Texas Capitol Visitors Center

The Capitol Visitors Center is located on the southeast corner of the Capitol grounds in the restored 1856-57 General Land Office building. The three-story castle-like structure reflects the mid-19th century mock-medieval revival architectural style of the period and is the oldest state office building in Texas. Permanent exhibits include: • The O’Henry Room: This room salutes the General Land Office’s most famous draftsman, William Sydney Porter, who later became the famed short story writer O. Henry. • Beyond The Dome: Hidden Places and Secret Spaces in the Texas State Capitol. (film) • XIT – A Capitol Deal: how a Chicago syndicate funded the construction of the capitol in exchange for 300,000 acres of panhandle land. • The Capitol Timeline: Explore 6 different eras of Texas History via computerized video/audio/newspaper clips & stories. • Dome Model: a pie slice of section of the dome The center, a division of the Texas State Preservation Board, is staffed by gallery assistants and travel counselors. In addition to briefing visitors about the exhibits, the staff can answer questions pertaining to the General Land Office building, the Capitol, Capitol tours and the Capitol grounds. Admission is free, and self-guided tour information and pamphlets are also available. Educational tours can also be arranged for teachers with school age groups and classes. Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday Noon – 5:00 pm