New York State Office of General Services - Convential and Cultural Events

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New York State Office of General Services - Convential and Cultural Events - Capitol Tours

Visiting The Empire State Plaza

The New York State Capitol Tour Program

Sitting majestically atop Albany's State Street hill, the New York State Capitol has served as the seat of government for New York since the 1880s. The building is a marvel of late 19th-century architectural grandeur, built by hand of solid masonry over a period of 25 years. Today the building is undergoing extensive restoration to maintain and protect it for future generations of New Yorkers.

Visiting the Hall of Governors and Capitol exhibits: Governor Cuomo has reopened the Capitol's historic Hall of Governors to the public. Sweeping renovations have been made, including the addition of portraits, informational signs, and a timeline. Museum-quality exhibits on New York State's history have been installed throughout the building. For more information, visit the Hall of Governor's website at: www.hallofgovernors.ny.gov.

Tour Information and Reservations

Walk-In Tours: Walk-in tours of the Capitol for the general public are offered Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. No reservations are required. In addition, visitors may download a self-guided audio tour to use while visiting the State Capitol. There are no public tours on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. For more information, please call the Plaza Visitor Center at 518-474-2418.

Group Tours: Online Registration for Groups of 10 or More: All groups of 10 or more (up to 45 persons) must reserve a tour online at least two weeks in advance.

Cost: Tours are offered free of charge.

Location: All tours begin at the Information Desk in the State Street Lobby of the Capitol. SCHOOL GROUPS should check in first at the Plaza Visitor Center on the North Concourse.

Length: Tours last 45 to 60 minutes.

Accessibility: Please inform us of any special needs when making your reservation.

Group Size: A maximum of 45 participants.

Security: Visitors to the Capitol will be required to pass through metal detectors and have any bags scanned through an x-ray machine. Personal belongings such as backpacks and large bags should be left behind. Sharp objects, such as pocket knives and nail clippers will not be allowed into the building.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND CHANGING EXHIBITS

The African-American Experience in New York is an exhibit assembled in honor Black History Month. It is located in the Governor's Reception Room on the second floor of the Capitol.
From Seneca Falls to the Supreme Court - New York's Women Leading the Way celebrates women's history in New York State. This exhibit is located in the Capitol's second floor east lobby, next to the Governor's Reception Room.
1861: Banners for Glory - A Civil War Tour of the New York State Capitol: This tour is a special program that highlights Civil War imagery in the Capitol and explores an exhibit of eight historic flags from the New York State Battle Flag Collection. The tour is being offered 3:00 p.m. on the last Wednesday of every month through May 2012. Free and open to the public, registration required. Register Now Online!
When you visit the Capitol, be sure to view the 1861: Banners for Glory historic battle flag exhibit located on the Capitol's second floor, east lobby. For more information, go to the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center website.

School Tours

Group Size: Maximum of 45 persons, including chaperones.

Chaperones: We suggest that one chaperone be assigned to 10 students. Chaperones should stay with their group at all times.

Appointments with Legislators: If a visit is scheduled with a legislator, please try to make the appointment for after your tour.

Arrival: Please plan to arrive 5 minutes prior to your scheduled tour. If you are going to be late, or must cancel a tour, kindly notify the Plaza Visitor Center as soon as possible. Due to the large volume of tours during the legislative session, it may not be possible to accommodate groups who arrive more than ten minutes late.

Special Program:

NEW! 1861: Banners for Glory - A Civil War Tour of the New York State Capitol: In this special themed program, students will examine New York State's role in the Civil War and examine Civil War imagery in the Capitol's carvings and murals. In addition, students will visit the 1861: Banners for Glory historic battle flag exhibit currently on view. Teachers planning to visit are encouraged to use the 1861: Banners For Glory Educational Resource Materials. For more information, and to schedule a tour, call 518-473-7582, or email: CapitolTours@ogs.ny.gov

Pre-visit Resource Kit for Teachers: Teachers who plan to bring their classes to the Capitol may download the New York State Capitol Tour Program Resource Kit to help prepare their students for the tour or use as an enhancement afterward. All lessons were written in accordance with the New York State learning standards for social studies and the visual arts.

Additional Information