It is the first state capitol building in the United States to be designed in the Neoclassical style.
The rotunda features a circular gallery and a dome that was originally hidden from exterior view.
The building underwent a significant expansion and underground renovation completed in 2007 to add a visitor center.
The Houdon statue of George Washington in the rotunda is made of Italian marble and was commissioned by the Virginia General Assembly in 1784.
The Capitol grounds contain a memorial dedicated to the Virginia Civil Rights Movement, specifically the 1951 student strike led by Barbara Johns.
The building survived a major collapse in 1870 when the courtroom floor gave way, killing 62 people.
The Capitol grounds feature a fountain designed by local architect William Edmund Burton, installed in the 19th century.
During the American Civil War, the building served as the seat of the Confederate government.
The exterior walls are constructed from Virginia brick covered in stucco, painted to resemble stone.
The building's floor plan includes an octagonal rotunda room, departing from traditional cruciform layouts.
The Virginia State Capitol is a working government building designed by Thomas Jefferson and Charles-Louis Clérisseau, modeled after the Maison Carrée in Nîmes, France. It serves as the seat of the Virginia General Assembly and houses the offices of the Governor of Virginia. Construction began in 1785 and was completed in 1788, making it one of the oldest state capitol buildings in the United States. The interior rotunda features the life-sized Houdon statue of George Washington, the only one sculpted from life. The building is situated on Capitol Square, a 12-acre park containing monuments to significant figures in Virginia history. Extensive renovations in the early 21st century restored original paint colors and architectural details. The building remains a focal point for legislative sessions and ceremonial state functions.
The rotunda, specifically capturing the Houdon statue of George Washington with the dome light above.
Enter through the underground visitor center entrance on Bank Street rather than the historic front portico.
Pick up a self-guided tour map at the visitor center desk to identify key statues and historical markers in the surrounding park.
Check the legislative calendar online before visiting, as access to certain chambers may be restricted when the General Assembly is in session.
Attempting to access the building through the historic main portico entrance, which is usually closed to the public.
Closed on certain state holidays; legislative sessions may restrict access to the chambers.
Business casual dress is recommended; avoid loud conversations in the rotunda; security screening is required for all visitors.
