Connecticut's Old State House
Connecticut's Old State House things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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This historic structure was built in 1796 and located in Hartford, CT. It was the meeting place of all three branches of the state government from 1796 to 1878. Now, it is managed by the Office of Legislative Management of the Connecticut General Assembly. A new Capitol building was built near Bushnell Park because of the open space; this is why it is deemed the Old State House. Currently, it is a history museum. There is another museum on the third floor called the Museum of Natural and Other Curiousities. There are historic rooms and exhibits within the building. Tours can be purchased, check the website for details. I look forward to going back for a tour. They also have a number of events. There was a holiday shopping event on the Saturday (12/7/24) we went. The building is small compared to other states capitols I've seen, but it was magnificent nonetheless. There is a large lawn in front. There were some plaques in front of the building with some historic information. If you like history, I recommend a visit either by walking around the property or doing the paid tour.
Kim V.Kim V.
00
This is a great stop if you have an hour to spare. $8 admission is well worth it. Staff are super friendly and helpful. 2nd floor senate and house floors are cool to see but the hall of oddities is where the place stands out. Taxidermy, bones, 2 headed calf and pig and so much more. This is a shockingly awesome thing to have in an old state house. Main floor features primarily the voting room and the court hall. Unfortunately barely a mention of the witch trails with zero mention of the hangings. Courthouse is mainly set with story boards about Amistad. In the basement they are renovating but Most is open and includes additional local historical facts and artifacts. Very much enjoyed seeing everything and learned more than I expected. Go check it out!
Bill OasBill Oas
00
Loved it! Beautiful building with such interesting history! Thankfully, it was saved and preserved for the future generations! The portrait of Washington is original and was painted by the great artist Gilbert Stuart. Very interesting that the portrait has never been moved from its original place, which is a very unique situation in history. I also love the kid governor office. Apparently, only 3 states do this program for kids, who get a chance to run for a position of the kid governor and other important positions similar to the state house. They have a room in the Old State House that has a kid governor desk, a table for meeting, a speech tribune, etc. It was very cool! I wish Massachusetts did it, too. Highly recommend to visit it!
Yulia BerryYulia Berry
00
I've walked by The Old State House hundreds of times, but never thought to go in. When I finally did, the staff was so friendly and willing to give any information when asked. And they offered guided tours as well. If you're a AAA member it's only $3 to get in. I spent about an hour here, about 15 minutes on each of the top floors and the rest on the bottom, which has a small museum set up about the History of Connecticut. If you have a little time to spend, I recommend stopping in and giving them your support. And you can see a gorgeous painting of George Washington, one of the only originally located portraits by Gilbert Stewart in the country.
Christa GalitelloChrista Galitello
00
3.26.22 Our 1st visit here and I can't believe we didn't come sooner. My library offered 4 free guests passes and weekend street parking is Free. Other libraries offer 2 adults and 2 kids passes so check yours online. The guided tour lasts about 40 min but after you can walk around on your own too. Great place foe photos and much history if that interests you. This is definitely an adult or family friendly venue.
Margaret HonanMargaret Honan
00
If you love history and historic buildings, you will love everything this place has to offer! Gives you a really food insight on Conneticut history with racism and economic growth!
Sheltina JenkinsSheltina Jenkins
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Nearby Attractions Of Connecticut's Old State House
XL Center
Dunkin' Park
The Bushnell Performing Arts Center
Connecticut Science Center
Connecticut Convention Center
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Hartford Marriott Downtown
Bushnell Park Carousel
DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown
Bushnell Park

XL Center
4.3
(1.7K)Click for details

Dunkin' Park
4.7
(1.5K)Click for details

The Bushnell Performing Arts Center
4.7
(1.5K)Click for details

Connecticut Science Center
4.6
(1.4K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Connecticut's Old State House
Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue
Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar
Dhaba Wala Indian Kitchen
Salute
Max's Trumbull Kitchen
Agave Grill
Max Downtown
Vaughan's Public House
Aladdin Halal
The Russell Restaurant

Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue
4.4
(1.9K)Click for details

Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar
4.4
(1.1K)Click for details

Dhaba Wala Indian Kitchen
4.5
(882)Click for details

Salute
4.7
(1.1K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
800 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
Map
Phone
+1 860-522-6766
Call
Website
ctoldstatehouse.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(241 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family-friendly
accessibility
Description
The Old State House in Hartford, Connecticut is generally believed to have been designed by noted American architect Charles Bulfinch as his first public building. The State House is currently managed by the Office of Legislative Management of the Connecticut General Assembly.
attractions: XL Center, Dunkin' Park, The Bushnell Performing Arts Center, Connecticut Science Center, Connecticut Convention Center, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford Marriott Downtown, Bushnell Park Carousel, DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown, Bushnell Park, restaurants: Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue, Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar, Dhaba Wala Indian Kitchen, Salute, Max's Trumbull Kitchen, Agave Grill, Max Downtown, Vaughan's Public House, Aladdin Halal, The Russell Restaurant

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