A magnificent historic spot & a must-visit in Washington! ​If you are visiting Olympia, the Washington State Capitol (Legislative Building) is a must-see! ​The architecture is stunning both inside and out. Did you know it features the 5th tallest masonry dome in the world (287 feet high)? Walking through the halls feels like stepping back in time--the intricate marble details, grand chandeliers, and historic chambers are breathtaking. The surrounding grounds are also lovely for a stroll, featuring impressive monuments like the World War I "Winged Victory" statue. Admission: Free entry! Free guided tours are also available. Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM ​Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed on Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day) Campus Grounds: Open daily from dawn to dusk. ​Parking: Paid visitor parking is available on campus ($2/hr on weekdays, free on evenings & weekends). Highly recommend taking a walk inside and snapping plenty of photos/videos! read more

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Cool spot to visit! Love the views and gloomy Washington weather to set the vibes. Definitely a good spot to stop by at when you're visiting Olympia! read more

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We had a wonderful tour on a Saturday morning. The building is so grand. Our guide was lovely & very knowledgeable. Pro tip for visiting on the weekend: park RIGHT in front of the building. read more

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The Capitol building has that rustic charm you've likely come to expect when visiting state capitols. It's big, with a big dome, and big columns, and a big atrium. There is certainly lots of granite and marble. There is a quaint little propaganda gift shop just inside the East entrance with all things WA State, if you're into that kind of stuff. WA has seasonal Legislature, so half the year, it's pretty quiet around here. There is a nice fountain near Capitol Blvd. Enjoy! read more

Washington State Capitol - In front of the Insurance Building - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Olympia, Washington

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I visited over the weekend in December, and unsurprisingly not many people were enjoying the grounds during the drizzly, blustery weather. I came here for the guided tour, which I thought was well done. The tour starts right at the entrance, with the mention of the heavy exterior doors and Tiffany lamps. Inside, the docent goes over the origin of the materials used in constructing the building. Since the rotunda lobby was decorated for the Christmas holiday, there were three evergreen trees adorned with stuffed animals and snowflakes. The guide said that the holiday tree used to be one very tall tree, but the change was made during Covid to swap out one tree for three smaller ones for the ease of decorating. The tour takes you into the gallery overlooking the House of Representatives chamber. This area is normally accessible when they're in session, but otherwise if you're hoping to get in when they're not, this tour is the only way to visit. The House chamber walls are lined with French marble and the perimeter of the ceiling is decorated with the names of Washington State's forty-nine counties (each section has paired names, and Walla Walla gets its own section). Be warned though, this area is kind of dusty so if you have allergies you might want to sit this part out. Overall, this was a great tour. I liked how they didn't have visitors walk through metal detectors unlike in other Capitol buildings in other states. read more

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Since I was in Washington State, I only had a short period of time to see the Capitol Building. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to go inside. But it was still neat to see and also the great views it had to offer. Next time, I'll do the tour or at least go inside. LOL. read more

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Everything went well. Even though me and my family were still frustrated from the bridgeview restraunt, (see previous review), this quickly cheered us up. the fountain, the statue, everything was put together super well and made my experience of washington so much better. I extremely recommend this. read more

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Driving around the country, I made it a point to stop in Olympia and collect my 47th state capitol. Yes, I've been to 46 of them so far (see https://www.yelp.com/collection/ucwQvyGY8sZEDHaN49HU5Q/State-Capitols-I-have-been-to) and this one is pretty darned awesome. The legislature is not currently in session. Yes, I found a place to park the Sprinter van (free parking!) and walked around the building. Lots of monuments and memorials to see on this rainy day. And I thought... let's try the door. Holy crap, it's open! So I entered and wandered around for a half hour. It's a beautiful building, one of the nicest. The sweet lady running the gift shop is a treasure. I bought a bunch of postcards and those will go in the mail. Inside and outside, it's stunning. I'd have to put it up there in the top 10 Capitol buildings with Salt Lake City, Des Moines, Austin, Madison, Topeka and even Lansing. [Review 20916 overall - 122 in Washington - round number 1900 of 2023.] read more

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We attended a graduation. It was such an amazing experience to be a part of. The capital is gorgeous. If you can't go up the stairs, go around the building and you can access the lower level. They have an elevator. The architecture is so beautiful inside and out. Every inch of the capital is so beautiful. Don't forget to stop at the gift shop. They have a lot of neat souvenirs to bring home. read more

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First trip to a state capitol. Scored an independent group tour here in a small party of about 8. The idea of touring the building might not sound like the most exciting things you can do, but you learn about a lot such as the conduct, architecture and history are really neat beyond politics which you may expect. This was a weekend visit, so it wasn't terribly crowded, and free parking. Weekdays probably isn't the case and may actually be more crowded. If there aren't tours going on you've gotten people posing for pictures in and around the building which, while annoying does again speak to the historical construction and look of the building. The tour guides were all very nice and enthusiastic about the building's history. As soon as we walked in, we were eagerly greeted by guides ready to show us the building. If history (specifically that of Washington State) is your thing as well as museum tours, this is a good way to spend a couple of hours. read more

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Came here on the Saturday before Easter to see thecherry blossoms. There are a couple of areas with trees and they are gorgeous, but it's nothing like the University of Washington area. You definitely want to go on the weekends so that you don't have to compete with the admin types to get parking. There were a lot of people out taking pictures and enjoying the sun, with a couple of photographers with their clients taking wedding pictures. Not much to do on the property, but it's up the street from the restaurant scene downtown. read more

Washington State Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Olympia, Washington

The building and ground are five stars. The lady giving the tour is knowledgeable, but boring. A lot of talking. I think it would be better with a multitude of answers engagement, like they teach in schools, because the kids struggled to pay attention. Most kids are visual learners these days, and this is all aural. It's also my honest opinion that to keep people engaged you should go to places with photo ops and maybe ask the audience questions, or something. read more

Washington State Capitol - Wa state Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Olympia, Washington

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Yesterday, was the perfect time to visit the capitol. The weather, the greenery, the flowers in bloom, the easy parking (you pay), not crowded, we have the whole floor & restroom to ourselves. We got there just before closing. I took a bunch of photos! From the garden below, you could see the view called 'Mistake by the Lake' building. Search for it. An older couple walking by us, at that time explained it to us. Marble from Alaska - public hallways & rotunda, Columbus Doors made of bronze, Tiffany chandeliers and lamps, Washington Seal everywhere! I love it all! read more

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Having lived in Washington for a while now and given my joy of visiting state capitols I wanted to spend some time checking out the Washington State Capitol. We drove an hour from Seattle to Olympia on a Saturday and arrived at 11:30am just in time for their scheduled. They have free guided tours on the second floor on Monday-Friday every hour from 10-4pm and Saturday-Sunday at 30 minutes past every hour from 11:30am-3:30pm. There is visitors parking that is free on the weekend. The tours are about 50 minutes and the tour guide walked us through the building giving tidbits of its history. He talked about the different materials on the outside of the building as well as the inside of the building, from sandstone to granite to marble from Alaska. In the rotunda there is a huge chandelier which itself is 10,000 pounds and also a big roped off section of the Washington state symbol. Then we went into the reception room where we saw more marble from Ukraine and Italy and the room's original carpet from 1928. We also learned that the building has the largest number of Tiffany light fixtures in the world (almost 500). Unfortunately we weren't able to go into the House and Senate chambers but we saw some pictures of them outside. I really like that the building is open on weekends because other state capitols are not. I was surprised to know that the Washington State Capitol was completed in 1928 which is only less than 100 years ago. Even if you don't take the tour you can do a self-guided tour with one of the brochures they hand out but I think it's more informative and interactive to have that tour guide and ask questions. There's a lot of history here and I enjoyed taking the tour to learn more about the state I live in. If you're in the area make sure you stop by! read more

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Just stunning. The greenery up the walkway is magnificent and the ode to Washington culture is greatly felt here. My goodness, the marble and gold plating is unbelievable and truly spectacular. Who designed this place? They certainly did a heck of a job! The few staff that we ran into were incredibly kind and even stopped to have some conversations. I certainly loved their candor and hospitality! I recommend taking the guided tour if it's available, as we passed it up and saw that the groups were going into areas that were otherwise closed to the general public. Bummer. There is a gift shop with some pretty neat things and otherwise odd items. And hey, if you're from out of town and forgot an umbrella.. well, guess what.. read more

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We did a tour of the capital. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and told us much of the history. This capital is one of the most beautiful in the country. It is dripping in marble from around the world and elaborate chandeliers. You will feel in awe of the giant rotunda. We got to view the party room and also where they work and make the laws. Definitely recommend for out of towners or go at least once to see its architecture beauty. Plus there are lots of flowers, fountains, and nature around the grounds if you just want to get some fresh air. read more

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Such a cool building and the gardens and the walk around the lake is absolutely amazing. A great place to go for a stroll and to see nature, even in the middle of downtown Olympia. read more

I came here with a friend, who recommended that we visit this place. And that was one recommendation worth its weight in gold! This was actually a very beautiful place to visit and tour... We arrived and once we were up the stairs, there was a free tour just starting. We decided to join it and spend time going around all the places in the building, while our guide told us the history or significance of the building and what was inside. The last item in the guided itinerary was the gift shop. It was well stock and it was reasonably priced as well! I came home with pressed coins, a beanie hat, a dozen or so souvenir shirts, shot glasses...and fridge magnets! One must never forget fridge magnets! When you're in the area, a visit to the capitol building is highly recommended! read more

Washington State Capitol - The central chandelier... - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Olympia, Washington

If you find yourself passing by Olympia, this building should be a must see. The beauty of the architecture is as detailed on the outside as it is on the inside. We did not have a tour, not sure if they are allowing tour during COVID times? We went in august and everyone was super respectful and maintaining their distance. The grounds leading to the main building are so well kept and beautiful to walk. The inside has the most cleanest and shiniest floors and walls. Pay attention to the details on the door handles. The bust of George Washington is thought provoking. Grateful for our founding fathers. The garden has a walkway that leads you into the huge pond? below. The gift store inside was pretty stocked with neat Souvenirs. From shirts, stickers, postcards to pens and chocolates. Bathrooms are so fancy and clean. read more

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This is one of the most beautiful state capitols that I have had the opportunity to visit. The rotunda is truly magnificent. It has an amazing chandelier. Pretty much every office is open for you to explore. One of the most overlooked is the gift shop. It has mostly local and awesome goods. They have everything from books, sweaters, wines, chocolate, pens, bookmarks, postcards, and so much more. It is definitely well worth visiting. read more

It is beautiful!!! It is sort of like a gorgeous museum except a lot is currently happening there instead of everything there being solely historical! I have lived in Washington State for most of my life (other than living in Washington DC for a while) and yesterday was my first time visiting our State Capitol building! I don't think it will be my last! We were in the area yesterday due to visiting family, and I was randomly curious about what kind of Christmas tree the Capitol building might have. I was not disappointed. At the top of a wide set of marble stairs near the entrance to the Legislative building, there sat a Christmas tree that was easily 2 - 3 times the height of a tall human. Around it sat a vast array of huge wrapped presents, which were cordoned off. The decorations on the tree were primarily composed of full-size stuffed animals and dolls (my husband and I both quickly noticed the stuffed Donald Duck, hehe) and cloth snowflakes the size of my head. On every side of the Christmas tree, everywhere I looked - up at the ceiling, down at the floor, to my left, to my right, and behind me - there were gold, marble, and elaborate lavish touches. It was a simply magical experience. If you stop in and make a random visit like I did, be sure to look UP! Some of the ceilings are absolutely breathtaking! I stared at the front of the "Temple of Justice" building for quite some time. I worked at a law firm for years and have had a deeply felt sense of justice since I was a small child. I was close friends for 5 years with the (former? Haven't talked to him in years now) Executive Director of the Minority and Justice Commission in the Washington State Capitol Building, so of course I thought of him too. Parking around the buildings is almost all reserved. I didn't check the website or call in advance for parking suggestions this time, but I will do that when I sign up for the formal tour there, which I now definitely want to do. My husband said it "inspires a sense of awe" and I agree. I feel grateful to all of the many judges, legislators, staff and government officials who work to make the lives better of many people living in our beautiful state. I will definitely be back. Looking forward to it! read more

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Have visited a few different Capitols, and really enjoyed this one, surrounded by a lake, and the beautiful greens around. Did not get to enjoy a tour on the inside as it was a weekend and I didn't have enough time. Would recommend doing so if you are able. Would recommend. read more

Seems The Same After 30 Years SITREP I will always have fun, majestic memories of this beautiful State Capitol Building. Being able to stop in and visit recently was a nice trek down memory lane. THE SETUP Back in 1984, my senior year in college, I was heavily involved in the Young Democrats of Washington State. At the time, I placed my energies fully behind the Presidential Campaign of Senator Gary Hart, D-Colorado, and as I was in college at the time in Walla Walla, I was charged with working the eastern half of Washington State, with our local HQ being in Spokane. STATE CAPITOL JUNKETS It was an exciting time for me, making trips to Seattle and Spokane, but also hitting "Gary Hart For President" HQ in Olympia, our State Capitol. PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS But as you may know the history, Gary lost to Walter Mondale in the Democratic Primaries, and so for many of us, our "Harts" were broken and we didn't really want to be a member of a party where Mondale was it's candidate. But that didn't mean we necessarily wanted to jump on the bandwagon of Republican Reaganite candidates either, and so several of us disaffected Democrats were heading to the party of the Independents. BOOTH GARDNER ...that is until an unexpected thing happened to us along the way: a visionary gentleman talked to us and changed our minds: we were personally recruited by Washington Gubernatorial candidate Booth Gardner, Democrat. Full of vision, compassion on a social level, but fiscally conservative, Booth weaved important principles together in his campaign, and so we worked hard for him, and he won the Governorship in Washington State (and served for 8 years from Jan 16, 1985 to Jan 13, 1993). CAPITOL ROTUNDA - THE INAUGURATION BALL I will never forget the kick-ass party we had for his inauguration under the revered dome of the Washington State Capitol Rotunda. It was like Christmas & Disneyland all at once, mixed with a heavy dose of politics. Definitely a highlight of my life. And spending time off & on, both for pleasure & work, in the intervening 30 years just continues to have me remember this structure in both pleasant & respectful tones. THE LOWDOWN If you ever get a chance to go to Olympia, you need to stop by and enjoy the building. read more

Much like my adventure in the east coast two years ago, I just had to stop by and get good photos of the state capitol in Washington state. I stopped here on my way back to Portland from the Seattle area. The state capitol lies in the city of Olympia, which is a little less than an hour south of Seattle. The capitol is part of an impressive compound. The architecture is amazing, and makes for great photos. It was a somewhat cloudy day, which added a dramatic backdrop to the photos of the building. Since it was a weekend, parking was free and in abundance. I was able to park on a lot adjacent to the capitol and the Washington Department of Justice. A quick jog up the stone steps, and I found myself inside this beautifully decorated building. For more elaboration, please see photos. The staff members providing tours here was very friendly. I chatted with them a bit before leaving this impressive structure. I took some time to check out the Dept. of Justice building, and the law enforcement memorial that sat close to the water. This was one of many great experiences while visiting the Pacific NW. If you are in the area, come check this place out. read more

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The Washington State Capitol made for a good stopover point while driving down I-5 on my way to Portland recently. The road signs made it easy to get to the Capitol. Olympia is not that big of a town so it is easy to spot the Capitol's rotunda since it is the tallest building in the area. I didn't go into the Capitol building, but simply took pictures on its grounds. There seems to be a row of parking right up to the Capitol. Though I decided to park a couple blocks away on a side street nearby. I was kind of shocked at the parking meter pricing. The first 15 minutes are free and the next half hour after that is just a quarter. No wonder we have a budget deficit! The Capitol is beautifully maintained. There are a few statues/monuments here as well. The grounds here serve as a great example of what a good public space should look like. Making a pit stop in Olympia on your way to Portland or Seattle to visit the Washington State Capitol is worth it. It is worth the extra 30 minutes or so, to see the inspiring architecture found here before getting back on your way to where you need to go. read more

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I was just going to see the Capitol grounds and I was lucky enough to get in on a tour from the start. It is very informational and well worth the time. Our tour guild was very knowledgeable, but at times I could not hear her as she talked very soft. Overall, you should try to go there and get in on a tour or even just look around yourself. It's a very impressive place. read more

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First of all, if you have ever seen the Capitol building in Phoenix AZ, my home state. You will understand why I love the Capitol here in Olympia. I've explored the building and complex several times. Taken a tour and did some exploring when we had family come into town. Take the tour so the guide can explain and point out things of interest. Like the doors with the sculptures. Or the huge tiffany chandelier. Just a beautiful building. read more

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Beautiful building! I think visiting the state capitol in every state I visit is going to be my new goal...Washington's was for sure a sight for sore eyes. It was cold and rainy on our visit, but in no way did that impact what it looked like indoors! The walls, floor, and statues were all well-kept. And the rotunda was my favorite part about it! They offer tours, but we did something self-guided for a quick look around. There was a strike happening right in front during the time we came as well, which added just a little bit more excitement. read more

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Located in Olympia Washington. Very tall building that rizes above the trees. Lots of history and historical things to see. I love history, so obviously I'm intrigued. Great place to visit. read more

You know what's cool? The gift shop. The place is gorgeous, roof was just redone... but also you can get handmade ornaments and wine at reasonable prices... oh and the chocolate! read more

Washington State Capitol - Washington State Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Olympia, Washington

One of the landmarks in Olympia, I take my friends and relatives here whenever they are in town. Before covid we used to be able to just go inside the capitol when they were open, and take pics around the building. Not quite sure what the rules are now, but the exterior of the capitol is worth marveling at. Right now there are beautiful cherry blossoms that make this a great photo op! read more

Washington State Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Olympia, Washington

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Decided to visit the State Capital today. Visiting the Capital is a good rainy day thing to do. The capital gives free tours every hour. We arrived for the noon tour a few minutes early, the guide is punctual and leaves on the dot. The guide is approximately one hour so wear comfy shoes. The guide covers early Washington history, Architecture of the buildings, and local government. Very informative and enjoyable. The guides are more than willing to answer questions during the tour. Photos are ok to take during the tour. Clean bathrooms are available on the main level. There is also a really good gift shop, which I thought was affordable. There is pay parking very close by which we paid $4.50 for four hours. read more

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Fun place to take a family or visit bbt yourself if you want to learn the history of the building. There are free tours offered every hour, which are informative and you may be able to see either the Washington state House of Representatives or Senate in session if you are there at the beginning of the year. The dome is beautiful as are the decorations inside the House of Reps and Senate. There are a couple of sets of photos that the toot ends with that show the progression of when the building was built. read more

Washingtonians and people visiting our state should take some time and check out our state capital building and the Washington State Capital Campus. At the southern tip of Puget Sound in Olympia is Our capital building which is a beautiful sandstone and brick structure completed in 1928. The building has the tallest masonry dome in North America and it sits majestically overlooking Capital lake. Two New York architects designed the capital building and the campus. This was the very last state capital building built in this classical style. All of the lighting inside and outside of the capital was designed by Louis Tiffany. Tiffany also designed the Roman firepots located under the rotunda. They are symbolic of the Roman signal lights that were used to call the Roman Senate into session two thousand years ago. If you look up to the top of the rotunda you will see the largest chandelier created by Tiffany's. It is a beautiful five ton chandelier made of bronze hanging from the center. The tour guide said it has over two hundred bulbs in it. Directly below the rotunda on the floor is the state seal which is embedded in the stone. The Washington State House Chamber and Senate are located on the third floor. If you wish to observe the House or Senate in session you can go to the legislative galleries located on the fourth floor. The Washington State Senate Chamber has a total of fifty members. Forty-nine are senators and the other member is the Lieutenant Governor. German Formosa marble is used and the desks are mahogany. The House has French Escalette marble and walnut desks. There are ninety-eight representatives in the house. One of the most beautiful rooms is the Reception room. The room is used for formal occasions, ceremonies, receptions and meetings. This room also has two beautiful Tiffany chandeliers as well as other lighting. The marble used in this room is Italian Bresche marble. You will also see a bust of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr outside of the Reception room. At the north vestibule you will see six very large bronze doors with beautiful scenes from our state on them. When you walk in the building there are two statues which are copies of the two statues we sent to the national capital in Washington DC. On the floor you will also notice the time capsule. There is much more to see in the building. I recommend taking a tour since the docents are very knowledgeable and it was very interesting. Tours are every hour from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Meet at the tour desk. read more

Pretty cool place to check out if you're in the area. They have visitor parking for anyone that wants to walk around the scenic State Capitol. We didn't get to tour the inside but looking from the outside the architecture is pretty darn amazing! read more

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This review is strictly from a tourist viewpoint. There isn't much to do around this area, but even if you're just passing by, make sure to take a break and check out the place! I certainly came on a whim, and I was so glad to stop by. Such a beautiful surrounding area, huge walking grounds outside, and all the buildings are conveniently located together. The structures of each building was very majestic, and the fountains, grass area, and beautiful city/water view is charming and well taken care of. Did a self tour around the building, it was very educational and relaxing. Not a lot of people here, so there's space to run, or just take lots of nice pictures. The memorials are also enlightening and sobering. I did find a banana slug, that was also cute. read more

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If you're ever in the Pacific Northwest; there's no reason not to go the the Washington State Capitol! On a drive between Seattle and Portland with a friend while I was in town, this was the perfect way to break up our trip. Going to any state's capitol building is interesting and a beautiful introduction to the place which you are currently visiting. Not to mention every one was just absurdly friendly walking around the area. Did I mention there's a 100 percent free tour that leaves every hour? Yeah. That's real. And just absolutely phenomenal! It's a great way to learn more and see some of the special rooms that you wouldn't normally get to see just talking a self-guided tour. All in all, the stop was perfectly worth it and is a great way to break up a trip between Seattle and Portland if you're in the area while also taking some time to knowledge yourself! read more

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Lots of history in this building. What a beautiful layout with the granite and marble. The bronze fixtures throughout the building were very detailed. I'm not posting much on this review because I'd really like others to get out and go experience themselves. read more

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The Washington state capital is a great place to visit.... Especially in the summer time! The rotunda is absolutely stunning! The legislative session is a great time to take young people. When I was there I made an appointment to speak with my legislators concerning issues that were important to me. read more

Washington State Capitol - Done - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Olympia, Washington

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Pros: 1. Striking architecture. 2. Rich in history. 3. Easy to navigate. Cons: 1. Can't really come up with one actually. read more

Washington State Capitol - Parking station in Oly. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Olympia, Washington