Minnesota State Capitol Museum
Beaux-Arts state capitol building in Saint Paul
St. Paul's Minnesota State Capitol features a domed Beaux‑Arts exterior, legislative chambers and public art; guided tours explain state history, architecture and the capitol's role in civic life.
Minnesota State Capitol at a Glance#
Address: 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St Paul, MN 55155, United States
Website: https://mn.gov/admin/capitol/
Hours: Building hours vary; public tours commonly Tue-Sat, 9am-4pm (check official site for current tour times)
Admission: Free (building access); tours vary - guided tours often free or by reservation
About Minnesota State Capitol#
The Minnesota State Capitol is the seat of Minnesota’s state government in Saint Paul, completed in 1905 and designed by architect Cass Gilbert. It houses the offices of the governor and the state legislature.
Public areas include a central rotunda beneath the building’s dome, legislative chambers for the Senate and House, and historical courtroom and office spaces. The building is noted for its monumental classical architecture and interior stonework.
Constructed from 1896 to 1905 to replace an earlier capitol, the building was designed by Cass Gilbert and has served continuously as the state’s primary governmental building. A comprehensive restoration and infrastructure upgrade was completed in 2017.
Situated in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on the city’s Capitol grounds, the building sits in the state capital near downtown Saint Paul and serves as a focal point for civic events and ceremonies.
- Architect and dates: Designed by architect Cass Gilbert and constructed between 1896 and 1905.
- Restoration: Underwent a major restoration and systems upgrade completed in 2017 to repair stonework, restore interiors, and update mechanical systems.
What to See#
- Rotunda: Central circular public space beneath the building’s dome, commonly used for displays and public access routes.
- Senate Chamber: Chamber used by the Minnesota Senate for legislative sessions, located on the Capitol’s second floor.
- House Chamber: Chamber used by the Minnesota House of Representatives for legislative business, positioned opposite the Senate Chamber.
How to Get to Minnesota State Capitol#
The capitol is in downtown St. Paul near Cathedral Hill. From Union Depot or central downtown, it’s a short bus or taxi ride; Metro Transit routes and local buses serve the area. Parking is available on designated lots nearby.
Tips for Visiting Minnesota State Capitol#
- Arrive for a guided tour to see the rotunda and legislative chamber; tours are scheduled and can fill on weekdays.
- Walk the capitol grounds to see the 1905 Minnesota Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument and the gardens designed by Charles Wellford Leavitt.
- Allow time for peak light in the late afternoon if photographing the golden dome - it's covered in 23.5 pounds of gold leaf.
Best Time to Visit Minnesota State Capitol#
Spring through summer for outdoor grounds and regular tour availability; check legislative calendar for public events.
Weather & Climate near Minnesota State Capitol#
Minnesota State Capitol's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (766 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -16° - -5° | -17° | 23 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 3.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
| February | Poor | -12° - -1° | -12° | 19 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 3.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.3h |
| March | Acceptable | -5° - 6° | -4° | 46 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 15° | 6° | 62 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.3h |
| May | Very Good | 9° - 22° | 16° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.6h |
| June | Very Good | 14° - 27° | 21° | 112 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.3h |
| July | Excellent | 17° - 29° | 23° | 105 mm | some cloud | 70% | 2.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.0h |
| August | Very Good | 16° - 28° | 22° | 104 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 2.6 m/s | 1.5 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Excellent | 10° - 23° | 16° | 79 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.0 m/s | 1.0 high | 12.4h |
| October | Very Good | 4° - 16° | 8° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.4 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.8h |
| November | Acceptable | -4° - 5° | -3° | 46 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Poor | -12° - -3° | -13° | 25 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |
