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I enjoyed visiting the Ohio Statehouse in June 2025 on a Wednesday afternoon (4pm). Although the facility is open until 5pm, I had missed the window for the public tours (last one is at 3pm). It looked like the Senate had just finished a meeting to discuss the state budget. The rotunda is lovely and includes a giant sculpture which commemorates Ulysses S. Grant's victory at Vicksburg (during the Civil War). President Grant lived in Ohio (near Cincinnati) and played a key role as a general for the Union Army during the Civil War. For history buffs, this place is awesome! I did not know that Ohio had produced 8 U.S. presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant and William McKinley. Can you name the other 6 Ohioan presidents? Also, the design for the Statehouse started in the 1830s, but the building was not completed until 1861. Unfortunately, I missed the gift shop in the basement and public tour, but you could easily spend an hour here just looking at the chamber rooms on your own and admiring the portraits and sculptures. One puzzling question that I had was why the Ohio Statehouse lacks a completed dome (unlike other state capitol buildings). Did the state run out of money, or was it an intentional part of the original design? Would strongly recommend a visit here!
Great visits in the city of Columbus, very historic.... if you're interested in history it's a must while in the Bus. A view pictures doesn't do it justice.
Pretty grounds. Not particularly a "wow" structure on the outside during the day, but looks nice at night when lit up. Some of the angles and sides are more impressive than the other. I'd go for the front view.
Running a bit behind for the 11 am tour, our tour guide Barbara was great - friendly jovial personality, and she told us lots of cool historical tidbits about the people and building. I'm quite enamored that the physical construction of the State House was done by prisoners using solid rock 18 feet deep into the ground. This is evident in the stone walls and curved archways of the ground floor of the building; definitely a cool feature just to think that humans did such a solid, stable job without all the machinery of today.
Not my favorite or most beautiful and ornate capitol, but our tour guide was the best and gave a great historical and informative presentation on the building and surrounding area. Highly recommend this free tour and visit. Parking below the capitol was $3 per hour and it's the most convenient option as street parking is limited. We're happy to have stopped for a visit and learned a lot about Ohio's history in a couple hours. Highly recommend touring the building with the guide
I wanted to do this so bad and it was SOOO worth it. We did a public tour of the statehouse and that was absolutely peak. The tour guide we had was this sexy man who spoke SO well. He knew a ton of information and gave it to us in a clear, well spoken way. There was honestly so much to see and learn here and it was PEAK. #1 capital ever. (i've only been to this one).
More presidents are born from Ohio than any other state. We did metered parking since the garage was full. The place wasn't too busy and we were able to wander around freely for the most part. On a self guided tour we checked out the Museum Education Center and the rotunda.
Really cool self guided tour. This is one of the most beautiful capitols. Parking is underneath the building.
Ohio Statehouse is located at the heart of Columbus on Capitol Square. You have to go through security screening at any entrance. It was quick and we walked straight to the tour desk at the map room. Walk-in tours start on the hour, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. The guided tour was very informative. The guide explained about the history of the building. Lots of rich history to take in. This magnificent Greek Revival structure was started in 1839 and completed in 1861. It is situated on a 10 acre land that was donated by four prominent landholders. The building is limestone that was taken from a quarry on the west banks of the Scioto River. Prison labors from the Ohio Penitentiary were used to construct the building. The history is intriguing. The Capitol Square complex includes the Ohio Statehouse, Senate Building and Atrium. The Capitol Atrium acts as a connector between the Statehouse and the Senate Building. The grand Rotunda or the center piece of this beautiful capitol building has a stained glass seal of Ohio on top. Its 125 feet from the floor to the top of the Rotunda. Ohio is often referred as "Mother of Presidents" as eight United States Presidents were born in Ohio. The Ohio Statehouse has named six House and two Senate hearing rooms in honor of Ohio's eight presidents. In each of the presidential hearing room, there are artifacts that are associated with each of the president. These artifacts reside in a secure case and its on display for the pubic to see. There is also a very interactive Ohio State House Museum that highlights Ohio's government history. It houses modern displays of new government as well as the original Ohio declaration. The museum itself was pretty large covering most of the basement. There were some kid friendly interactive exhibits as well as interesting reading for adults. It also has a touch screen and video which traces Ohio's history and key constitutional moments. Map Room is in the basement of the structure that connects the senate Building and the state house. The state of Ohio is comprised of 88 counties as diverse as the state itself. The map room has beautiful county map of Ohio that is laid out on the floor. There is a gift shop right across the map room that features unique gifts and artwork from Ohio artists. The Capitol Cafe is open weekdays with delicious food. There is so much to discover here just by simply walking around. Worth checking out, It's great for all ages! We parked in the facility's underground parking garage, it was convenient.
I came here because I figured it would be a nice stop since I was in Columbus, the Capital City of Ohio. Being that I've been to Ohio a million times, why not check this place out? The building is easy to find and has a parking garage on site, which I recommend. Guided tours are temporarily halted, but you can do a self guided tour with a few phone numbers to call if you want to know what you're looking at. They have security here, so don't try to pull any funny stuff. Leave your guns in the car, num-chuks, etc. I did the whole tour in under an hour and took some really cool photos when I was there. Staff is helpful and nice, and they even have a gift shop too! I will say, the gift shop is cool, but I didn't buy anything. I got to see the senate chambers and paintings of some of the congressmen over the years. This place is worth a trip and you can knock it out of the park in under an hour. Worth checking out!
There was meter parking that was free all around the state house on Sunday. We joined a free tour with another couple on the hour after getting through security. Building is opened until 5. There is a cafe, museum & gift shop inside. Jeff told us about the capital before leading us on a tour. The building is limestone built by prisoners in 1839 to 61. Lincoln's body was in repose in the rotunda. Now weddings are held here every Saturday evening. In 1861 Lincoln spoke in the House Chambers but women couldn't attend since they could not vote. In the museum, we saw the state Construction, things found when the capital was renovated & info for children about the way the government works. We wandered through chambers & the museum spend about an hour here.
Due to my recent uptick in visits to the statehouse, I was inspired to finally leave it a review on Yelp! Over the past decade I've visited the Ohio Statehouse on multiple occasions. Whether to protest SB5, health care reform, women's rights, Black Lives Matter, or to celebrate Ohio Tourism day, and well, really just to enjoy while on a walk downtown. On the outside, this building is beautiful! The grounds are well kept and a joy to view during the spring and summer months. If you're around during lunch midweek you'll likely notice folks enjoying lunch on a bench or reading a good book in the grass. As for the inside, I've only been through the doors once and that was years ago. I can't remember what issue I was there to support but I do remember it feeling very old, yet fancy. Likely what you expect from a government building of its type. I tend to pay a lot of attention to the ceilings and the floors of old buildings like this. Not sure why but that's always what catches my eye the most. Really pretty and like you're taking a step back in history.
Arriving with only 15 minutes before closing, I still had a great opportunity to do some self-exploration of the Ohio Statehouse. The security folks (State Police?) were fine with my late arrival but did remind me of closing time when I entered. A gallery was being set up for a special event. I think a wedding reception. Interesting to see that service is offered. This is a beautiful building that was built between 1839 and 1861. One of the oldest working statehouses in the United States (though I believe Concord is older). It's a beautiful Greek Revival building that represents the power of the state of Ohio. (Austin, Denver and Salt Lake City are much bigger.) I was unable to tour the General Assembly chambers as it was closed for the day. As was the Statehouse Museum Store. Columbus is my 30th State Capitol, so I'm now 60% of the way to collecting all 50 of them. Woot, woot! [Review 11291 overall, 1068 of 2019.]
Construction began on the flat domed Ohio State house in 1839, and was completed at the opening of the American Civil War. In some states upon returning from the war soldiers pushed to have rounded domes placed on top of their state houses. It was not the case in Ohio, and the original Greek revival architecture remains. The building is a showpiece and focal point at the center of the capital city. It has been restored to its original grandeur and is carefully maintained to ensure historical accuracy. The grounds are well manicured and contain a variety of historic themed statues. There is an active and thriving bee apairy located on the north side of the grounds. Beneath Capitol Square, and the statehouse there is a multilevel parking facility. Be aware that the maximum height of your vehicle may be too tall for this garage. There are warning indicators at the entrances, but pay attention to the height nonetheless. Security is of Paramount concern, as this is a working capital for the statewide officeholders, including the governor, and both houses of the general assembly, Senate and House of Representatives. It is not just a museum, or a ceremonial building. This is the actual working seat of government for the state of Ohio. it is necessary for all visitors to be screened by security prior to entrance. And an active and robust security presence is maintained by the Ohio Highway Patrol. Throughout the halls can be found portraits of governors and legislative leaders, statutory representing the history of Ohio as well as large paintings of historic events in the rotunda. Of important historic note, after his assassination, the Ohio Statehouse was a location where President Lincoln lay in state and for days tens of thousands of Ohio's paid their respects. Lincoln spoke here on occasion, and actually received official word that he had been elected president, while visiting here. A brass marker is placed at the location where he spoke to the public in the atrium between the main Statehouse building and the Senate building. The Ststehouse Atrium has not always been here, but some years earlier was an open outdoor area. As is their habit, pigeons had taken up residence at the upper regions of the building and it was necessary sometimes to run between the Statehouse and the Senate building so as not to be "christened" by pigeon waste. The area became known as "pigeon run." If you look above the door/entry entryway to the Senate building in the atrium, you will see a historic reminder of those days in the form of a taxidermy pigeon. Those days are of course, long gone, and the atrium is now home to a variety of public and private events. Many select the statehouse and grounds as a location for wedding photo shoots, and actual weddings. Schedules of House and Senate sessions, and committee sessions are available online and open to the public. In the basement of the atrium and Senate building there are a variety of historic interpretational displays. Also found there is a small café, and a gift shop. read more
The Ohio Capital is architecturally different from many other states. In many states the capital sits high and is easy to see, but in Columbus you might accidentally drive right by. In a way I guess it is more approachable for the people. I also liked the fact there was plenty of downtown underground parking. read more
This is a very impressive old statehouse, or capitol, and it is well worth visiting. If you can, try and take one of the free guided tours. It's only one hour long and, if you have the right guide, it is very much worth it. Our guide was outstanding. There is a lot of history here, and trivia and entertainment, too. But you won't feel like you're taking a history class unless you just come and stare at the exhibits. Well worth a visit but especially if you can take the tour. read more
1 year ago
I enjoyed visiting the Ohio Statehouse in June 2025 on a Wednesday afternoon (4pm). Although the facility is open until 5pm, I had missed the window for the public tours (last one is at 3pm). It looked like the Senate had just finished a meeting to discuss the state budget. The rotunda is lovely and includes a giant sculpture which commemorates Ulysses S. Grant's victory at Vicksburg (during the Civil War). President Grant lived in Ohio (near Cincinnati) and played a key role as a general for the Union Army during the Civil War. For history buffs, this place is awesome! I did not know that Ohio had produced 8 U.S. presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant and William McKinley. Can you name the other 6 Ohioan presidents? Also, the design for the Statehouse started in the 1830s, but the building was not completed until 1861. Unfortunately, I missed the gift shop in the basement and public tour, but you could easily spend an hour here just looking at the chamber rooms on your own and admiring the portraits and sculptures. One puzzling question that I had was why the Ohio Statehouse lacks a completed dome (unlike other state capitol buildings). Did the state run out of money, or was it an intentional part of the original design? Would strongly recommend a visit here! read more
1 year ago
Pretty grounds. Not particularly a "wow" structure on the outside during the day, but looks nice at night when lit up. Some of the angles and sides are more impressive than the other. I'd go for the front view. read more
Running a bit behind for the 11 am tour, our tour guide Barbara was great - friendly jovial personality, and she told us lots of cool historical tidbits about the people and building. I'm quite enamored that the physical construction of the State House was done by prisoners using solid rock 18 feet deep into the ground. This is evident in the stone walls and curved archways of the ground floor of the building; definitely a cool feature just to think that humans did such a solid, stable job without all the machinery of today. read more
Not my favorite or most beautiful and ornate capitol, but our tour guide was the best and gave a great historical and informative presentation on the building and surrounding area. Highly recommend this free tour and visit. Parking below the capitol was $3 per hour and it's the most convenient option as street parking is limited. We're happy to have stopped for a visit and learned a lot about Ohio's history in a couple hours. Highly recommend touring the building with the guide read more
1 year ago
I wanted to do this so bad and it was SOOO worth it. We did a public tour of the statehouse and that was absolutely peak. The tour guide we had was this sexy man who spoke SO well. He knew a ton of information and gave it to us in a clear, well spoken way. There was honestly so much to see and learn here and it was PEAK. #1 capital ever. (i've only been to this one). read more
More presidents are born from Ohio than any other state. We did metered parking since the garage was full. The place wasn't too busy and we were able to wander around freely for the most part. On a self guided tour we checked out the Museum Education Center and the rotunda. read more
5 years ago
Ohio Statehouse is located at the heart of Columbus on Capitol Square. You have to go through security screening at any entrance. It was quick and we walked straight to the tour desk at the map room. Walk-in tours start on the hour, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. The guided tour was very informative. The guide explained about the history of the building. Lots of rich history to take in. This magnificent Greek Revival structure was started in 1839 and completed in 1861. It is situated on a 10 acre land that was donated by four prominent landholders. The building is limestone that was taken from a quarry on the west banks of the Scioto River. Prison labors from the Ohio Penitentiary were used to construct the building. The history is intriguing. The Capitol Square complex includes the Ohio Statehouse, Senate Building and Atrium. The Capitol Atrium acts as a connector between the Statehouse and the Senate Building. The grand Rotunda or the center piece of this beautiful capitol building has a stained glass seal of Ohio on top. Its 125 feet from the floor to the top of the Rotunda. Ohio is often referred as "Mother of Presidents" as eight United States Presidents were born in Ohio. The Ohio Statehouse has named six House and two Senate hearing rooms in honor of Ohio's eight presidents. In each of the presidential hearing room, there are artifacts that are associated with each of the president. These artifacts reside in a secure case and its on display for the pubic to see. There is also a very interactive Ohio State House Museum that highlights Ohio's government history. It houses modern displays of new government as well as the original Ohio declaration. The museum itself was pretty large covering most of the basement. There were some kid friendly interactive exhibits as well as interesting reading for adults. It also has a touch screen and video which traces Ohio's history and key constitutional moments. Map Room is in the basement of the structure that connects the senate Building and the state house. The state of Ohio is comprised of 88 counties as diverse as the state itself. The map room has beautiful county map of Ohio that is laid out on the floor. There is a gift shop right across the map room that features unique gifts and artwork from Ohio artists. The Capitol Cafe is open weekdays with delicious food. There is so much to discover here just by simply walking around. Worth checking out, It's great for all ages! We parked in the facility's underground parking garage, it was convenient. read more
I came here because I figured it would be a nice stop since I was in Columbus, the Capital City of Ohio. Being that I've been to Ohio a million times, why not check this place out? The building is easy to find and has a parking garage on site, which I recommend. Guided tours are temporarily halted, but you can do a self guided tour with a few phone numbers to call if you want to know what you're looking at. They have security here, so don't try to pull any funny stuff. Leave your guns in the car, num-chuks, etc. I did the whole tour in under an hour and took some really cool photos when I was there. Staff is helpful and nice, and they even have a gift shop too! I will say, the gift shop is cool, but I didn't buy anything. I got to see the senate chambers and paintings of some of the congressmen over the years. This place is worth a trip and you can knock it out of the park in under an hour. Worth checking out! read more
There was meter parking that was free all around the state house on Sunday. We joined a free tour with another couple on the hour after getting through security. Building is opened until 5. There is a cafe, museum & gift shop inside. Jeff told us about the capital before leading us on a tour. The building is limestone built by prisoners in 1839 to 61. Lincoln's body was in repose in the rotunda. Now weddings are held here every Saturday evening. In 1861 Lincoln spoke in the House Chambers but women couldn't attend since they could not vote. In the museum, we saw the state Construction, things found when the capital was renovated & info for children about the way the government works. We wandered through chambers & the museum spend about an hour here. read more
Due to my recent uptick in visits to the statehouse, I was inspired to finally leave it a review on Yelp! Over the past decade I've visited the Ohio Statehouse on multiple occasions. Whether to protest SB5, health care reform, women's rights, Black Lives Matter, or to celebrate Ohio Tourism day, and well, really just to enjoy while on a walk downtown. On the outside, this building is beautiful! The grounds are well kept and a joy to view during the spring and summer months. If you're around during lunch midweek you'll likely notice folks enjoying lunch on a bench or reading a good book in the grass. As for the inside, I've only been through the doors once and that was years ago. I can't remember what issue I was there to support but I do remember it feeling very old, yet fancy. Likely what you expect from a government building of its type. I tend to pay a lot of attention to the ceilings and the floors of old buildings like this. Not sure why but that's always what catches my eye the most. Really pretty and like you're taking a step back in history. read more
4 years ago
Arriving with only 15 minutes before closing, I still had a great opportunity to do some self-exploration of the Ohio Statehouse. The security folks (State Police?) were fine with my late arrival but did remind me of closing time when I entered. A gallery was being set up for a special event. I think a wedding reception. Interesting to see that service is offered. This is a beautiful building that was built between 1839 and 1861. One of the oldest working statehouses in the United States (though I believe Concord is older). It's a beautiful Greek Revival building that represents the power of the state of Ohio. (Austin, Denver and Salt Lake City are much bigger.) I was unable to tour the General Assembly chambers as it was closed for the day. As was the Statehouse Museum Store. Columbus is my 30th State Capitol, so I'm now 60% of the way to collecting all 50 of them. Woot, woot! [Review 11291 overall, 1068 of 2019.] read more
2 years ago
I've been here many times, for tours, events, protests, scavenger hunts, etc., etc. It's an amazing building, located on a beautiful piece of land right at the heart of Columbus. Worth wandering the grounds to see the statues and memorials, if nothing else. Inside, the architecture is also beautiful. Recently restored, the interior is stately but not stuffy. This time we went for the Ohio "birthday" celebrations, and took a tour. The guide was very informative, and though it was almost an hour tour we were never bored. We explored a bit more on our own. Check out the museum, the gift shop, the memorials, the central elevator, and more. The statehood event included trivia games, booths representing local organizations, snacks, and more. All free, all fun. Also bumped into an old friend who I hadn't seen in years. Not surprising since we're both history nerds, but still cool. Kid-friendly, free, educational, fun- what more could you want? Oh, cookies? They had those too... read more
5 years ago
Next time I'll come for a real tour. We stopped in for House Taco but decided we had to pop up to the rotunda since we had never been inside before! read more
8 years ago
I came to the statehouse last fall. You can do a guided tour or walk around on your own. My friend had worked here as a page so she gave us the whole tour on her own. There were a lot of cool things to see and we went into a courtroom to see some students get inducted. They already had a Christmas tree up as they were getting ready for the holidays. Some spaces had high ceilings but had really nothing there. It was just a space to walk through. You could tell it was old. As the walls were painted a n interesting shade of pink or orange. The ceilings were beautiful though. It's worth a visit since it's free. It's beautiful from the outside too. read more
The Ohio Statehouse tour was very interesting and informative. The entrance to the building is at the back and not at the scenic "front". Security screening was respectful and quick. Walked right to the tour desk and joined a tour that had just started. They are every hour on the hour until 3pm , so get to the tour desk at the right time. It's right across from the gift shop. We were able to sit in the empty senate floor room. We saw the House of Representatives room. We were taken to different areas to look at different pictures and statues and the guide explained the backgrounds. The educational section was a self guided area and very interactive. It was very interesting. The gift shop has everything you could think of. Snacks , books , postcards , hat pins. It was all reasonable prices as well. Lots of rich history to take in. It's great for all ages. read more
4 years ago
5 years ago
Nice place.. I would consider this as the heart of columbus city. I also loved strolling around this magnificent architecture. Surely picture with a lowly mobile phone cannot do justice. Highly recommended anyway read more
Inside is so massive that you can get lost!! Even finding the entrance is super hard. Hahaha At any entrance you have to go through airport-like security. Not sure which entrance I went into but I couldn't find where the tours started. So I walked around myself and went to practically every corner of the building getting lost and to knew corners. I somehow made it to the basement museum and found the actual museum/tour entrance. Haha The museum store happened to be located at the beginning of the museum. Very nice place. You can practically go anywhere that doesn't have a security guard blocking your way. It had an outside in feeling. Like a big forum that looks like it belongs outside the building but is inside. Tours are free!!! read more
Visting the OH Statehouse is a free activity. Tours happen hourly during the week day 10-3 and the museum is always free as well. Weekend tours are also available the website said. The guide I had was great. He was really knowledgeable about the construction of the building and its various phases, the stories of events and famous people connected to the building and the history of Columbus in general. The tour lasted about an hour and included a stop in the Rotunda, Senate Chambers and a few other spots in hallways and rooms along the way. The museum itself was pretty large covering most of the basement. There were some kid friendly interactive exhibits as well as interesting reading for adults. read more
8 years ago
I may be biased being from Ohio, but I think we have one of the most beautiful state capital buildings compared to the ones I have been to (Tennessee, Hawaii, Indiana, and Massachusetts). The face that this building was completed in 1861 and is still used just like it was back then today is amazing to me. The restoration that was completed in 1996 did a great job turning the modernized building into its former glory and I don't think any tourist to the city should pass it up. There is a museum in the basement, a gift shop, and free tours every single day (including Sundays). Like I said, as a native Ohioan, I may be biased, but I don't think anyone would be disappointed walking around this amazing structure. read more
12 years ago
A family field trip to the Ohio State House is where its at! There are guided tours on the top of every hour and you also have the option of self guided tours that come with maps and wands. We opted for the latter - but only used the wands for a little while. After we were bored of the wands we just explored. We got lost, which was incredible fun. I could really not believe how beautiful the building and the memorials were! There was a museum that the kids spent forever in. I was totally surprised at how much there was do to in see. Interactive exhibits, the whole nine yards. We spent about 2 hours in there - free fun. I am somewhat spoiled so I used the parking under the Statehouse....$5, but hey - great outing to do with the family. read more
6 years ago
I've been to a number of State Houses throughout the United States and found them to be a rich civic and historical resource. The Ohio State House is no exception. If you want to learn about your state's history in a capsule, visiting your Stathouse is a great start There are free 45 minute guided tours that depart from the map room which is accessible from the 3rd street entrance. Tours are run on the hour, Mon-Fri from 10-5 pm and Sat-Sun 12-3 pm.. The tours are handicapped accessible and senior friendly. You can take a self- guided tour but I opted for the guided tour. If you take the self- guided tour pick up a brochure and audio tour wand which has pre-recorded information. I really liked the Governor's portraits starting with Arthur St. Clair (1768-1812) and included every governor up to Ted Strickland (2007-2011). former presidents Rutherford B. Haynes and William McKinley (1892-1896) were most interesting to see. The Ohio State House museum is on the ground floor and has a replica of the Ohio Constitution (1802). It also has a touch screen and video which traces Ohio's history and key constitutional moments. There are numerous sculptures, each with their own symbolic or historic reference. It's great for young and old and ties you to your roots, as well as, giving perspective on today's Ohio. You'll visit both house chambers and learn how bills are passed in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Experiences like this can inspire kids read more
13 years ago
7 years ago
This is our 37th Capitol to visit and Ohio has done an excellent job restoring this capital. The museum on the bottom level is interactive and informative for kids and adults. This is one of the few buildings that is open on Sunday and does offer tours from 12-3. The amenities are not open on Sunday but the tour does allow access to the house and senate chambers. The grounds are beautiful around the building and worth some time spent to admire the monuments and statues. read more
I hate to say it, but this might be the ugliest state capital building of all the ones I've visited, especially after such a gorgeous visit to Frankfurt the other day. The decor is not as warm and rich. The outside is somewhat bland. And the parking below the building is a bit daunting.....spaces are narrow and rounding the corners is a bit treacherous. No one who works here is particularly friendly, and I found the setting to be somewhat stark and cold. There is a strange Alice in Wonderland checkered pattern on the floor, surrounded by pink walls in one part of the building. Definitely unusual and a wee bit funky. The landscaping is the best part. Not as pretty as some of the other capitals I've visited, but it was the only part that looked like someone put some care into. I'm glad I went, as this is the state where I am from, but I will likely never have a reason to go back, nor will it make the "favorites" list. read more
18 years ago
I was walking aimlessly around Columbus when I first moved here and just randomly walked into the Statehouse. I was greeted warmly at the counter, and a lady walked up and offered me a tour of the place. An hour later I had been led through the Statehouse maze and knew everything there was to know about Ohio history. Boring as that seems, I thought it was pretty great. The place is amazingly open to visitors. I imagine that's because they don't get a lot of wanderers off the streets. They let you have free reign of the place even without a tour guide, as I found out today. I just walked in and said, "is anything in session?" They said no, and gave me directions to the chambers. I walked in, took some pictures, exchanged restrained smiles with some suits, and walked out. I had way more access than I would have thought. The atmosphere is as uptight as you would imagine. But i entertained myself by checking out all of the great art/architecture in the place. The architecture is seriously mismatched in a lot of places, but I like that. It's a metaphor for politics. Lots of opinions and no real unifying ideology. But I doubt that was the intention. read more
The Statehouse and its 10-achre grounds is a park, an art exhibit, and a historical museum. Inside the grand Greek revival building are rooms and rooms of similar interesting exhibits, all to basically house its true function--a clown show. I don't recommend the show though, as it is more frustrating than it is funny. On the outside, the grounds twist around and is bigger than it seems passing by on Broad or High. Functioning as an art park, it is a great place to sit on a bench, suck in some sunshine, and have a quick meal for downtown residents. It's main attraction is its function, the seat of government, and there are free tours to be had or self guided types helped by maps and brochures. This building predates the House of Congress in Washington--so unlike many state legislature's homes, Ohio's is not derivative of it. Inside its colonnades is the rotunda room. Its floor is made of marble from around the world. Sitting on it are two cool pieces of art: a sculpture of Lincoln above a panel depicting the confederates surrendering at Vicksburg; the other is a painting depicting Admiral Perry at battle in Lake Eire. Both are made by Ohio artist, the one actually had Lincoln pose for him. As for Lincoln, his body lied in state here on the sad way back to Springfield, Illinois. On the outer grounds is a memorial to the holocaust, a monument to Ohio veterans of wars with heartbreaking letters home chiseled on it, cannons, sundials, a statue of peace, and the These Are My Jewels statue made famous by James Thurber. The grounds is also attracts weddings. On my last visit two separate parties were taking pictures there. I guess nothing says romance then quorum votes. Obviously, this is a picturesque part of town. A must see for lovers of art, civics, and history. read more
8 years ago
13 years ago
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More info about Ohio Statehouse
Ask the Community - Ohio Statehouse
Is there visitor parking available close by?
There is an underground garage and meters on third
