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welcome

We welcome you to our State House, a building signifying history and democracy to Vermonters.

The State House is open regular hours, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Self guided tours are free throughout the year.

Conservation &
Restoration

The Friends is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, begun in 1980, to advocate for and help to fund the restoration and conservation of the building.

Interpretation & Education

Nearly 150,000 visitors from throughout the world and Vermont visit the state house each year. Docent-led and self-guided tours are available to visitors for free. Vermont Schoolchildren visit the state house during the legislative session to learn about the building and observe the Vermont state government legislate according to the democratic process.

Become a State House Tour Guide

Events & Cultural Enhancement

All of our activities are developed to cultivate public accessibility and awareness. We hold events, including symposiums and evening entertainment, that are in keeping with using the state house as an historic public venue and a place to learn and exchange ideas.

What we are About

Tours & Education
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Initiatives
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What We Are About
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State House Visitor Hours

The State House is Open! The State House is open to the public Monday through Friday .

During the fall season, the hours are: 

  • Monday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  • Self guided tours during these hours are free.
If you need assistance, contact the Sergeant at Arms’ office at 802-828-2228 or by email, sgtatarms@leg.state.vt.us.

Some of our favorite things...

The State Curator's office and Friends of the Vermont State House began restoring the State House to its nineteenth century style in the 1980s. It has  been constantly evolving and contains many treasures. The State House is open to all and we encourage you to take a guided tour to see and hear about the important artifacts that make up Vermont's history as a state.

Vermont Fossil
When you visit be sure to look for fossils in the floor of the State House lobby.
Freedom and Unity Booklet
Freedom and Unity: A Graphic Guide to Civics and Democracy in Vermont (Click on image to download this booklet.)
Vermont Capitols Map
Governor's chair crest 800
The state crest is carved on the Governor's chair. The chair was produced with wood from the USS Constitution. You are welcome to stop by the Governor's office on the second floor of the State House during your tour.

Vermont's State Capital

Over the course of Vermont's history, the capital has been located in 14 different towns. 

Montpelier was chosen to become the permanent state capital in 1805, after some strenuous debate, due to its central location.

When the time came to build a new capitol in 1831, the citizens of Montpelier pledged $15,000 to support its construction, preventing the state government from being transferred to any of the other five competing cities. When the second capitol burned down in 1857, there was considerable support for moving the capital to Burlington, but Montpelier carried the day.