Great architecture and very beautiful building. The interior of the building really wonderful. Public has access to go and explore up to three floors. Every floor has photos of Governors, arranged in chronological order. Very clean well maintained. There is parking facility available for $10 for entire day. I herd that Sunday there will be free parking. Parking area is close to Capitol Building.

Sahana JoshiFeb 26, 2018

The state capitol in Austin is beautiful! There’s so much to do outside of the building, especially for people who love to take pictures. The building itself is so clean and beautiful. They give free tours while you are there. It’s a must see! So much history! Worth the trip.

Noah BarajasFeb 17, 2018

A good place to go to when visiting Austin. The building is pretty big and looks well maintained. But the grounds is really huge! You can stroll around freely and see some sights while walking. They have clean benches that you can sit in when you get tired but there usually is a lot of people there so looking for a spot might not be as easy.

Ralph Louie TanFeb 10, 2018

What a great place! The rich history of Texas should be apreciated. Visiting here with my family was a 2 plus hours treat. We were lucky enough to partake in the public tour the government offer; started at 4:30pm.i am not sure if it is daily. Call to find out.

du S.Jan 26, 2018

Very educational and a great place to take the kids. It is always good to teach our kids and show them history. A lot of great people have honored our city with great leadership. Don’t forget to walk around the grounds and enjoy that lush grass. At Christmas time they gave a fabulous tree.

Marie YsaisDec 31, 2017

Very impressive building, and free to visit so it's essential when visiting Austin. The rotunda is beautiful. You can walk into the senate chamber and house of representatives, as well as the supreme court. Depending on whether they're in session I suppose, it was Sunday when we visited so nothing was going on. The self-guided tour leaflets were sufficient to give us a good look around the building and the grounds, though we never found the way to the extension.

Chris BingMar 26, 2018

We came here during Spring Break at my child's request, having recently learned about Texas government in school. Overall, it was a very nice visit. Parking was very easy to find and much cheaper than downtown parking in San Antonio. We waited for a tour but in hindsight we should have just walked around on our own. Our tour guide was a very sweet but very tiny lady. It was difficult to understand/hear her. We also moved too quickly through some areas and lingered too long in others. The building is easy enough to navigate on your own and you can focus on what you're interested in. The gift shop has some cool things but as usual are quite pricey. But the building is really beautiful and my 7 year old really enjoyed the visit.

Vanessa LazareMar 16, 2018

Beautiful place and FREE TOURS! Also you can walk around as you please. Some doors are locked at different times so be sure to check in advance. Also you are checked through a metal detector when walking in and it can be a bit crowded during the weekend. All in all, it was a great historical adventure during our trip to Austin. THEY HAVE ELEVATORS if you are elderly or disabled and need assistance so don’t be afraid to explore.

Katelyn MeredithMar 28, 2018

I toured this magnificent building as a child and recently had the opportunity to browse as an adult. I felt like a kid again. My interest in history and my proud Texan soul took me through the stone corridors and up the flights to see the top of the dome. I recommend the Governor's mansion as a second stop once fully satisfied with our grand capital building.

Frankie ZellnerMar 17, 2018

My 2 year old and I had fun exploring the capitol and the grounds. My boy liked the cannons and statute; & posed for photos with each. Our tour guide was very nice and knowledgeable - and patient (again 2 year old). On top of all that - it was free!

Alwaysget BetterstrongerApr 12, 2018

I've had the opportunity to walk around a number of state capitols. Their locations are typically in fairly walkable neighborhoods and surrounded by gardens and lawns. The Texas state capitol is such a situation, with extensive grounds, and the governor's mansion nearby. One thing that is different here as compared to other state capitols is the overt presence of armed state troopers at all access points. Understanding the need for security, this regardless gives the impression that members of the public are somewhat less than welcome in this public facility.

Andy DuvallApr 7, 2018

We had some time between wedding events. My family and friends stopped to see the Pecan Street Festival. The sun was just too strong to enjoy it. The Texas State Capitol Building was just a few blocks away and after reading the earlier reviews, we thought it would be a nice (air conditioned) diversion. And, it was. We got there just in time for a Docent who was starting a tour. The tour was under an hour and the building was huge. Even though we saw a small part, there was so much it was hard to take in. Of course, in the times we live, you go through metal detectors before you are allowed to enter. For Texans with carry permits, no guns are allowed. You start right in the entryway where there are some beautiful oil paintings of the fall of the Alamo, the surrender of Santa Ana. Just a little further in start oil paintings - portraits of Texas Governors, all of the way back to the President of the Republic of Texas. And, the Capitol Dome is gorgeous from the inside. There are multiple levels to the building, both above and below ground. After walking through the main level of the old building, we went up to see the chambers of the Senate and the House. The paintings, the furniture, the decor was magnificent. While the Docent did not know everything about every item, what she did know was more than enough. One very interesting item was the desks were actually original to the building. There were two changes made to the desks over time: (1) there is now a phone on each desk and (2) where the inkwells used to be, there are now microphones. Then, we went down. Since the government has grown over the years and there was no way to build additions upward, they build underground and to the side. From the lower level, there was a beautiful view of the original Capitol building and the dome. We saw more history - busts, two walls dedicated the Texas Medal of Honor winners and more paintings. At the end, of course, you pass the gift shop. If you are in Austin you have to see this. It will be well worth your time. And, it's free.

Robert RosenthalApr 29, 2018

I've had the opportunity to walk around a number of state capitols. This one stands out in the enormity of the building itself, and the extensive surrounding grounds. The Texas capitol is situated in a fairly walkable light urban neighborhood and surrounded by buildings of architectural or historic interest. The greenery of the grounds, with the governor's mansion nearby, appears as an oasis in the city, with fountains and shade abundant. The dome of the capitol is easy to spot from all around the downtown area, and serves as an orientation landmark.

Andy DuvallMay 9, 2018

Such a beautiful building and has so much history. When you walk in you can immediately feel all the history coursing through the walls. Everything inside and out of this building is so great to look at. Even if you don't like history you will enjoy walking around the grounds. We loved the rotunda with all the pictures and looking up at the star on the top.

Ashley KMay 21, 2018

I admit I am a sellout! Although I’ve lived in Cali most of my life I have to say that I LOVE Texas! Amazing State with Amazing people. Best Tour of the capital building ever. It was soooo clean that it made California’s capital look like a crack house. It’s a must visit!

Eilo BetoushanaMay 30, 2018

Really interesting place to walk around. I enjoyed reading about the landmarks and portraits I passed by. It's busy during the day, but the building stays open pretty late and is almost a different experience with little to no people around. And all for free!

Alex DoudJun 1, 2018

Plenty of history to learn here! I would suggest starting with a free walking tour. There tour guide will give you a general overview and then you can dive deep into any particular topic walking around the place by yourself. The outdoor gardens are quite beautiful as well.

Hasan RiazMay 20, 2018

We were passing through Austin and had the kids so we decided to take the opportunity to visit the Capital building. It is a beautiful campus with lots of neat things to see. Inside the building if you stand in the dome and speak you will experience something neat. If it is a busy day you might have to talk a little louder to hear it. We enjoyed walking around and seeing all the sights.

Sherie LoverkampJul 26, 2018

If you are ever in Austin, you gotta see this..... It’s a huge magnificent place to tour. The surrounding park is amazing, but wait til u get inside and u would love taking a tour here. Make sure you take your time exploring each floor, and you look be surprised of what you can find and see. Took a ton of pix, even door knobs that had really intricate design. Got really good souvenirs too.

Maria LopezJun 21, 2018

It was beautiful and the tour guides were very knowledgeable and polite. I would recommend the "women in Texas history" tour! The gift shop and cafeteria are in the basement. The security guards and Marshalls were pretty rude but other than that I had a fantastic time. I'd also recommend a jaunt around Capitol Hill. The grounds are an excellent place for a picnic, and the African American history monument on the Southwest lawn is incredible. I would also recommend patronizing the snack vendors on the sidewalk outside the grounds, as the money goes directly towards their families. They are very kind and hard working people.

Jay DockertyJul 3, 2018

This beautiful with a lot of Texas pride. It’s great that it’s open to the public and you can walk around to explore on your own. The free tours are 30minutes long and provide a little history about the building, artifacts, and paintings. The grounds are beautiful with a few benches in the shade. The gift shop was a little pricey compared to shops in the city. There is an office visitor parking garage nearby that has 2 hours free parking.

K SJul 24, 2018

Magnificent place with a very green, surrounding park! Several fine statues decorate your way to the main building. The building doesn’t charge to enter, but there’s a checkpoint with scan for visitors. People gets fit with all the stairs to climb to get to the top of the inside, which is fun at the end. Decoration is great to admire. Family and children friendly place, security were atop with mine.

AhItsMakeupJun 9, 2018

Great architecture and very beautiful building. The interior of the building really wonderful. Public has access to go and explore up to three floors. Every floor has photos of Governors, arranged in chronological order. Very clean well maintained. There is parking facility available for $10 for entire day. I herd that Sunday there will be free parking. Parking area is close to Capitol Building.

Sahana JoshiFeb 26, 2018

The state capitol in Austin is beautiful! There’s so much to do outside of the building, especially for people who love to take pictures. The building itself is so clean and beautiful. They give free tours while you are there. It’s a must see! So much history! Worth the trip.

Noah BarajasFeb 17, 2018

A good place to go to when visiting Austin. The building is pretty big and looks well maintained. But the grounds is really huge! You can stroll around freely and see some sights while walking. They have clean benches that you can sit in when you get tired but there usually is a lot of people there so looking for a spot might not be as easy.

Ralph Louie TanFeb 10, 2018

What a great place! The rich history of Texas should be apreciated. Visiting here with my family was a 2 plus hours treat. We were lucky enough to partake in the public tour the government offer; started at 4:30pm.i am not sure if it is daily. Call to find out.

du S.Jan 26, 2018

Very educational and a great place to take the kids. It is always good to teach our kids and show them history. A lot of great people have honored our city with great leadership. Don’t forget to walk around the grounds and enjoy that lush grass. At Christmas time they gave a fabulous tree.

Marie YsaisDec 31, 2017

Very impressive building, and free to visit so it's essential when visiting Austin. The rotunda is beautiful. You can walk into the senate chamber and house of representatives, as well as the supreme court. Depending on whether they're in session I suppose, it was Sunday when we visited so nothing was going on. The self-guided tour leaflets were sufficient to give us a good look around the building and the grounds, though we never found the way to the extension.

Chris BingMar 26, 2018

We came here during Spring Break at my child's request, having recently learned about Texas government in school. Overall, it was a very nice visit. Parking was very easy to find and much cheaper than downtown parking in San Antonio. We waited for a tour but in hindsight we should have just walked around on our own. Our tour guide was a very sweet but very tiny lady. It was difficult to understand/hear her. We also moved too quickly through some areas and lingered too long in others. The building is easy enough to navigate on your own and you can focus on what you're interested in. The gift shop has some cool things but as usual are quite pricey. But the building is really beautiful and my 7 year old really enjoyed the visit.

Vanessa LazareMar 16, 2018

Beautiful place and FREE TOURS! Also you can walk around as you please. Some doors are locked at different times so be sure to check in advance. Also you are checked through a metal detector when walking in and it can be a bit crowded during the weekend. All in all, it was a great historical adventure during our trip to Austin. THEY HAVE ELEVATORS if you are elderly or disabled and need assistance so don’t be afraid to explore.

Katelyn MeredithMar 28, 2018

I toured this magnificent building as a child and recently had the opportunity to browse as an adult. I felt like a kid again. My interest in history and my proud Texan soul took me through the stone corridors and up the flights to see the top of the dome. I recommend the Governor's mansion as a second stop once fully satisfied with our grand capital building.

Frankie ZellnerMar 17, 2018

My 2 year old and I had fun exploring the capitol and the grounds. My boy liked the cannons and statute; & posed for photos with each. Our tour guide was very nice and knowledgeable - and patient (again 2 year old). On top of all that - it was free!

Alwaysget BetterstrongerApr 12, 2018

I've had the opportunity to walk around a number of state capitols. Their locations are typically in fairly walkable neighborhoods and surrounded by gardens and lawns. The Texas state capitol is such a situation, with extensive grounds, and the governor's mansion nearby. One thing that is different here as compared to other state capitols is the overt presence of armed state troopers at all access points. Understanding the need for security, this regardless gives the impression that members of the public are somewhat less than welcome in this public facility.

Andy DuvallApr 7, 2018

We had some time between wedding events. My family and friends stopped to see the Pecan Street Festival. The sun was just too strong to enjoy it. The Texas State Capitol Building was just a few blocks away and after reading the earlier reviews, we thought it would be a nice (air conditioned) diversion. And, it was. We got there just in time for a Docent who was starting a tour. The tour was under an hour and the building was huge. Even though we saw a small part, there was so much it was hard to take in. Of course, in the times we live, you go through metal detectors before you are allowed to enter. For Texans with carry permits, no guns are allowed. You start right in the entryway where there are some beautiful oil paintings of the fall of the Alamo, the surrender of Santa Ana. Just a little further in start oil paintings - portraits of Texas Governors, all of the way back to the President of the Republic of Texas. And, the Capitol Dome is gorgeous from the inside. There are multiple levels to the building, both above and below ground. After walking through the main level of the old building, we went up to see the chambers of the Senate and the House. The paintings, the furniture, the decor was magnificent. While the Docent did not know everything about every item, what she did know was more than enough. One very interesting item was the desks were actually original to the building. There were two changes made to the desks over time: (1) there is now a phone on each desk and (2) where the inkwells used to be, there are now microphones. Then, we went down. Since the government has grown over the years and there was no way to build additions upward, they build underground and to the side. From the lower level, there was a beautiful view of the original Capitol building and the dome. We saw more history - busts, two walls dedicated the Texas Medal of Honor winners and more paintings. At the end, of course, you pass the gift shop. If you are in Austin you have to see this. It will be well worth your time. And, it's free.

Robert RosenthalApr 29, 2018

I've had the opportunity to walk around a number of state capitols. This one stands out in the enormity of the building itself, and the extensive surrounding grounds. The Texas capitol is situated in a fairly walkable light urban neighborhood and surrounded by buildings of architectural or historic interest. The greenery of the grounds, with the governor's mansion nearby, appears as an oasis in the city, with fountains and shade abundant. The dome of the capitol is easy to spot from all around the downtown area, and serves as an orientation landmark.

Andy DuvallMay 9, 2018

Such a beautiful building and has so much history. When you walk in you can immediately feel all the history coursing through the walls. Everything inside and out of this building is so great to look at. Even if you don't like history you will enjoy walking around the grounds. We loved the rotunda with all the pictures and looking up at the star on the top.

Ashley KMay 21, 2018

I admit I am a sellout! Although I’ve lived in Cali most of my life I have to say that I LOVE Texas! Amazing State with Amazing people. Best Tour of the capital building ever. It was soooo clean that it made California’s capital look like a crack house. It’s a must visit!

Eilo BetoushanaMay 30, 2018

Really interesting place to walk around. I enjoyed reading about the landmarks and portraits I passed by. It's busy during the day, but the building stays open pretty late and is almost a different experience with little to no people around. And all for free!

Alex DoudJun 1, 2018

Plenty of history to learn here! I would suggest starting with a free walking tour. There tour guide will give you a general overview and then you can dive deep into any particular topic walking around the place by yourself. The outdoor gardens are quite beautiful as well.

Hasan RiazMay 20, 2018

We were passing through Austin and had the kids so we decided to take the opportunity to visit the Capital building. It is a beautiful campus with lots of neat things to see. Inside the building if you stand in the dome and speak you will experience something neat. If it is a busy day you might have to talk a little louder to hear it. We enjoyed walking around and seeing all the sights.

Sherie LoverkampJul 26, 2018

If you are ever in Austin, you gotta see this..... It’s a huge magnificent place to tour. The surrounding park is amazing, but wait til u get inside and u would love taking a tour here. Make sure you take your time exploring each floor, and you look be surprised of what you can find and see. Took a ton of pix, even door knobs that had really intricate design. Got really good souvenirs too.

Maria LopezJun 21, 2018

It was beautiful and the tour guides were very knowledgeable and polite. I would recommend the "women in Texas history" tour! The gift shop and cafeteria are in the basement. The security guards and Marshalls were pretty rude but other than that I had a fantastic time. I'd also recommend a jaunt around Capitol Hill. The grounds are an excellent place for a picnic, and the African American history monument on the Southwest lawn is incredible. I would also recommend patronizing the snack vendors on the sidewalk outside the grounds, as the money goes directly towards their families. They are very kind and hard working people.

Jay DockertyJul 3, 2018

This beautiful with a lot of Texas pride. It’s great that it’s open to the public and you can walk around to explore on your own. The free tours are 30minutes long and provide a little history about the building, artifacts, and paintings. The grounds are beautiful with a few benches in the shade. The gift shop was a little pricey compared to shops in the city. There is an office visitor parking garage nearby that has 2 hours free parking.

K SJul 24, 2018

Magnificent place with a very green, surrounding park! Several fine statues decorate your way to the main building. The building doesn’t charge to enter, but there’s a checkpoint with scan for visitors. People gets fit with all the stairs to climb to get to the top of the inside, which is fun at the end. Decoration is great to admire. Family and children friendly place, security were atop with mine.

AhItsMakeupJun 9, 2018