| Minnesota State Capitol |
Description
Soaring domes, monumental arches, columns, statues and symbolic murals dominate the scene for visitors today as they did when the State Capitol was completed in 1905. The Senat, House of Representatives and Supreme Court have been restored to their original appearances.The public is invited to dine in the newly restored Rathskeller cafe. |
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Directions
The Capitol can be accessed from I-94 and I-35E in St. Paul |
Parking
Accessible parking, for vehicles with proper permit, is located near the west side of the University Avenue entrance, at the back of the Capitol building.
The State Office Building parking ramp has parking for vehicles with accessible parking permit. Enter this ramp from Rice Street, one block west of the Capitol. Clearance is 7 feet 8 inches. The ramp is secured, available to the public during regular business hours only. Push the intercom at the gate entrance. You will be asked for your license plate number. Drive down one level. Accessible parking is near the State Office Building entrance. |
Entrance
Automatic doors. Doors easily opened. From Aurora Avenue, the circle drive that leads to the historic porte cochere entrance under the front steps is accessible for drop-off and pickup and enters the Capitol on the ground floor. A ramp provides access from the street level and a dock accepts wheelchair lifts. Once inside, turn right to reach the elevator which will provide access to the first floor Information Desk.
There is an accessible entrance on the west side of the University Avenue entrance. A ramp enters on the ground level. Continue ahead past the grand stairway to the two elevators at the end of the southwest corridor. There is a single, larger elevator reachable by turning left and proceeding to the end of the southeast corridor. Go up to the first floor Information Desk where tours begin.
From the State Office Building parking ramp, use the intercom by the door to enter the State Office Building. Once inside, turn left and follow the corridor to the tunnel(a wide stone/cement floor). Turn left and continue to the Capitol. |
Food and Beverage Facilities
Located in the basement. Tables for guests in wheelchairs, located in the dining area. Open only during legislative session. |
Elevator
Located at the south side of the building. Serves all levels. Buttons in Braille. |
Public Restrooms
Unisex or companion assisted rest room located on the second floor, Room 213.
Women Room 16, on the ground floor.
Men Room 117, on the first floor.
Accessible without steps. No turns are required to enter. Wheelchair accessible stalls. Rest rooms identified by raised figures with pants or skirt on the door to designate men or women. |
Public Telephones
Accessible phones located on the ground and second floors next to the southeast (single) elevator. Amplified headsets are available. TDD phone available next to the first floor information desk. Minnesota Relay Service phone numbers are also available at the Information Desk. |
Staff Training
Guides have been trained to serve guests using wheelchairs, guests with mobility, visual, and hearing impairments. |
Special Services
A self-guided brochure is available free of charge.
For guests with hearing impairments: Signing interpreters available with at least one week advance notice.
For guests with visual impairments: Licensed guide dogs are permitted in the Capitol. Walls and most furnishings, except for paintings, may be touched. Please check with guides for any restrictions. Braille and large print, self-guided brochures of the State Capitol are avaiable upon request.
For guests with mobility impairments: Wheelchairs are available to use free of charge while in the Capitol. Request them at the first floor Information Desk. Advance reservations are appreciated. It is recommended that persons using wheelchairs take guided tours for greatest accessibility. Wheelchair access area include:
- Governor s reception room/Anteroom
- First and Second Floor Rotunda
- House of Representatives Gallery
- Senate Gallery
- Supreme Court
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Additional Information
Hours:
Monday Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
General tours begin on the hour and are free of charge. Last tour one hour before closing.
Buses with passengers using wheelchairs should on- and off-load entire groups at the porte cochere entrance, not the front steps. There is clearance for Metro Mobility and regular school buses to pass through. Arrangements for the guide to meet the group here can be made at the time of the tour reservation.
Groups of ten or more should call two weeks in advance. |
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