-USA.Texas.Austin-
The Texas Capitol Building is situated in downtown Austin , and easily accessible with the public transportation. I took Bus No. 20 directly from the Austin airport.
If you are there with the car – Parking is available at the Capitol Visitor’s Parking Garage located at 1201 San Jacinto Blvd Austin. Currently its free for the first 2 hours and USD1 every 30mins after that. For more information on parking – check this link
This is the first State Capitol building that I have entered and explored internally. Entrance is free to the public and there are even guided tours available at specific times of the day. For more information about the opening hours and tours – check this link
If you have a limited amount of time like me: here are some highlights not to miss. There is a security check upon arrival – therefore I suggest to bring only a small bag along as I did not see any place to store bags in the facility.
After the security check, go pick up a visitor’s guide at the North entry to help you navigate. I decided to start from the top and make my way down.
Texas Capitol - Fourth Floor
I went up directly to the fourth floor . Its a nice view to look down. Here is a photo where you see past presidents and governors lining the walls of the Rotunda in chronological order.
Texas Capitol - Third Floor
The Legislative Reference Library at the time of my visit was only open on the 3rd floor looking down. The 2nd floor entrance had an appointment only entry.
Texas Capitol - 2nd Floor
The 2nd floor has the most to see – so if you are really visiting on a time crunch then this is the floor you should head directly to. The first is the House of Representatives Chamber.
Next is the Senate Chamber. The walnut desks and podium are original from 1888! Isn’t it mind blowing ? The room contains plenty of art pieces as well, portraits and historical depictions.
Besides these interesting rooms there is the Governor’s Public Reception Room which looked like there was some activity there so I did not enter.
Texas Capitol - First Floor (Entrance)
This is the entrance floor and leads directly to the rotunda with the seal etched onto the Terrazo Floor. Very attractive don’t you think ? Besides this there are busts on some of the corners.
Texas Capitol Extensions
In my opinion, the Capitol Extensions can be skipped . These are the sections in the Basement levels. There is a Cafeteria and a Souvenier Shop on these Levels below ground. There is a gallery showing the Governors and House of Representatives for the year. There is also a Ground Floor Rotunda with busts lining around instead of portraits.
So there you have it, my guide to the highlights of the Texas Capitol. If you are interested in more in-depth information. I recommend following the tour and you can check out the layout in advance from this link . Enjoy your visit!
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