Capitol Tours


Tours are limited to 40 people total per tour. Groups with more than 40 people will require multiple tour times. Please schedule accordingly.

Guided Tours

In addition to visiting the Interactive Welcome Center and Capitol Gift Shop, you may want to consider a 30-minute guided tour of "the handsomest building" President Theodore Roosevelt ever saw. Capitol Tour Guides are available to point out the architectural and artistic highlights, and to make the Capitol's history come alive for you.

Guided tours of Pennsylvania's Capitol are offered every half hour Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Weekends and most holidays tours are offered at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., & 3:00 p.m. The Capitol is closed for tours New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Schedule subject to change without notice.

Tour the Capitol by scheduling a tour online at www.pacapitol.com/book-a-tour/ or by calling the Tour Guide Office 1-800-TOUR-N-PA (868-7672). Groups of 10 or more require advanced reservations. For your safety, and the safety of others, group size is limited to 40. Groups with more than 40 people will require multiple tour times. Please schedule accordingly.

All changes or cancellations must be made by calling 1-800-868-7672

star    

Self-Guided Tours

Regular weekdays only. Download our App or Self-Guided brochure: English | Spanish | German| French Additional brochures are available at the information desks.

Don't miss out on visiting the interactive Welcome Center in the East Wing. Stop by the Capitol Gift Shop 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. for your Capitol Souvenirs.

The Capitol, Interactive Welcome Center and Capitol Gift Shop are accessible for individuals with special needs.

star    

Activities during your visit

Moravian Mosaic Tiles

Moravian Mosaic Tiles

The Moravian mosaic tile floor of the Pennsylvania State Capitol has close to 400 picture tiles. The tiles pictured on this flyer are all located within the main rotunda. This is a fun activity for the entire family to see how many you can locate and check off during your visit to the Capitol.

star    

Touring Tips

Here are some tips to make your visit to the Pennsylvania Capitol more enjoyable.

  • Schedule early. You may now schedule 1 year in advance. The spring is School Field Trip Season. Schedule online at www.pacapitol.com/book-a-tour/
  • For your safety and the safety of others, as well as for quality tour purposes, group size is limited to 40 (total of students and chaperones combined) for each tour group scheduled. Evacuations are hindered with larger groups.
  • Call us first before scheduling other Harrisburg venues.
  • Keep in mind, the State Museum is OPEN some Mondays and some Tuesdays in the spring to help accommodate school field trips (otherwise, the State Museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
  • Regular weekdays, there are four (4) public entrances to the Capitol. They are:
    • East Wing Entrance at the Fountain on Commonwealth Avenue (also the handicapped entrance)
    • Main Rotunda Entrance at Third and State Streets
    • North Office Building on North street (closes at 3:00 p.m.)
    • Irvis Office Building off of Walnut street (closes at 3:00 p.m.)
  • During the week groups MUST enter through the East Wing Entrance on Commonwealth Avenue (by the fountain). Capitol Police will not permit groups exceeding 20 to enter through the main entrance on Third Street during the week.
  • Be aware of security procedures. Even if you've visited before, it is in your best interest to obtain the most recent, up-to-date security information.
  • Allow at least 15 minutes to be processed through security. Even if you are not part of a group, you may end up behind one entering the building. Items confiscated will NOT be returned. Promote, If you don't need it; don't bring it.
  • On weekends and most holidays, use the main Rotunda entrance at the Third and State streets. The handicap accessible entrance must be prearranged on weekends and most holidays. You can do so by calling 1-800-868-7672.
  • Group leaders should check in with the tour guide at the Information Desk just inside the East Wing and Main Rotundas.
  • Bus parking is available at both the State Farm Show complex, 717-787-5373, and on City Island. Parking garages for smaller vehicles are conveniently located in the areas surrounding the Capitol complex. For more information on parking, click here.
  • Incorporate time into the day's activities for restroom breaks. It is important to be on time for your tour to maintain your schedule for the day and to avoid delays for other scheduled groups.
  • Lunch tables are scheduled by booking online or calling the Tour Guide Office, 1-800-868-7672.
  • Brown bagged lunches should be in boxes or coolers and distinctly marked with the school name. Do not leave these boxes or coolers next to a trash can. They will be discarded.
  • Please let us know if you must cancel or change your visit by calling 1-800-868-7672. All changes must be made through the Tour Guide Office.

8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday

9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., & 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sundays and most holidays

Call 1-800-868-7672 to schedule

Schedule subject to
change without notice.

View and Print a map of the Capitol Building