Visit the Historic Capitol Museum
Museum Hours and Admission
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Sundays and Holidays Noon - 4:30 pm
Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Admission is free, however donations to support our educational programs are appreciated.
Arrival Information
Reception Desk
When you arrive at the Historic Capitol, please check in at the Reception Desk located on the first floor Rotunda. The first floor is one level above ground and is reached by climbing the stairs on either the east or west sides, or by using an accessible entrance on the northwest side and using the elevator. A staff member or docent will greet you, welcome you to the building, provide background information about the museum, and be available for general assistance. There are exhibits on all three floors, so explore the Museum’s interactive floor plan or listen to the audio tour before visting. If you have booked a group tour or school field trip, please confirm with the staff member the size of your group, the amount of time you have for the visit, and the educational program and the educational program options you requested.
Proper Behavior
The Historic Capitol can be quite busy, especially during the legislative session and around elections. We often have more than one group as well as many individual drop-in visitors. Your cooperation in maintaining a quiet atmosphere for other visitors is appreciated. Please have at least one adult per ten students, and typical "library manners" apply. Food and drinks are not permitted in the Museum. Water fountains are available next to the restrooms. Special access is available from the northwest entrance on the courtyard side and with elevators to each floor.
Small Exhibit Rooms
Many of the Museum's exhibit rooms have limited space; therefore, groups of not more than 10 students and a chaperone may be in a small exhibit room at any given time.
Group Visits
Groups may schedule programs in advanced by clicking the "Request a Group Visit" button below. Teachers and Group Tour Guides can review program descriptions by clicking on the title of each program. Each description includes a listing of Florida Standards (grades K-12) that are covered by each educational program. Daily Programs are always available, but groups of ten or more should schedule in advance to avoid overlap with other groups. Special Programs must be scheduled in advance and are subject to staff availability. If you have any questions regarding the form, please call Historic Capitol staff at (850) 487-1902.
Daily Programs
- Welcome Introduction - This orientation covers the history of the building, the restored areas and exhibits.
- Introductory Video: "Florida in the Balance" - This award-winning documentary presents a short overview of Florida's political history.
- Scavenger Hunts - Students and other visitors can explore the museum's two-floors of exhibits and artifacts with these scavenger hunts.
- 20th of May Emancipation in Florida Historical Exploration and Guided Questions - designed as a special program to complement the Florida Department of State’s 20th of May Emancipation in Florida annual commemoration, this guide to emancipation history with questions is also available on-demand year-round.
Photographic Opportunity
The staircase in the main Rotunda provides a wonderful opportunity for a group photograph. This can be taken just before the Welcome introduction.
Self-Guided Tours and Programs
- The Daily Programs listed above are available in a self-guided format. Check in at the Reception Desk for details.
- Audio Tours are available to enhance your experience and can be played on-demand on any mobile device.
Directions and Parking
The Historic Capitol is located in the Capitol Complex, at the intersection of Apalachee Parkway and South Monroe Street. Although the museum does not have dedicated parking, there are several parking lots in the area. There is a large public parking garage in Kleman Plaza, close to the Capitol Complex. When the legislature is in session, parking can be especially challenging.
There is a large public parking garage in Kleman Plaza, just two blocks away. When the Legislature is in Session, parking can be especially challenging.
- Historic Capitol Parking Information (PDF) Very limited visitor parking is available in the Union Bank parking lot, located across Monroe Street from the Capitol Complex (light blue P on the map). Any numbered space that is NOT marked “Reserved” can be utilized for Complex business. This lot is best for after-hours programs.
- Capitol Complex ADA Map (PDF) Spaces for visitors with disabilities and a sidewalk ramp are located in the Union Bank parking lot. The parking lot entrance is located on Calhoun Street south of Apalachee Parkway.
Bus Loading Zones
Due to construction at the Capitol Complex, there are no bus loading zones at this time.
Capitol Amenities
Cafeteria & Snack Bar
- Earley’s at the Capitol is located on the north side of the Lower Level, with a smaller café offering on the 10th floor. Earley’s provides a variety of southern style food choices from breakfast and lunch. The café is open to the general public Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please call 850-329-2954 for more information. There are vending machines strategically situated throughout the Capitol. In addition, there are many restaurants conveniently located in the downtown area. Check with the Capitol Welcome Center for additional information.
