The Kansas State Capitol, known also as the Kansas Statehouse, is the building housing the executive and legislative branches of government for the U.S. state of Kansas. It is located in the city of Topeka, which has served as the capital of Kansas since it became a state in 1861. It is the second building to serve as the Kansas Capitol.
The dome, at 304ft, is taller than the 288ft United States Capitol dome, although its diameter (50ft) is approximately half that of the national capitol (96ft). It is one of the few capitols in the United States that continues to offer tours that go to the top of the dome. Visitors enter the dome by climbing 296 steps leading from the fifth floor to the top.
19th centuryThe land for Capitol Square was donated by Cyrus K. Holliday via his Topeka Town Company in 1862. The master architect was Edward Townsend Mix with the wings designed by John G. Haskell. Construction on the East Wing began in 1866, using "native" limestone from Geary County, Kansas. Construction began on the West Wing in 1879 using limestone from Cottonwood Falls, Kansas and in 1881, the legislature authorized and appropriated funds for the construction of a central building to link the two wings. Construction of this central building began in 1886, and the contract for dome construction was let in May, 1889.
20th centuryThe building was declared officially complete in 1903, after 37 years of construction. Add Kansas State Capitol Building and other attractions to your Topeka trip itinerary using our Topeka trip builder tool.
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Tours to Kansas State Capitol Building
Kansas State Capitol Building reviews
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This was a truly cool and impressive historic building. Amazing architecture, the building is massive in scale with elaborate and intricate details. Many opportunities to learn Kansas history.
This was a truly cool and impressive historic building. Amazing architecture, the building is massive in scale with elaborate and intricate details. Many opportunities to learn Kansas history. more »
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If you only visit the John Stuart Curry murals on 2nd floor- your trip will be more than worth it The John Brown mural is staggering in its power There is free parking for 2 hours for a visit No...
If you only visit the John Stuart Curry murals on 2nd floor- your trip will be more than worth it The John Brown mural is staggering in its power There is free parking for 2 hours for a visit No... more »
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I can’t even begin to describe it. It was just beautiful and pretty ornate. Lots of huge murals, marble and decorative carvings.
I can’t even begin to describe it. It was just beautiful and pretty ornate. Lots of huge murals, marble and decorative carvings. more »
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Loved how much of the capitol building is completely open to the public. The dome tour was awesome and gives a great view of Topeka. Don't go on the dome tour if you have a fear of heights. The legislature and supreme court we're not in session and since it was a week day I was able to go into the Senate chamber, house of representatives chamber, supreme court room, and state library. Riding the old cage elevator was an awesome experience guaranteed by an old state law. Security was very friendly and welcoming as we went through the metal detectors to enter the building. Visitor parking underground very ample and signage in the parking garage was very easy to understand and plenty of it. Fit my 15 passages van. Maximum height in visitor parking is 8' 3". Every Kansas resident should visit at least once!
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We took the dome tour. One child went all the way to the top and didn't regret it. Another child didn't go all the way to the top and didn't regret it. We all left happy. And hot. Expect the heat if you tour on a summer afternoon. A beautiful and historic building with many features.
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The Capitol building is beautiful. Practically empty today. You can visit the courtroom where Brown v Board of Education was heard. The building was spotless. The grounds are attractive and well maintained.
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Dome tour was a thrilling experience. Not for the faint of heart! So glad to have shared this experience with my son. Apparently it is the only state capital in the nation where tours go outside the very top of the dome!
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My daughter loved going here in 5th grade! The spiral statue case to the top is so neat! The glass floor in the library is fun! Gift shop and restrooms. We did this in summer heat time to visit. Not crowded at all!
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