PA Capitol Tours

PA's Capitol is a priceless architectural and artistic treasure, a majestic symbol of history and power, and an icon of democracy and freedom. Book a tour!

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In 1903, Architect Joseph Houston, is hired by the “Capitol Commissioners of Public Grounds” to include all the interior decorative details of our Capitol Building! This included thousands of pieces of furniture we still use today.

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Today we celebrate the social and economic achievements of workers throughout America! Happy Labor Day!

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Today, August 31st, is National Eat Outside Day! A perfect place to enjoy your lunch or dinner is at our Veteran’s Memorial Fountain on Commonwealth Ave. There are tables, benches and waste bins around the East Wing for your convenience!

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Look out for goldenrod in #PaStateParks -- one of the earliest signs of autumn in Pa. As summer wildflowers begin to fade, these yellow blooms brighten the landscape in meadows and woodlands, and provide food for pollinators. #WhatsHappeningWednesday #GetOutdoorsPa

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School has begun all over the state, but the fun doesn’t need to stop! Most kids learn about their government in 4th or 5th grade but this building is spectacular for kids of all ages. The gold always leaves them mesmerized and our Guides can tell you about the history of HBG!

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Yesterday, August 27, 1859, is the anniversary of the Drake oil well in Titusville, Pennsylvania. It was the first successful well in the nation. When our Capitol was built in 1906, our oil industry was the third leading industry in Pennsylvania, only second to Steel and Coal.

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While visiting the building remember to help yourselves to all our complementary booklets and pamphlets. We feature a beautiful book that has photos of the rooms. These books make great teaching aids for those teachers who will begin discussions about government this year!

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Our Building is very ornate. The detail in the ceilings of the chambers is so elaborate you can see different leaves and borders and busts; each small piece of décor has a name as well! It’s virtually impossible to name each detail but this one is called an “Atlantid”.

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On August 23, 1904, Joseph Huston authorized the manufacturing of thousands of yards of carpet by the Magee Carpet Company of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. The carpet in the Senate Chamber was even woven on the same on the same loom as the original!

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https://t.co/sPk03hPa64 Looking for something to do before the kids return to school? Check out all this website to fit in some last-minute fun before the fractions start, there is even a section for adult fun, because parents need a little break too!

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Have you ever been on a tour? You haven’t!? Visit https://t.co/rNHGuIrErt and check out our schedule! We have openings in the summer months and it’s a great way to beat the heat or that random summer storm and learn all about the history of your state!

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Don’t forget to visit https://t.co/rNHGuIsch1 to see our schedule and get on a tour of the Capitol building! Our website offers lots of wonderful historic facts and literature that you can download to give you more insight on our beautiful building.

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#OTD in 1965, the Great Dane became Pennsylvania’s State Dog! Our founder of Pennsylvania William Penn owned Great Danes! Violet Oakley, resident female artist, shows William Penn with his dogs painted in our Governor’s Reception Room.

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Some speculate that we moved our Capitol from Philadelphia to Harrisburg in 1812 because of the ongoing War of 1812. On this day in 1812 British forces burned the Washington D.C. Capitol and news of this to the nearby area of Philadelphia very well may have prompted the move!

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Our building is often considered to be a Palace of Art, a title that we dearly appreciate. We know how dedicated our state is to the Arts and there are always things to do and see in the area! https://t.co/oufmlvYyOg is a great site to visit to see what happening in our area!

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The Main Capitol staircase was patterned after the famous Paris Opera House staircase in France. Our Architect Joseph Houston was inspired throughout his travels in Europe and created a one-of-a-kind Capitol building for us! Book your tour today to see this incredible structure!

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Pennsylvania farmlands produce a variety of crops, like soybean, oats, wheat, rye. We plant over a million acres of corn! The corn will be harvested through October. Some of the fields will be used for the fun Fall corn mazes throughout our state!!

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While you’re here, don’t forget to visit the Senate Library! The library is a wonderful stop filled with information and history. There are current exhibits you won’t want to miss! https://t.co/jIjBtzr7Xc

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In August of 1906, the certification for our new Capitol Building was completed and the commission accepted this certificate from our architect, Joseph Huston! That means, the building was completed in August, two months before the dedication took place in October of 1906!

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What is the oldest town in Pennsylvania, you ask? Chester, formed in 1648 by the Swedish as Pennsylvania was called New Sweden at that time. With the arrival of William Penn in 1682, the name changed to Pennsylvania to honor William Penn’s father and translates to “Penn’s Woods”.