The State House is open 8-4 weekdays. Meander through the State House or take a self-guided tour that you can arrange with the Sergeant at Arms Office.
Thanks to Montpelier Alive for this image.
Welcome to the Vermont State House
The Vermont State House is one of the oldest and best preserved of our nation’s state capitols. After nearly 160 years it remains an icon in Montpelier, the smallest capital city in America. Its House and Senate chambers are the oldest active legislative halls in the United States that have preserved their original interiors.
This architectural gem is also home to some of the state’s most important art. As you tour this remarkable piece of living history, you will develop a sense of what makes this building, and the state for which it was built, unique. Highlights include the Governor’s Office, the Cedar Creek Reception Room, the Hall of Inscriptions, and the legislative chambers.
We hope your visit to the State House will allow you to fully appreciate this beautiful building and all its treasures.
GENERAL INFORMATION
THE STATE HOUSE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Self-guided tours are available Monday through Friday during the Legislative Session that takes place from the beginning of January through Mid-June. Docent-led tours are available throughout the summer and fall.
Please enter the building through the front doors or the side entrances. An ADA accessible entrance is at the back west side (off Governor Aiken Ave.) of the building. Proceed to the lobby to start your tour.
LOCATION
- 115 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633-5501
HOURS
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During the summer and fall, the hours are:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed weekends and federal and Vermont State holidays.
During the legislative Session, the hours are:
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
COST
- There is no charge for individuals to visit the Vermont State House, and most of the tours we provide are free. A $3 per person donation is encouraged, and all donations go directly to Friends of the Vermont State House, which works with the State Curator’s Office to maintain and make improvements at the State House and promote civic engagement.
- Bus tours must be arranged in advance and bus tour companies are requested to pay a fee of $3 for each tour participant. Contact the State House Visitation Coordinator at visit@leg.state.vt.us or 802-461-9923
- During the session, in-person tours are not available to the public, but you may visit any time and take a self-guided audio tour.
- Please view the updated map to navigate the State House.
DRIVE / BIKE / WALK
There is on-street metered parking within the Capitol District. Paid parking is also available throughout downtown Montpelier.
When the Legislature is not in session you may park at the open spaces on Governor Aiken Avenue.
- It’s a short bike ride or walk from downtown Montpelier to the State House. Bike racks are located outside the western entrances to the building.
ACCESSIBILITY
- The State House is wheelchair accessible. The principal accessible entrance is on the west side of the building (off of Governor Aiken Ave.), adjacent to reserved accessible parking. On Saturdays off session, the eastern accessible entrance is used, with accessible parking available behind the building and accessed through the east parking gate and lot. Parking spots there are reserved for vehicles with handicapped parking permits. The State House also has accessible restrooms as well as gender neutral restrooms.
AMENITIES
- The Capitol Food Court is public. You may purchase sandwiches, salads, hot entrees, beverages and more. The Food Court uses Vermont purveyors and utilizes what is seasonally available. You can enjoy your meal in the open and airy cafeteria dining area. The (This is a great place to people watch during the session!) The dining area also serves as a gallery, with rotating exhibits throughout the year.
- The Under the Dome Gift Shop is open seasonally and is located off the main lobby of the State House from July through October. The shop carries gifts and souvenirs that represent the state and the Vermont State House.
