A destination guide for the Colorado State Capitol in Denver – a site offering captivating history, stunning interior, and panoramic views.
History
The Colorado State Capitol was built in the early 1890s and officially opened in November 1894. Designed by architect Elijah E. Myers, the building was constructed using materials mainly from Colorado’s mines and quarries. The exterior is made from white granite, while the dome consists of copper panels gilded with gold leaf. The inside is decorated with Colorado rose onyx, a rare rose marble, and white yule marble.
A notable feature of the building is its collection of stained glass windows, which showcase important people and events associated with Colorado’s history.
Visiting the Colorado State Capitol
The Colorado State Capitol is the third state capitol building I have visited, the other two being in Harrisburg (PA) and Hartford (CT). I enjoy visiting capitol buildings because they are brimming with history, and many have beautiful art and architectural features. The Colorado State Capitol has the bonus feature of offering impressive views of Denver and the Red Rocks from the dome.
The Colorado State Capitol is open to the public and features a series of well-appointed chambers, exquisite details, stunning stained glass windows, and an impressive dome. Whether exploring independently or participating in a tour, guests have the opportunity to view the Senate and House chambers, explore Mr. Brown’s attic, a small museum on the 3rd floor, see the Women’s Gold Tapestry, walk around the rotunda and foyers, and much more.
For my visit, I decided to participate in a guided tour, which is free and lasts approximately one hour. I found it to be very informative, and the docent’s enthusiasm really brought the site’s history to life. One highlight of the tour is getting access to the dome. After climbing 99 steps, guests step outside and are rewarded with impressive views of the city and the mountains. At the end, you can stay to spend more time exploring Mr. Brown’s Attic.
Visitors can only access the dome through a guided tour. Tours are available from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The Colorado State Capitol is open most weekdays and closed on weekends and U.S. Federal Holidays.
The Capitol is located in Denver’s Golden Triangle, not far from the Denver Art Museum, History Colorado Center, and the Molly Brown House Museum, all worthwhile sites to visit while in the city. This site is best reached by catching a cab or using a rideshare service, as visitor parking is very limited. For those lodging in the downtown area, several hotels are within walking distance.
The building is accessible except for the dome, as there are no elevators available. For those unable to make the climb, a video on the third floor provides a virtual tour of the dome.
Travel Tip
West of the Colorado State Capitol lies Civic Center Park, a park worth exploring. It has beautiful gardens, interesting sculptures, and a great view of the Capitol Building.
Resources
For additional information on tours and accessibility, visit the Colorado General Assembly’s website.
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