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NYS Capitol: A must-see on your next trip to Albany!

May 10, 2024

Check out one of the most historic buildings in the City of Albany with a visit to The New York State Capitol!

Located at the confluence of historic State Street and Eagle Street, the New York State Capitol is one of the most elaborately constructed buildings in Albany, NY, and the focal point of the state’s government.

  • Taking 32 years to build and the work of 5 architects, including renowned designers Leopold Eidlitz and Henry Hobson Richardson, the NYS Capitols intricate architectural styles is a unique blend of designs that boldly stands out within Albany’s eclectic cityscape. It is said that Richardson used the Hôtel de Ville in Paris, France as inspiration when designing New York’s capital building.
  • At the front of the Capitol building, visitors will find a towering equestrian statue of celebrated Civil War heroes General Philip Sheridan which was designed by former President John Quincy Adams Ward and Daniel Chester French in 1916. A local Albany native, Sheridan is famously remembered for his twenty-mile ride to join with his retreating troops in Cedar Creek, Virginia and then lead them to victory against General Robert E. Lee. 
  • Within this awe-inspiring structure is a collection of over 25 murals from William deLeftwich Dodge, the breathtaking “Million Dollar Staircase”, a network of subterrain “tunnels” which connect it to both the Empire State Plaza and the Alfred E. Smith Building, and many more surprises for visitors to discover!

Fun fact: The New York State Capitol is only one of ten State Capitols buildings that doesn’t feature a domed roof. Originally the architectural designs included both a domed roof and a tower, but during construction the building became too heavy and started sliding towards State Street. The Exterior Staircase was created to shift the weight of the building back into place.

  • The New York State Capitol building is open to the public and free to visit and explore Monday – Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm. Tours of this historic building are offered every weekday at 10:00am, 12:00pm, and 2:00pm. Those interested in joining one of these tours should make sure to sign up early as they do tend to fill up quickly! A self-guided audio tour is also available for those who wish to explore at their own pace.
  • For those driving in to visit this remarkable piece of New York history, on street parking is available adjacent to the capital building, on both State Street and Washington Avenue. Areas around the NYS Capitol do have metered parking on weekdays (Monday-Friday) from 8am until 5pm and parkers can easily pay for their metered parking session right from their phones with the ParkAlbany app. 

For those looking to explore even more of the amazing sites, shops, and dining within New York’s capital city, additional parking is available at both the Riverfront and Green-Hudson Garages, which are conveniently located just a short scenic walk away from the Capitol Building!