The North Carolina State Capitol, at One East Edenton Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, is open for visits.
Free guided and self-guided tours are available. Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. For a limited time, through August 2, 2026, there will also be Sunday hours, from 1 to 5 p.m. (But not on July 5.) More info here.
Free guided tours are offered on Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. You don’t have to make a reservation. Just walk in the front of the building, and join the group. The tour takes about an hour and will take you to the rotunda, the outside of the Governor’s office, the old senate and house chambers (where the legislative bodies met until the early 1960s) the library and more.
Please note that on June 20, 2026, there will be no 11 a.m. tour, due to the Carolina Hurricanes celebration, but the Capitol will be open its normal hours, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. guided tours will take place as scheduled. Announced on Facebook.
If you have questions about touring the Capitol, phone 984-867-8340 or email State.Capitol@dncr.nc.gov. It’s a good idea to call or email just to make sure there’s no change in schedule, especially around the holidays. Or check North Carolina State Capitol’s Facebook page for updates.
The North Carolina State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark. It was completed in 1840, after the original building burned down in 1831, and is a well-preserved example of a major civic building in the Greek Revival style of architecture. It is a National Historic Landmark.
From the State Capitol it’s a two minute walk to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, which is also free to visit.
While you’re here, check out a list of upcoming free and cheap events in Raleigh.
melody C. says
the BEST newsletter ever hands down; and they always post my annual free events too in December.
Thank you for your incredible service!