Texas Austin | State Capitol Complex

Asia

Beyond Asia

Gastronomy

Destinations Blogs - Blog Catalog Blog Directory

Joomla Templates

Texas Austin | State Capitol Complex

Visiting Austin Downtown would not be complete without stepping on the ground of Texas State Capitol. All the roads that lead to Austin Downtown would let you bedazzled with a glimpse of this majestic landmark of Austin. Housing the chambers of Texas Legislature and governor's office, State Capitol is the venue to catch an exciting story of Texas history and politics.
Main Facade of Texas State Capitol

Sitting on two and a quarter acres land, Texas State Capitol was first designed in 1881 by Elijah E. Meyers - an architect who was later taken over by a civil engineer - Lindsay Walker (1882-1888). Originally, the building was planned to be erected entirely using limestone but the high iron content in limestone which would discolor over time had changed the material to pink granite instead. This iconic building has an
approximately 400 rooms and more than 900 windows.

Check out some recognitions and interesting facts of Texas State Capitol building:

The largest state capitol building in the United States
It surpassed the U.S. Capitol building in Washington by 14.5 feet
Its underground extension building is twice the size of the one above the ground
In 1970, it was added to National Register of Historic Places
In 1986, it was recognized as National Historic Landmark
In 2007, it was ranked 92th in the 'America's Favorite Architecture' poll commissioned by the American Institute of Architects

State Capitol Complex dominates an area of about 50 acres and surrounded with greens and parks. The beautiful landscaped lawn is also the ground of 17 monuments and some stunning sculptures, fountain pond and memorial stones. As usual, I did not miss the chance to capture most of them and especially the Monuments of Great Walk. Bring along some food and a mat as some corners under the shady trees are just perfect for picnic.
Goddess of Liberty Statue raising a Lone Star

Goddess of Liberty Statue raising a Lone Star

Terry's Texas Rangers Monument by Pompeo Coppini

Confederate Soldiers Monument by Pompeo Coppini & Frank Teich

If you wish to visit the State Capitol, plan your tour so that it would not be coincided with any events (at UT or nearby vicinity) to enjoy the free parking at visitor's car park for the first 2 hours. Otherwise, the whole day parking rate could range between $7-$10.
Heros of the Alamo Monument by J.S. Clark

Heros of the Alamo Monument by J.S. Clark

Hood's Brigade Monument by artist Pompeo Coppini

In memory of Disabled American Veteran of Texas

The dome - look upon inside State Capitol building

Do not miss the free guided tours in the building. It is offered on Mon - Fri from 8:30am - 4:30pm, Sat from 9:30am - 3:30pm and Sun from noon to 3:30pm.
The impressive floor design

East entrance to Capitol's underground complex

Getting there?
112 East 11th Street
Austin TX 78701
Phone: (512) 305-8408
The Capitol building is open:
Monday-Friday: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm

The Capitol Visitors Center is open:
Monday- Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sunday: Noon - 5:00 pm

JavaScript must be enabled in order for you to use Google Maps.
However, it seems JavaScript is either disabled or not supported by your browser.
To view Google Maps, enable JavaScript by changing your browser options, and then try again.

Last Updated on Monday, 04 January 2010 15:28

Add comment

JComments

Popular of Late

Latest Comments

I went there just over a week ago. Found the whole... More...
By Brian McSorley
Just got back from Japan with my fiancé. We (unfor... More...
By Fleur_de_Fevrier
:-x :-x More...
By
best place ever...and I love Miguel, he is the bes... More...
By
Wow, nice post, there are many person searching ab... More...
By