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  • Monday - Friday: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturdays: 10:00 am-4:30 pm
  • Sundays and Holidays: Noon-4:30 pm
  • Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas



  • Hours and Admission
  • Arrival Information
  • Group Visits
  • Self-Guided Tours and Programs
  • Event and Temporary Exhibit Calendar
  • Directions and Parking
  • Area Dining
  • Other Area Attractions

  • 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, and visitors may download an audio tour prior to arrival. If you are with a group, please confirm with the staff member the size of your group, the amount of time you have for the visit, and the educational program options you desire.

    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.

    REQUEST A GROUP VISIT

    REQUEST SCHOOL FIELD TRIP

    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. We also have a family-friendly scavenger hunt for outside the museum, in the Historic Capitol Grounds!

    Special Programs

    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.
    • We also offer a Self-Guided Civil Rights Tour (PDF) that leads visitors to sites in the building where some of the state’s important chapters in the struggle for African American civil rights took place.  The tour also guides visitors to exhibits that highlight past inequalities and the history of the civil rights movement in the state.
    • Audio Tours may be downloaded to your MP3 player prior to arrival.

    Event and Temporary Exhibit Calendar

    Check the web calendar to learn about special events or programs occurring during your visit.


    Visitor Feedback

    To help us improve our programs and services, please complete a Visitor Comment Card before you leave.


    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.

    Spaces for visitors with disabilities are located on west side of the House Office Building in the north side loading zone.

    Bus Parking

    The Duval Street Bus Drop off area for the Capitol Complex is closed due to construction. Click here to download the map with the current bus drop off.

    After unloading passengers, drivers may park at the Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center, located at 505 West Pensacola Street. The cost to park at the Civic Center is $40 per day for each bus. Buses enter from Pensacola Street at the ticket booth. Individual car parking is also available for a cost of $8.00 per day for each vehicle.


    Area Dining

    Some of the state office buildings in the Capitol Complex area have cafeterias that can accommodate small or large parties. Call ahead to make arrangements for large groups. Refer to the Capitol Area Map for building locations.

    • Wanda's Café Atrium in the Claude Pepper Building - (850) 577-1500
    • Eatz Café in the Turlington Department of Education Building - (850) 245-0563
    • Café de Leon in the R. A. Gray Building - (850) 329-2444
    • Capitol Cafeteria, Lower Level of The New Capitol - (850) 222-0092
    • Capitol Snack Bar, 10th Floor of The New Capitol

    There are several restaurants along Apalachee Parkway, North Monroe Street, Tennessee Street, and in downtown Tallahassee.


    Other Area Attractions

    Tallahassee Area Event Calendars

    The following Tallahassee sites have programs or tours that would enrich your study of the three branches of state government. All except the Governor's Mansion are within walking distance of the Historic Capitol.

    The Governor’s Mansion

    700 North Adams Street
    Tallahassee, Florida 32303

    Public tours of the Governor’s Mansion are available during the Holiday Season, Legislative Session and by special appointment. Tours are 30 minutes long and visitors are invited to view the five state rooms of the Mansion, plus the outdoor Manatee Sculpture Courtyard. Admission is free of charge. Parking is available directly across the street. Contact the Mansion for upcoming tour calendar.

    Contact: Carol Beck at (850) 717-9345 or carol.beck@myflorida.com

    The New Capitol

    402 South Monroe
    Tallahassee, FL 32399

    Guided and self-guided tours of the Capitol are available through the Welcome Center, located at the west plaza entrance of the Capitol. For tours during the legislative session (March and April), reservations are recommended months in advance. Special tours of the House and Senate Chamber can be arranged by your state legislator.

    Contact: (850) 488-6167 or visit http://myfloridacapitol.com

    The Supreme Court

    400 South Duval Street
    Tallahassee, Florida 32399

    School groups can be scheduled to participate in The Mock Oral Argument Experience, a mock oral argument in which the students play the roles of the Justices and attorneys. For the Overview of Florida’s Judicial System, school groups tour the Court building and learn its interesting history. Tour times are limited and are usually booked weeks in advance.

    Contact: The Public Information Office at (850) 414-7643 or go to www.floridasupremecourt.org/education/index.shtml