Holiday tree lighting at the empire state plaza

UPDATED EVENT SCHEDULE! Tree Lighting and Fireworks Festival

Changes to the event schedule due to the weather forecast.

Portrait Carving Unveiling
Honoring Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

At the New York State Capitol

On August 21, 2023, New York State unveiled the permanent portrait carving of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the Capitol’s Great Western Staircase. It’s the first new portrait added since the staircase’s completion in 1898. Justice Ginsburg, a Brooklyn native, is just the seventh woman depicted in the staircase gallery and the first person of Jewish descent.

Plan a visit to view the portrait carving: the New York State Capitol is open to the public Monday-Friday, with free public tours offered at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm.
Capitol Tour
About the Project
Portrait Carving of Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the New York State Capitol
The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza
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Learn more about events at the Plaza including our seasonal schedules, special events, the historic New York State Capitol, tours, exhibits, the Plaza Art Collection, and more!