We very much enjoyed the tour, and thought the experience was worthwhile. We (as the family) hope that you continue to share the history/ and stories with other people.
We decided to take the guided tour, which was going to be with a group of school children. While waiting in the Legislative Building, which is where the tours begin, senator Pam Sawyer volunteered to give us a private tour. We had a very memorable tour and appreciated her touring us around! Be sure to park your car in the free covered parking lot located behind the Legislative Building.
I took a free tour of the capitol on a Friday morning. I was actually the only one attending the 9 AM tour. My tour guide said that she normally gives the tour to uninterested elementary school children, but that since I was by myself and appeared interested in it, she really dished out a lot of details that I suspect she normally wouldn't lecture to the children.You start the tour in the atrium/lobby of the new legislative affairs building, but you can enter either through that building's entrance, or entering the state house across the street. Both buildings have a brief security check (nothing on the order of TSA), and if you enter through the state house, like I did, you merely make your way to an underground walkway over to the legislative affairs building. Once you're inside the security cordon, you can make your way unescorted to the meeting point for the tour. There are bathroom facilities also that you can use before or after the tour. I heard and smelled a cafeteria also, but I'm not sure who's allowed to use it.The tour itself is very good, and is probably one of the better tours of a public building I have undertaken. I came away learning much more about the building, the Connecticut legislature, and the history of the state. Photos are allowed and encouraged. You get to enter many interesting rooms, including the two chambers of the legislature.If you have any interest in history, politics, or government, you can't get a better deal at $0.As of December 2014, there was significant work going on around the park between the Capitol and the area near Union Station/Farmingham Ave. You're better off staying on the sidewalk and going under the arch. The building itself looks very interesting and makes for some good photos. Once you're done with the tour, the Connecticut state history museum and library is across the street.
My Dad was visitingn so we decided to venture to the State Capital for some sight seeing. The tour was great (although I think the lady was hitting on my Dad!!) but it was very informative and wonderful., Her knowledge was excellent and she has given enough tours to really enjoy her job and know alot of the facts and details. A quality day and wonderful afternoon!!
I have a hobby of visiting state capitol buildings. I have visited about half of them, and Connecticut's Capitol Building and Legislative Office Building has one of the best looking interiors. Whether wandering around or joining a tour--or both--it is well worth seeing. The capitol has a classic stone carved Gothic (I think) interior and LOB has a modern marble interior. They are connected through an underground tunnel that often has art and historical displays. And there is no charge! Open during regular business hours.
I enjoyed this docent-led tour of the Old State House. It played an important role in the founding of our country and the establishment of our government. It made me wan to go home and review my understanding of early American history. The fee is also quite modest.
It was a little difficult to get to due to road construction but we were rewarded. It had been raining all morning but as we parked the car, the rain stopped. A beautiful building with beautiful grounds. It was also nice that it wasn't crowded into the city.
Our tour of the State Capital was planned for is by the Hartford Friendship Force. Wow! Our guide was excellent and gave us excellent information as we walked throughout this beautiful building. We also had the opportunity to see it from Bushnell Park. Well worth the visit as one tours Hartford.
Convenient parking right in front. Beautiful building where you can explore on your own with out the offered tour. Beautiful building to explore and very convenient to explore the rest of downtown. One can't miss place to visit if in Hartford, CT.
The architecture is awesome. It is definitely worth seeing inside and out. There is a limited number of free visitor parking on the south side. The visitor's entrance is on the north side. The legislature was not in session during our visit so it is unknown how busy it can get.