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Free Traveling Guides » States » Florida » Panhandle Old Capitol Building
The Old Capitol Building, located in the downtown district of Tallahassee, was established in the year 1845. It is best known for its Greek revival-style architecture and is the main symbol of the State of Florida’s government. Its silver exterior dome, marble wainscoting, frosted stained glass skylight rotunda, turn-of-the-century windows dressed in candy-striped awnings, and double curved staircase symbolize the spirit of early Florida. The main body of this 1845 building is over 150 years old and has witnessed several years of political stratagem, wars, and cultural upheavals. The fascinating history of this building is depicted by its wonderfully restored rooms, each of which is beautifully furnished and supplemented with artifacts, old photographs, exhibits, and newspaper clippings.
This magnificent, white stucco building functioned as Florida’s State Capitol until 1978, after which it was shifted to the modern office building. The Old Capitol Building has been renovated several times since it has been founded, although the original floor plan is well-preserved in the center of the building. It was in 1978 that the building was finally restored to its 1902 appearance. Since its final restoration, the building has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The Old Capitol Building was opened to the public as a museum in 1982.
At present, this museum is well known for its special exhibits, which illustrate the state’s political history, the history of the building, and the various constitutions of the state. The various artifacts and the impressive reproductions are put on display in the building’s Senate House, the Governor’s Suite, and the Supreme Court Chambers. The museum also offers visitors self-guided tours of the various sections of the building.
The major landmarks nearby include the Union Bank and The Museum of Florida History. Old Capitol Building offers guests a mesmerizing glimpse into Florida’s legislative past, and is a ‘must-see’ for all those who visit Tallahassee. However, it is suggested that the tourists visit the Old Capitol Museum before the new Capitol Building to see and appreciate a shocking difference between old and new Florida.
- Address: 400 South Monroe Street,
Tallahassee, FL 32399-6507
- Telephone: (850) 487-1902
- Hours: Mon - Fri, 9 AM – 4:30 PM; Sat, 10 AM - 4:30 PM; Sun, noon- 4:30 PM. Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.
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