Kansas Capitol building reopens to public & tours for first time since March 2020

Another sign of things getting back to normal is the reopening of the Kansas Capitol building in Topeka. The historic building, with its stunning murals and dome, is now open to visitors and tours for the first time in over 15 months.

“We are excited to be able to share the state’s rich history with our visitors this summer,” said Jennie Chinn, executive director of Kansas Historical Society. “Kansans can explore the history of public health, journalism, railroads, Civil War and trails, to name a few. We are reminded every day just how important Kansas history continues to be through guiding our present and future.”

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The Kansas State Capitol Visitor Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. (Closed on state holidays.)

The Kansas State Capitol grounds includes statues of Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower, a Kansas pioneer woman, and a replica of the Statue of Liberty, among other items of interest.

Self-guided tours are available for ground level to the fifth floor. Historic tours are offered Monday – Friday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 3 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 3 p.m.  No dome tours are available at this time.

The Capitol Store gift shop is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

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The only public entrance to the Capitol is on the ground level through the north wing from 8th Avenue. The Underground parking garage entrance is located on 8th Avenue between Harrison and Van Buren, and is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday. Off street parking is available on 8th Avenue and other nearby streets. Alternative parking is available in the Kansas Judicial Center lot, located south of the Capitol, for all types of vehicles, including buses, campers, trailers, and fifth wheels

Visitors are asked to follow these driving directions to the north side of the building instead of using GPS.

The Kansas Capitol dome has been renovated recently.

For more information contact visitor center coordinator at 785-296-3966 or kshs.capitol@ks.gov.

–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice News

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