 and then again from 1734 to 1738?! His portrait now hangs in our House hallway!
#DYK that September 27th is National Ancestor Appreciation Day? In our House Chamber, hangs a 35 feet tall painting called “The Apotheosis of Pennsylvania “painted by Edwin Abbey. This painting features 29 different figures and celebrates our Ancestors that helped create our Commonwealth.
#DYK that September 27th is National Ancestor Appreciation Day? In our House Chamber, hangs a 35 feet tall painting called “The Apotheosis of Pennsylvania “painted by Edwin Abbey. This painting features 29 different figures and celebrates our Ancestors that helped create our Commonwealth.
John Marshall was born September 24, 1755, and was appointed Chief Justice of Supreme Court in January of 1801. Known as “The Great Chief Justice”, Violet Oakley has him featured in the Pennsylvania Capitol’s Supreme Courtroom.
John Marshall was born September 24, 1755, and was appointed Chief Justice of Supreme Court in January of 1801. Known as “The Great Chief Justice”, Violet Oakley has him featured in the Pennsylvania Capitol’s Supreme Courtroom.
#DYK K. Leroy Irvis was the first African American to be Speaker of the House of Representatives? He was Speaker from 1977-1978 and then again from 1983-1988. The South Office Building in our East Wing was even renamed in his honor!
#DYK K. Leroy Irvis was the first African American to be Speaker of the House of Representatives? He was Speaker from 1977-1978 and then again from 1983-1988. The South Office Building in our East Wing was even renamed in his honor!
#DYK William Penn made his journey across the ocean in his ship called the “Welcome”? The Welcome is depicted in 2 pieces of art here in the Capitol! One resides in the Governor’s Reception Room and was painted by Violet Oakley!
#DYK William Penn made his journey across the ocean in his ship called the “Welcome”? The Welcome is depicted in 2 pieces of art here in the Capitol! One resides in the Governor’s Reception Room and was painted by Violet Oakley!
#OTD, 1967, Fred Rogers recorded the first full episode of the new “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. This episode then aired on February 17, 1968.
#OTD, 1967, Fred Rogers recorded the first full episode of the new “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. This episode then aired on February 17, 1968.
#DYK from 1894 to 1897, Henry Chapman Mercer was Curator of American and Pre-historic Archaeology at The University of Pennsylvania Museum in Philadelphia?! This was only a few years before he began work on the Capitol floors!
#DYK from 1894 to 1897, Henry Chapman Mercer was Curator of American and Pre-historic Archaeology at The University of Pennsylvania Museum in Philadelphia?! This was only a few years before he began work on the Capitol floors!
#OTD the Constitution was signed in Philadelphia in 1787. This is an important day for Pennsylvania! In our own Senate Chamber, Violet Oakley shows George Washington presiding over the Constitutional Convention.
#OTD the Constitution was signed in Philadelphia in 1787. This is an important day for Pennsylvania! In our own Senate Chamber, Violet Oakley shows George Washington presiding over the Constitutional Convention.
#DYK Our Capitol Tour Guides have collectively worked a total of 150 years!? Our guides love this beautiful building and look forward to showing our guests the history within these walls!
#DYK Our Capitol Tour Guides have collectively worked a total of 150 years!? Our guides love this beautiful building and look forward to showing our guests the history within these walls!
#DYK our Interactive Welcome Center has a Fun Facts exhibit!? You can see how tall Abe Lincoln actually was and read all about our interesting history! Come in and experience all the fun the Welcome Center has to offer!
#DYK our Interactive Welcome Center has a Fun Facts exhibit!? You can see how tall Abe Lincoln actually was and read all about our interesting history! Come in and experience all the fun the Welcome Center has to offer!
#DYK we have all three branches of Government inside of our State Capitol building? Legislative, Judicial, and Executive meet here throughout the year! This seems to be rare in others States, but Huston had our Capitol built with the intention of keeping everything located under one roof!
#DYK we have all three branches of Government inside of our State Capitol building? Legislative, Judicial, and Executive meet here throughout the year! This seems to be rare in others States, but Huston had our Capitol built with the intention of keeping everything located under one roof!
Most Schools have started back up in PA this month! #DYK before 1830 Scottish teachers taught the youth of PA in log schoolhouses? Mercer created a tile to commemorate the early days of schooling in our state, can you find it here on our Moravian tile floor?
Most Schools have started back up in PA this month! #DYK before 1830 Scottish teachers taught the youth of PA in log schoolhouses? Mercer created a tile to commemorate the early days of schooling in our state, can you find it here on our Moravian tile floor?
Today we look back with grief for those lost and honor for the brave first responders and members of our armed forces who have heeded the call to service and sacrifice. Never forgotten.
Don’t forget to go on to our website to schedule your tour of the beautiful Capitol building! www.pacaptiol.com can help our guests create a fun and unique experience here in Harrisburg!
Don’t forget to go on to our website to schedule your tour of the beautiful Capitol building! www.pacaptiol.com can help our guests create a fun and unique experience here in Harrisburg!
#DYK the “Rising Sun” chair was used by George Washington during the Constitutional Convention of 1787? It was then used by the Speaker of the House at The Pennsylvania State Capitol’s Hills Capitol! It was taken back to Philadelphia just prior to the Civil War.
#DYK the “Rising Sun” chair was used by George Washington during the Constitutional Convention of 1787? It was then used by the Speaker of the House at The Pennsylvania State Capitol’s Hills Capitol! It was taken back to Philadelphia just prior to the Civil War.
#OTD, 1903, Architect Joseph Houston, is hired by the “Capitol Commissioners of Public Grounds” to include all of the interior decorative details of our Capitol Building! This included thousands of pieces of furniture we still use today.
#OTD, 1903, Architect Joseph Houston, is hired by the “Capitol Commissioners of Public Grounds” to include all of the interior decorative details of our Capitol Building! This included thousands of pieces of furniture we still use today.
#DYK Violet Oakley was born into art? Her Mother studied with famous painters such as William Morris Hunt and both of her Grandfathers were part of the National Academy of Design! In fact, Oakley, herself, said the desire to create art was “hereditary and chronic".
#DYK Violet Oakley was born into art? Her Mother studied with famous painters such as William Morris Hunt and both of her Grandfathers were part of the National Academy of Design! In fact, Oakley, herself, said the desire to create art was “hereditary and chronic".
Mercer Tile Monday Mercer features our Cricket tile! Counting the number of chirps from a cricket can calculate the temperature! A method known as “Dolbear's Law” counts the number of chirps in 14 seconds, add the number 40 to the count to get a temperature!
Mercer Tile Monday Mercer features our Cricket tile! Counting the number of chirps from a cricket can calculate the temperature! A method known as “Dolbear's Law” counts the number of chirps in 14 seconds, add the number 40 to the count to get a temperature!
Do members have assigned seats? Yes, they do! Seats in the Senate are assigned by the President Pro Tempore! Democrats sit on the west side of the chamber (to the President’s right); Republicans sit on the east side. In the House, seating is also by seniority, with Democrats to the right of the Speaker and Republicans to the left.
Welcome Center Wednesday! Make sure when you book your tour of the Capitol you don’t miss out on our interactive Welcome Center in our Capitol’s East Wing during your visit! There is so much to do here! Visit www.pacaptiol.com to plan your itinerary!
Welcome Center Wednesday! Make sure when you book your tour of the Capitol you don’t miss out on our interactive Welcome Center in our Capitol’s East Wing during your visit! There is so much to do here! Visit www.pacaptiol.com to plan your itinerary!
#DYK, in the late summer of 1906, 24 circular opalescent Stain-glass windows by William Van Ingen were installed in the House of Representatives and the Senate Chambers? Van Ingen was a world-renowned muralist but he learned how to make these one-of-a-kind pieces from none other than Louis C Tiffany!
#DYK, in the late summer of 1906, 24 circular opalescent Stain-glass windows by William Van Ingen were installed in the House of Representatives and the Senate Chambers? Van Ingen was a world-renowned muralist but he learned how to make these one-of-a-kind pieces from none other than Louis C Tiffany!
#DYK our Pennsylvania flag is one of the oldest in the United States?! The design originally dates back to 1798 although the current design is from 1907 when it was enacted by law!
#DYK our Pennsylvania flag is one of the oldest in the United States?! The design originally dates back to 1798 although the current design is from 1907 when it was enacted by law!
#DYK Henry Chapman Mercer went to both Harvard (for liberal arts) and the University of Pennsylvania for Law School?! He never practiced law but he did end up creating the largest work of art for the Pa State Capitol, our “Carpet of History”, tile floor in the Rotunda!
#DYK Henry Chapman Mercer went to both Harvard (for liberal arts) and the University of Pennsylvania for Law School?! He never practiced law but he did end up creating the largest work of art for the Pa State Capitol, our “Carpet of History”, tile floor in the Rotunda!
#OTD, 1859, the first successful oil well was drilled in Titusville, Pennsylvania. When our Capitol was built in 1906, our Oil industry was the third leading industry in Pennsylvania, only second to Steel and Coal. A painting by Edwin Austin Abbey in the Main Rotunda shows the Oil industry titled “The Spirit of Light”.
#OTD, 1859, the first successful oil well was drilled in Titusville, Pennsylvania. When our Capitol was built in 1906, our Oil industry was the third leading industry in Pennsylvania, only second to Steel and Coal. A painting by Edwin Austin Abbey in the Main Rotunda shows the Oil industry titled “The Spirit of Light”.
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 |
pacapitol.com/plan-a-visit
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