Decorated for Christmas and included live music in the rotunda! Impressive building and well worth a visit. Amazing architecture. Symbols of our state and our country including the portrait of George Washington are impressive. read more

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Was in Raleigh for work and went walking around and saw the State House. Had no clue Raleigh was the capital more knew anything about it really. As I walked by snagging some pictures I saw an inviting sign so decided to walk in. Free to the public and did the self-guided tour. It was such a nice detour and so glad I did. The old Library inside, rotunda, and old Senate chambers were especially cool to see. I tried imagine of what it was like in those halls in the mid-1800's. I would recommend stopping in and check it out. read more

North Carolina State Capitol - Library - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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First, it is free to come and explore on your own. I waited for the guided tour, and it was worth the wait. I got more information from the guide than I would have gotten on my own. It is now used only for special events, as all three branches have other buildings. The governor does have an office in the building and uses it. It is not a large state capital. Greek Revival style of architecture. The third floor is Gothic tradition. The current Capital is the second building to stand in this area, the first one burned down. The grounds around the building are also a nice place to enjoy the day. I have also heard from locals that the capital has a few ghosts. I recommend stopping in if you're in the area. read more

We enjoyed stopping by the NC State Capital while sightseeing in downtown Raleigh. It was the day before Veterans Day, so it was all decked out with flags and displays. My boyfriend is in the military so this was pleasing to both of us. A beautiful capital. read more

North Carolina State Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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The smallest state capitol I have ever been in, but it's still the best thing to do in Raleigh North Carolina in my opinion. It is really cute because it's small. They have the statue of George Washington in the middle and they also have rooms that are still set up like how they were supposedly in 1860s. They have a cute old library. I love libraries. It doesn't take that long to go through and it's worth a stop. They have statues around the building as well. When they ask if you would like a tour just say yes because it's more informative than just walking around and it's free. Free to get in as well! Apparently most of the museums in North Carolina are free to get it as well is what I learned when I was here. read more

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We absolutely loved touring the State Capitol. It's open again and is free to the public. The staff was friendly and there were free pamphlets you could take to learn more. There are 2 stories of offices to tour (not counting the main floor as it's only service premises). The 2nd and 3rd levels have a library, a state geologist's office, and lawmaker's auditoriums. There's a plenty of information on the history of the state of NC and it's worth visiting for everyone! The building is simply beautiful inside and outside. As an added bonus you get 60F temp inside the building while it's 95F outside :) read more

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The park like area surrounding the building is lush and well kept, and the staff upon entry are very kind. Maybe it's the build up of Raleigh itself or recently touring the historic architectural structures of Chicago, but unfortunately I was pretty let down by the State Capitol as a whole. There wasn't a whole lot to it but a couple floors with staged exhibits and nice sculptures sounding it. I, of course, have a respect for those represented in the statues and all the many listed names on the armed forces dedication monument. However, I did not see anything inside that really blew my mind or had me appreciating the state's history. To enter the building is free and their hours are 9 - 5pm for self-guided tours. Pre-arranged guided tours could be a whole other story so maybe check that out if your set on visiting this spot and learning some cool facts. The stairs are not too strenuous to climb, and leave plenty of space for groups. There are 3 floors though which is something to consider if you have a medical condition. Overall, I'd maybe come back to have lunch in the "parks" surrounding but would not recommend for any other reason. read more

North Carolina State Capitol - Inside on second floor - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

One of the smaller capital buildings, self guided tour, and slightly disappointing. Most of the interior building was well maintained other than random pictures/items just tucked away in the open that was a bit of an eyesore. Also, nothing on the grounds were labeled, you'll have to research in advance where to park, and it just looked like the building was not taken care of externally. Most the statues just sat with old bird feces on them and needed a good scrub down. Don't get me wrong, I don't expect everything to perfect but just a little more love taking care of the state capital building. It's worth seeing and getting a stamp for your passport and there are several other museums to visit in the area within walking distance. I read more

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Historical and great architecture at the time. The history of what's happened here is worth a visit. read more

North Carolina State Capitol - Capital at Night :B&W - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Continuing my collection of State Capitols, I've finally managed to get to this one. Raleigh is my eleventh. I am a North Carolina resident, but it's a big state that goes from the ocean at Wilmington or near Virginia Beach to the mountains of Asheville and the Tennessee border. Charlotte's a good 2.5 hours from Raleigh. The Capitol building commands a nice spot in downtown that has a great view of the area and you can see all the various state buildings that surround it. The area is quite studded with historical markers as the local bar, medical association, the pharmaceutical association, and others. Metered street parking accepts credit cards (an hour for a dollar seems fair) and there are parking garages nearby, too. Interestingly, the memorial to the Confederate soldiers is on the *west* side of the Capitol and faces west. I thought that these memorials always put their back to the North and were facing south. Anyone know why this one is not like the others? read more

North Carolina State Capitol - The State Capitol building - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Another free attraction in central Raleigh that is worth 30-60 minutes of your time. This was surprisingly interesting. This structure was erected in 1840 to replace the Capitol which burned down in1831 while roofers were installing zinc sheets to fireproof the building. Ha! This is a handsome building in Greek Revival style, meaning (in part) that it is entirely symmetrical. In the central atrium stands a replica of a marble statue of George Washington by Antonio Canova. Who would have thought that the state of North Carolina owned such a treasure. Too bad that the original was destroyed in the fire. Canova depicted Washington in a Roman general's uniform, but composing his farewell address and with his sword on the ground to represent that he had held governmental power gained military but had given it up voluntarily, a rare and wonderful thing in ancient Rome and in 19th-century Europe when the sculpture was commissioned. Besides enjoying the handsome interior, we learned a lot of interesting tidbits on the tour. For example, this was one of the last fully handcrafted public buildings before the Industrial Revolution. The gneiss granite was quarried 1.25 miles away, hand-carved and fitted, and transported to the site on an experimental wooden railway. There is no mortar in the structure; the blocks are fitted perfectly together. As a consequence of the quality materials and craftsmanship, the project cost $532,000--three times the gross revenue of the state at the time and equivalent to one BILLION dollars in 2008! On the second floor are the Senate and House of Representatives chambers, and on the third floor are the chamber viewing galleries, state library and state geologist's office; all are restored to 1850's detail but do not seem plastic or fake. Our tour guide seemed to have some sort of stage fright. She wasn't unintelligent or incompetent, but she stumbled and lost her train of thought several times. She simply seemed nervous; I wonder if we would have learned more from another guide. The brochure mentions a handful of Capitol building legends, such as secret tunnels and rooms and the whiskey barrel mystery. read more

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Not only is this a great building for its beauty, but it is home to the annual Old Fashioned Fourth Celebration every July 4th. I go to this event annually, and I think it has to be one of the better ways to truly celebrate our country's birthday. There's patriotic music by the Raleigh City Band, and persons dressed in period outfits from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Displays hosted by veterans of WWII and Vietnam are informative and help you in appreciating the dedication and efforts that have gone into protecting our freedoms. Other exhibits usually include live birds from a wildlife preserve and information on Raleigh area public parks. This event is held from 11 -3, and is free to all. Just remember to bring your own chair and find a nice shady spot. read more

North Carolina is one of the original 13 colonies. The Fab-13. Lucky number 13. (Technically North Carolina was #9, but who's counting. jk.) One would think the State Capitol would be filled with endless history, mementos of the past, reminders of how we became united... nope. I guess that's what the History Museum is for (across the street), or one would assume. o_O Self guided tour took about 30 mins. It's smaller than what I expected, but it is free. I felt very Parks & Recreation-y while I was here - met a nice cop that I secretly named Dave, had coffee with a guy that reminded me of Tom, and shared my phone charger with a guy that acted like Andy. My day would have been complete if I met Leslie, Ann, Ron, April Donna and Jerry/Larry/Terry/Garry. lol. If you are unfamiliar with the show Parks & Recreation, you are missing out! TIPS -- Each State Capitol has a (ink) stamp. For fun, you can visit every State Capitol and collect stamps. Perhaps when I reach a more retirable age, I may consider this. -- The North Carolina Museum of History and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences are also free, and all within walking distance of each other. Take advantage of this free-ness. read more

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Again, for those of you who know me, I am not a fan of museums or walking through buildings, no matter how historical (although, I cut Washington, D.C. some slack and most European museums). Anyways, I digress. On my recent trip to Raleigh, NC, after a very filling breakfast of chicken and waffles, we wanted to walk it off and explore the city. We found ourselves at the state capitol. Being from another state capitol city myself, I had high expectations for my self-guided tour of the North Carolina State Capitol building. The building consists of three floors and you can see were the various legislative representatives sit. Nothing fancy, nothing extravagant. But with all the stairs, a nice place to burn off some of that good southern cooking you're likely to enjoy when in Raleigh. read more

This was a cool place to visit. I would try to get a guided tour. Our guild was funny and very knowledgeable.

First time visiting NC, including this NC State Capitol, last October. With the autumn leaves everywhere throughout the Raleigh-Durham areas, it is just so beautiful and serene. People here are generally very friendly. We couldn't go inside the State Capitol, but that's ok. We just walked around the building in it's beautiful park. read more

While not as grand or impressive as its counterparts in other states (I'm looking at YOU, Texas!), the North Carolina State Capitol is a beautiful example of 19th Century Greek Revival architecture, and something every resident of the Tarheel State should take time to visit. The free, self-guided tour only takes about 30 minutes, and takes you through the small but impressive Rotunda, the galleries for the restored (but currently unused) House and Senate chambers, and into the fascinating third-floor State Library and Geologist's Office, which look much as they might have during the mid-1800s. While the NC General Assembly relocated 50 years ago to a larger, but far-less glamorous building a short walk away on Jones Street, the Capitol Building still houses the Office of the Governor, and serves as a museum to the state's legislative past. If you're lucky, you may even have the rare chance to watch legislators conduct business in one of the original chambers, which is a bit like being transported 100 years back in time. Next time you're in Raleigh, be sure to make time to visit this architectural treasure. It's an essential piece of our state's heritage, and a must for anyone with an interest in history or politics. read more

This is the historic capitol that ceased its legislative functioning in 1961, but still holds the Governor's office. It's a classic statehouse that has beautiful grounds and wonderful statues to NC native sons and daughters all the way around. It's surprisingly small, but well maintained as it has many historical exhibits, and a very well preserved State House and Senate rooms. It's really great to see the history of my adopted state, and the Capitol complex really accomplishes that. Make sure to go to the museums right down the block, and to see the "real" legislature building. read more

This building looks incredibly worn and neglected on the outside. I was a bit shocked when I saw it. However after going inside, I learned that it only houses the governor's office. The rest of the building is pretty much a Museum and hasn't been touched in a while. It is getting new windows but everything else was just very old and neglected. Nothing really interesting about it and I was only there half an hour. Also I took note that the Civil War Memorial is facing towards the east. I thought they were supposed to face south so they could have their backs to the north? Interesting. read more

After being in our fair state for just over ten years I finally caught the state capitol open! In Sacramento I am used to the capitol being open on weekends, but not the case, or so it seems for Raleigh. I was fortunate enough to attend a field trip with my son to our capitol and surrounding museums. However not only was the day we went special, but our timing was impeccable. We were scheduled to tour the Capitol building late in the day, and as we approached we caught the Governor leaving, score one. Then as we gathered at the capitols steps quietly in front of our tour guide we are notified that we are indeed lucky as North Carolina's original copy of the Bill of Rights was on display today. Score two. This is pretty amazing for a few reasons. Each original state was given an original copy with original signatures, plus D.C 14 in all. Up until ten years ago our copy had been missing, stolen back in 1865 under General William Sherman's watch. Ten years ago, and FBI sting was carried out on an antiques dealer and successfully brought our precious document home. Now, it is only displayed for 4 hours every ten years, and we happened to be lucky enough to catch a glimpse! I have attached a photo I took, though detail is tough to make out. More info here http://www.wral.com/nc-s-bill-of-rights-copy-takes-rare-bow-in-public/12239813/ as well as here http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0422/p01s01-usgn.html read more

North Carolina State Capitol - Bill of rights! Lucky we got to see it. Only on display for four hours every ten years. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

We didn't get to go inside on our visit, but the grounds surrounding the Capitol building were really cool. There were a lot of statues and memorials that highlighted key points and figures in North Carolina's history. It's also right across from the Natural Sciences Museum and the History Museum, so it was a very easy 'tour.' Weekends offer free parking along the street, which meant little walking and a really cheap and super fun day. The Capitol Building is in a great location, short walk to museums, and food, and Moore Square with cobblestone streets, quiet restaurants, and a GIANT ACORN! Hope to get back soon for an inside view of the Capitol Building and to check out the Shimmer Wall on the Convention Center. read more

One of the finest state capitol and national landmark I've ever seen. Beautiful Greek Revival style structure. Rich in history especially during the civil war era. Hope to visit again. Plenty of public parking on the streets around the square, especially on weekends. read more

North Carolina State Capitol - Raleigh, NC - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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To be able to go into this place and see is the history is eyes opening but "Free"..wow. First floor is where you checked in and screened. Second floor are the Senate and House of Representatives chambers, and on the third floor are the chamber viewing galleries, state library and state geologists office; all are restored to 1850's. They kept this place so beautiful. Highly recommended if you visit Raleigh. read more

My family was visiting Raleigh for the first time and we were just wandering around downtown and stopped by the State Capitol building. As we were walking around the building, we noticed you could actually go in and look around! They had some good Civil War-era memorabilia on display and different chambers and rooms available for viewing. It's a good tourist-y stop if you happen to be wandering around downtown Raleigh. read more

We loved walking around the outside. Grounds are beautiful. We came in a Sunday so we couldn't go in.

It's hard for me to rate a state capital. I can only compare it to the VA state capital. I liked the monuments, and the inside, but it was just a bit small and a bit, grey/ dark? Overall worth a look, but I just did not "feel" it, you know? Free so that's good. read more

I havebeen here before and I love all of the stuff you see like the statue of George Washington when you first go in and the tourest are nice and the first floor took about 1-2 hours to go around and the best part is that your kids get the expience and it is FREE and the second floor is just so amazing and the lights that hang from above are made out of pure crystal it was truly amazing!!!!!!! read more