Things to Do at Virginia State Capitol
Complete Guide to Virginia State Capitol in Richmond
About Virginia State Capitol
What to See & Do
The Rotunda
The heart of the building features Houdon's life-sized marble statue of George Washington - the only statue for which Washington actually posed. The acoustics here are surprisingly good, and you'll likely hear your guide's voice carry beautifully under the dome.
Old House Chamber
This is where the Virginia General Assembly met until 1904, and it's been restored to look much as it did in the 19th century. You can actually sit in the gallery where visitors once watched heated debates about slavery, secession, and states' rights.
Busts of the Eight Virginia Presidents
Virginia's claim as the 'Mother of Presidents' is on full display here. The collection includes Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Harrison, Tyler, Taylor, and Wilson - though Wilson's connection to Virginia might be a bit of a stretch.
Capitol Square Grounds
The 12-acre square surrounding the Capitol is dotted with monuments and mature trees. You'll find statues of various Virginia luminaries, and the grounds offer some of the best views of the building's exterior architecture.
Governor's Mansion Tours
When available, tours of the nearby Executive Mansion (the oldest continuously occupied governor's residence in the US) provide insight into Virginia's political life. The mansion has hosted everyone from Lafayette to modern-day dignitaries.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Tours typically run Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM, and Sundays from 1 PM to 4 PM. Hours can change when the General Assembly is in session (January-March), so it's worth checking ahead.
Tickets & Pricing
Tours are free, but you'll need to go through security screening. Group tours can be arranged in advance, though walk-in visitors are usually accommodated during regular tour times.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, and if you visit during the legislative session (winter/early spring), you might catch some actual political action. Spring and fall offer the nicest weather for exploring Capitol Square.
Suggested Duration
Plan on about 45 minutes for the standard tour, though you could easily spend 2-3 hours if you explore the grounds and nearby attractions thoroughly.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Just a few blocks away, this museum offers comprehensive coverage of the Civil War from multiple perspectives. Richmond's role as the Confederate capital makes this particularly relevant context for your Capitol visit.
About a mile east in Church Hill, this is where Patrick Henry delivered his famous 'Give me liberty, or give me death!' speech. The church still holds reenactments, and the neighborhood offers great city views.
A short drive or bus ride west, the VMFA has an impressive collection and is completely free. It's a nice cultural complement to the historical focus of the Capitol area.
This historic cemetery overlooking the James River is the final resting place of two US presidents (Monroe and Tyler) and thousands of Civil War soldiers. It's genuinely beautiful and offers a peaceful contrast to downtown's bustle.
Running along the James River, this pedestrian walkway connects many of Richmond's historical sites and offers a pleasant way to see the city's industrial heritage and natural setting.