New York State Capitol — Attraction in City of Albany

We went on a weekday tour. It was just after a large High School group, and the guide took care to avoid them and the noise that came with them. Our group was just a few folks, so made for a very relaxed and quiet experience that encouraged observation and learning. We saw a good portion of the building and also lingered afterward to poke into a few spots we passed earlier for a closer look. There are lots of inconsistencies in the story of the Capitol's construction that prompt questions these days. Such as, how is it possible to be 8 million dollars over budget (total spent $12mil) after spending the initial 4mil, before the governor "notices"? Why did nobody "notice" after the project was $1mil over budget? How is it possible to lose a huge portion of historical records in a fire which specifically targeted the library, with a single victim who did not make it out? Weren't there fire safety precautions in place in case of such event? Was the fire an accident? How can you leave just a few stone carving elements unfinished, becoming an instant eye sore and looking embarrassing in the most important Chambers of the building, while the carvings on the staircases are finished? How can you make ceiling decoration out of paper when you know the roof leaks and you've got buckets on the floor to catch the water? Why install giant non-working fireplaces, when you know you need to heat the building in winter, so could use real working ones? There are still lots of questions to ponder and research, and the tour is just...

The New York State Capitol is one of the most elaborately constructed buildings in Albany, NY, and the focal point of the state’s government. Taking 32 years to build and the work of 5 architects, including renowned designers Leopold Eidlitz and Henry Hobson Richardson, the NYS Capitols intricate architectural styles is a unique blend of designs that boldly stands out within Albany’s eclectic cityscape.

Fact 1: It is said that Richardson used the Hôtel de Ville in Paris, France as inspiration when designing New York’s capital building.

The New York State Capitol building is open to the public and free to visit and explore Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Fun fact 2: The New York State Capitol is only one of ten State Capitol buildings that doesn’t feature a domed roof. Originally the architectural designs included both a domed roof and a tower,

However, the building became too heavy during construction and started sliding towards State Street. The Exterior Staircase was created to shift the weight of the building back into place.

Fact 3: When construction was halted in 1899, the building costs totaled $25 million. Four New York State Governors became President of the United States.

it is said to be the most beautiful state capitol in the country.

Parking: street parking is available adjacent to the capital building, on both State Street and...

I am one of those who always assume capital city of New York state was New York City until i visited Albany. It was a high wow factor at the State Capitol - to begin with, it is one of a very limited list of places in NY that is free for admission but what surprised me was almost every angle of it was a picture perfect scene, inside & out. Parking is free after 5 PM before it close by 7 PM weekdays. Make sure to see the grand Million Dollar staircase - costed a million dollars at the time it was built, appreciate the sculpture along the stair evolving from single biological cell at the ground floor to higher intelligent mammals to its top floor. The outside front stairs and garden were very elegant. I also had an extended stay at the park next to it - took lots of photos with the huge 'I Love NY' signage, the dumb sharped performing art arena, and those beautiful buildings...