VIRGINIA STATE CAPITOL 804-698-1788
Link to visting the Capitol
9th & Grace Streets, Richmond, VA 23219
Capitol Visitor's Center
1000 Bank Street, Richmond, VA 23219
DIRECTIONS: I-95, Exit 74C, left atFranklin-left at 9th Street. Bus-left at Broad-right at 10th Street.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: he Capitol was designed by Thomas Jefferson and first occupied in 1788 by Virginia's General Assembly, America's oldest English-speaking legislature. During the Civil War, the Confederate Congress also met here. The east (House) and west (Senate) wings were added between 1904-1906.
The Capitol has reopened after a major restoration and expansion project. Impressive interior designs and colors from 1910 have been replicated in the Rotunda, House and Senate chambers. New visitor amenities include a gift shop (Mon-Sat), cafe (Mon-Fri) and exhibit gallery. The Capitol Square grounds have been re-landscaped.
PARKING: Private vehicles with accesible plates or placards are able to park and unload passengers on Bank Street near the new public entrance. There is no public parking on the Capitol Square grounds. Pay parking lots and decks are nearby on 8th and Grace Streets and 7th and Marshall Streets.
TYPES OF PATHS: Brick paths and paved street around building, with no steep grades.
ENTRANCE: Wheelchair accessible entrance located on west side. North entrance not accessible. Entry doors, 65 in. wide, easily open out with pull handle located 41 in. above floor.
PUBLIC REST ROOMS: On first floor. Doors are heavy with turn handle, 38 in. wide, and open in. No turns to enter. Accessible stalls have no handle on door, 27 in. wide doors opening out, and handrails. 19 in. toilet seat height, and 9 in. between commode and wall. Sink height is 27 in. Accessible stall checked regularly for obstructions. Rest rooms are identified by a raised figure with pants or skirt on door to designate men or women.
ELEVATOR: 2 located in each wing, serving all levels. Door width 27 in. Control buttons 54 in. high. Door stays open 5 seconds. Interior of car is 72 in. by 96 in.
SPECIAL SERVICES:
Link to fiim "Keepers of the Flame" a 20 minute video about the Capitol and Virginia’s central role in American history.
For guests with visual disabilities, there are documents in large print on non-glossy surface.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE FACILITIES: Snack bar has 3-4 tables for customers in wheelchairs. Table height 48 in. Cafe open Mon – Fri 8:30-3:00.
GIFT SHOP: No aisles. Counters 32 in. high. Clerks assist customers with special needs. Aisles clear of temporary displays. Open Mon - Fri 10-4:30 and Sat 9-5:00.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Free admission. Open 9-5 Mon-Sat.; 1-5 on Sun. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Free one-hour guided tours are offered daily, including some holidays beginning at 10 for walk-in visitors with the last tour at 4.Visitors also may tour on their own. Individuals, families, school and tour groups are welcome. Reservations are needed for groups of 10 or more.
Link to download visitor brochure.
The new underground extension has wheelchair accessible restrooms, ramps and elevators. There is barrier-free access from the new extension to the original 1788 Capitol and the 1906 legislative wings.
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