Welcome to the New York State Capitol
Sitting atop Albany’s State Street hill, the New York State Capitol has served as the seat of government for New York since the 1880s. The building is a marvel of late 19th-century architectural grandeur, built by hand of solid masonry over a period of 32 years.
The New York State Capitol is open Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Highlights of our 45-minute tours can include the legislative chambers, Hall of Governors, Governor’s Reception Room, Hall of New York, historic staircases, and the recent Ruth Bader Ginsburg portrait carving. Tour access and route are subject to change.
You can begin your Capitol visit at the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center, browse our Gift Shop, or grab a bite to eat on the Plaza Concourse.
All tours begin at the Information Desk in the Capitol’s State Street Lobby and are free of charge.
See all tour options below.
Weekday Walk-In Tours
When: Weekdays at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.
Where: Information Desk, Capitol's State Street Lobby | FREE!
Reservations are not required. Walk-ups are permitted. Please note, that this tour is reserved for individuals and smaller groups of less than 10. If a group of 10 or more shows up for this tour, we may not be able to accommodate them due to the group's size. If you have a group of 10 or more, please contact the Plaza Visitor Center at 518-474-2418 to plan your visit accordingly.
First Friday Tours
Please Note: First Friday Tours on October 4th and November 1st will be replaced with Special Capitol Hauntings Open Houses. This is a self-guided experience. Reservations are not required.
#Capitol-ize on those weekend vibes! Join us for an adventure where every corner tells a story during our First Friday Tour at the New York State Capitol!
When: Every first Friday of the month, June 7 to December 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Information Desk, Capitol's State Street Lobby | FREE!
Reservations are not required. Walk-ups are permitted. Larger groups of 10 or more should call (518) 474-2418.
Offered with First Friday Albany, a monthly celebration of arts and culture, tour highlights can include:
historic staircases, ‘gram-worthy photo ops, quality time with the Capitol's carvings, nooks, and crannies, visiting the Governor's Reception Room or legislative chambers.
Tour access and route are subject to change.
Weekday Group Tours by Reservations Only
Reservations are required for group tours. If you have a group of 10 or more, reservations must be made by contacting the Plaza Visitor Center at 518-474-2418. Space is limited and tour availability is subject to change.
How Do I Cancel My Reservation?
To cancel or edit your registration please contact the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center at 518-474-2418.
Security
Visitors to the Capitol are required to pass through metal detectors and have bags scanned through an X-ray machine. Personal belongings such as backpacks and large bags should be left behind. Sharp objects, such as pocketknives, nail clippers, weapons, and nuisance devices such as whistles, and noisemakers are not allowed into the building.