Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Capitol open?

The Capitol is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. The Capitol is closed on weekends and state holidays. Visitors must use the Mitchell Street (ground floor) entrance to the Capitol.

Is there a charge for tours of the Capitol?

All tours of the Capitol, including the Capitol Museum and Hall of Valor, are free of charge.

Are guided Capitol tours available?

Guided tours are available by appointment for groups of 10 or more people. Smaller groups may take a self-guided tour and are not permitted to join larger groups. Visitors on self-guided tours may access the same areas as those on guided tours.

How do I schedule a guided tour?

Guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more people. Tour numbers must include students and adults. A maximum of 60 people is allowed per tour. Groups of more than 60 people may reserve multiple tour times. Visit our Museum Calendar to see current available tour dates and times. Blank spaces on the calendar indicate that there is no availability. Teachers are asked to obtain any approvals needed by their school prior to calling to schedule a tour. Groups should arrive at the Capitol 15-20 minutes prior to scheduled tour times. Please call 404-463-4536 to schedule tours. Tours for the school year are filled quickly. For best availability, please call well in advance of your desired tour date.

What can I expect on a guided tour?

Guided tours of the capitol include information about the history of Georgia, the Capitol building, historical portraits, and the Georgia Legislature. Tour routes and duration are subject to change. Groups should plan to spend 1-11/2 hours visiting the Capitol. This time includes a guided tour and a self-guided visit to our Capitol Museum, located on the fourth floor of the Capitol.

Teachers are encouraged to prepare students for their visit by reviewing our Self-guided Georgia Capitol Tour brochure.

Are self-guided tours of the Capitol allowed?

Groups of all sizes may take a self-guided tour of the Capitol Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Reservations are not required for self-guided tours, however, large groups are encouraged to call the Tour Desk at 404-463-4536 prior to visiting. Visitors can print a copy of the Self-guided Georgia Capitol Tour and the Self-guided Georgia Capitol Grounds Tour to bring with them during their visit.

Where is parking available around the Capitol?

Vans and buses that hold 15 passengers or more, and that are marked with the name of an organization, can park on the right side of Washington Street in front of the Central Presbyterian church opposite the Capitol.

Private vehicles must use paid parking around the Capitol building. Paid parking lots include 254 Capitol Ave SW, 33 MLK, and 162 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE. These, along with metered parking available on some surface streets, typically charge by the hour depending on demand.

What are the security guidelines for visiting the Capitol?

All adults aged 18 and older must show a photo I.D. upon entering the Capitol. In compliance with security regulations, visitors must enter the Capitol through a metal detector; the X-ray machine must examine hand-carried items. No weapons, including pocketknives, are allowed in the Capitol.

Are pictures allowed in the Capitol?

Pictures are allowed throughout the Capitol, with the exception of the House and Senate Galleries when the General Assembly is in session (January - April).

Are there places to eat at or near the Capitol?

Cafeterias are located across the street from the Capitol in the Coverdell Legislative Office Building and the James “Sloppy” Floyd Building for those who wish to purchase lunch. There is also a food court at Auburn Ave Curb market, and further away at Krog Street Market. There are restaurants in the commercial Summerhill district, and along Memorial Drive east of the Capitol.

Tour groups bringing their own lunch may reserve the Garden Room, located across the street from the Capitol. The room is provided, free of charge, by the Georgia Building Authority. Please email Brooke Hamil at brooke.hamil@gba.ga.gov for additional information and reservations. Additionally, tables and chairs are available outside at the Plaza Park, located across the street from the Capitol. Outside seating is first come, first served.

Can our group meet with our Governor/Legislator and have a photo with him/her?

Any meetings with elected officials must be scheduled separately from your group’s tour through the official’s office. Please schedule your visit or photo with officials for a time that is well before or after your guided tour. Because of our limited tour staff, guided tours cannot be delayed or prolonged to accommodate meetings with officials.

Where can I find information about the Capitol and Georgia?

All information provided by the Georgia Capitol Museum is available online. For additional information about Georgia, please contact the Georgia Department of Economic Development at www.exploregeorgia.org or 1-800-VISITGA (847-4842).