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The new Florida Capitol building has a long history extending back to 1824 when Tallahassee was established as the state’s new capital city.
The Florida Capitol Complex is in downtown Tallahassee and serves as the state government’s headquarters. The Capitol, a twenty-two-story structure, houses both the Executive and Legislative arms of the Florida government. The Capitol Complex also includes the Historic Capitol and Knott Building, as well as two five-story office buildings for the House of Representatives and Senate.
The Florida Capitol is be found at the intersection of Apalachee Parkway and Monroe Street.
It is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and admission is free. The Florida Welcome Center has self-guided tour information and booklets. On weekends and holidays, the Florida Capitol is closed.
The Florida Welcome Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to provide information about Florida and the Capitol. It is located on the Plaza Level’s western side.
If you plan to visit the Capitol soon, make sure you understand the necessary access and leave protocols, as well as the proper decorum. To be prepared for your visit, click here.
History of the Capitol
The Capitol has an interesting history that’s worth exploring. The current Capitol building is the fourth to serve as Florida’s Capitol.
Tallahassee was established as the territorial capital in 1824, and the original Capitol was a log house. A two-story masonry building was constructed around 1826. It served as a wing of a larger construction but was never finished due to financial difficulties.
As Florida approaches statehood, there’s a need for a proper state house or public structure for the Territorial Legislature. The original structure was dismantled after Congress appropriated funding on March 3, 1839, and the administration temporarily relocated to rented lodgings. The third Capitol, a brick structure, began construction in 1839 and was finished in 1845. The edifice is still used as the heart of the Old Capitol. The Capitol remained untouched during the Civil War when Tallahassee was the only Confederate capital that escaped capture by federal troops.
The Capitol had to be repaired and repainted in 1891. A small cupola was added, as well as plumbing. The characteristic dome was erected in 1902, along with the erection of two wings to give more space for the burgeoning state administration.
When the Old Capitol could no longer handle state government and the parliamentary body, plans for the New Capitol were approved in 1969.
Additional financing was approved in 1972 for a new Capitol Complex, which included House and Senate chambers and offices, as well as a 22-story executive office complex, which was finished in 1977.
Art in the Capitol
You shouldn’t miss out on the Art in the Capitol gallery. A 360-degree virtual tour is offered.
It displays the skill of children from Florida school districts on the second-floor rotunda of the Florida Capitol. Every year, middle school students from their school districts compete in the Art in the Capitol Competition. The winning artworks are on exhibit at the Capitol.
The Capitol houses both permanent and temporary art exhibits. Photos from Florida’s history are on exhibit on the lower floors of the Capitol and Legislative Office Buildings.
The 22nd Floor Capitol Gallery, the Gallery in the Historic Capitol, and the Cabinet Meeting Room all have rotating art display places on the Capitol grounds.
Final thoughts
If you’re planning a trip to Tallahassee, don’t forget to stop by the Florida Capitol. During your visit, you will learn about the history and see a wide range of artworks. So, what are you holding out for? Go to the Capitol as quickly as possible.
If you’re staying in Tallahassee for a week or the weekend, make sure you’ll choose the best accommodations. Here are some of the recommended Tallahassee hotels that offer the best comfort, amenities, and service at a great value.
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Telephone: (850) 488-6167
