Tennessee State Capitol

The Tennessee State Capitol Now Open for Self-Guided Tours

The Tennessee State Capitol is welcoming back visitors on a limited basis through pre-scheduled, self-guided tours. Visitors can now schedule a self-guided tour of the Capitol beginning Thursday, February 4, 2021 and then every Monday and Friday beginning February 8.

Reserving a Self-Guided Tour Time

Self-guided tours are reserved by appointment only. To reserve your tour time please call the Tennessee State Museum’s scheduling desk Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at least 24-hours in advance of your desired visit at (615) 741-0830.  No reservations will be accepted on weekends. Visitors may schedule a time to visit each Monday and Friday with available half-hour time blocks from:

• 9:00 to 9:30

• 10:00 to 10:30

• 11:00 to 11:30

• 1:00 to 1:30

• 2:00 to 2:30

Due to social distancing requirements, tours are limited to one party of no more than 6 people. (For example, if you are a party of two people, and are the first to reserve a specific time, you will be the only party at that reserved time).  A valid driver’s license or other ID is required to reserve a tour time.

Please make the reservation desk aware of any special needs or accommodations you may need during your visit.

Visiting the Capitol:

To ensure the safety of everyone at the Capitol we ask that you follow these safety protocols.

• Visitors should enter at the South Motlow Tunnel entrance adjacent to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., across from War Memorial Plaza.

• Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled tour appointment to allow ample time to get through security.

• Visitors will be required to wear a face covering per CDC guidelines while visiting the Capitol.

• Visitors will undergo a temperature check and register a healthy temperature before entering.

• If a visitor has experienced any COVID-19 symptoms as determined by CDC, we ask that they do not visit this time.

• While visiting the capitol please adhere to all COVID-19 posted guidelines and maintain 6 ft social distance at all times

• Hand sanitizing stations are positioned throughout the building.

• No large bags or backpacks allowed. Small personal bags or purses are permitted.

• Capitol guides will meet the tour group at the Motlow Tunnel Security station and direct them to the Capitol visitor desk.

Planning Your Visit:

Location and Access:
600 Dr. Martin L King, Jr. Blvd., at the top of Capitol Hill.

There is no private parking for the Tennessee State Capitol. During the week, visitors must park in paid lots or at street parking meters. On weekends, visitors may park free in the state employee parking lots around the State Capitol.

All street metered spaces are free to the public Monday-Friday after 6 p.m. and Saturday after 12 p.m. (Note: some meters may have reserved jackets and are closed to public use during these times.)

Click here for a complete list of parking lots and fees

Walking, Biking & Public Transportation:

The Tennessee State Capitol is centrally located in Downtown Nashville. Walking Tour maps that include tours of both downtown as well as in and around the area are available for purchase at Nashville Civic Design Center for $5. 

Bike racks are located at 6th Avenue North and Union Street. There is also a Nashville Bi-Cycle bikeshare dock located in that area. Bikes can be rented at Nashville B-Cycle. Click here for more information about rates and stations.

There is a nearby stop on the free service offered by the Music City Circuit. Click here for more information on route and hours of operation.

History:

The Tennessee State Capitol stands today much as it did when it first opened in 1859, and is a magnificent tribute to the people of Tennessee. This graceful structure was designed by noted architect William Strickland who considered it his crowning achievement. When Strickland died suddenly during construction in 1854, he was buried in the north facade of the Capitol.

The cornerstone for the building was laid on July 4, 1845, and construction finished in 1859. The grounds of the State Capitol contain statues honoring Sam Davis, Sgt. Alvin York, and Presidents Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson. The tombs of President and Mrs. James K. Polk are also located on the Capitol grounds.

One of the oldest working capitols in the United States, the Tennessee State Capitol serves as home of the Tennessee General Assembly and houses the governor’s office. The building, one of 12 state capitols that does not have a dome, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and named a National Historic Landmark in 1971.

Photography:

Taking photographs is allowed in the State Capitol, but you must turn your flash off.

Language Assistance Policy: 

The State Museum is committed to providing programs for the educational and cultural enrichment of all our visitors and program participants. We respectfully request that individuals or groups who wish to request language assistance because of a limited ability to speak or understand English please contact the museum at least five (5) business days prior to the date of the requested museum program or service. Please follow this link for more information.