Spring Tour of the Illinois State Capitol Building
Thursday, April 11, 2024
3:15 Meet at Capitol
Tour will start promptly at 3:30-4:30pm
Exclusive Dome Tour will follow main tour 4:30-5:45pm
Social at AIA Illinois will follow tour and is down the street from the Capitol,
for those interested 5:45-7:00pm
Tour Address:
Illinois State Capitol Building
Meet at east entrance off 2nd St. behind Lincoln Statue
401 S 2nd St
Springfield, IL 62701
Social Address:
AIA Illinois
201 E Adams St, Suite 1A
Springfield, IL 62701
Important Details
Parking Options:
Street Parking: meters are free however time is monitored
Capitol Complex Visitors Lot: located at the corner of Edwards and College
Allow yourself extra time due to construction downtown.
Security: Tour participants will be required to go through security to enter the statehouse, weapons of any kind are not permitted.
Capitol Tour
The iconic structure in Springfield is topped with a 361-foot dome and is a convention of Renaissance Revival and Second Empire Style. Visitors can watch Illinois politics in action from balcony-level seating when the legislature is in session.
The first legislative session was held here in 1877 before the building was completed. The growth of the state had increased the need for more file storage and office space than the Old State Capitol allowed. Today it is the center of Illinois government, where the House of Representatives, Senate, and the Governor conduct the State's business.
Additional Opportunity: Exclusive Dome Tour
Limited tickets are available for those without fear of heights or stairs for an exclusive tour inside the statehouse dome.
Guests will get to climb the stairs to view the interior of the capitol dome, with possible access to outside if weather permits. This is a stunning once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those who register early.
Keep in mind there are well over three hundred steps, so dress appropriately, wear closed-toe shoes and please be aware of your physical capacity to make the climb. It’s not an easy task, but exciting! Participants will be asked to sign a waiver before the tour starts.
Social
AIA Illinois has generously offered to host us following the tour at their offices just down the street from the Capitol. Light refreshments will be provided.
Cost – This event is free to all attendees.
