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Historic building · Topeka, Kansas
Kansas State Capitol
Seat of Kansas government, with a copper dome topped by the Ad Astra statue, Curry paintings on the second floor, and a guided 296-step climb to the top of the dome.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Kansas State Capitol
The Kansas State Capitol was built between 1866 and 1903 of limestone in downtown Topeka. The copper dome has turned green over time. At the top, the bronze statue Ad Astra depicts a Kansa warrior pointing an arrow toward the North Star; the name comes from the state motto, Ad astra per aspera, "to the stars through difficulties".
On the second floor are the murals by John Steuart Curry painted between 1937 and 1942. The best-known shows the abolitionist John Brown with outstretched arms, holding a Bible and a rifle, before a tornado and a prairie fire. There are also murals about settlement and farm labor, plus the Senate and House chambers with copper and marble details.
Guided tours of the building and the dome are free and run Monday through Saturday with limited group sizes. The climb to the dome involves 296 narrow steps between the inner and outer domes, with no elevator, and ends on a balcony overlooking the city. Reservations are recommended, especially from January to May during legislative sessions.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours, including the climb to the dome.
Best time
In the morning, on weekdays or Saturdays, when dome tours run. January to May is busier because of the legislative session.
How to get there
It is downtown, between 8th and 10th Street. Visitor parking is available and it is walkable from the city center.
Tip
The climb to the dome requires good fitness, closed-toe shoes and free hands; there are no restrooms or places to rest along the way.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kansas State Capitol
Can you climb the Kansas State Capitol dome?
Yes, on guided tours Monday through Saturday, with 296 steps and no elevator. Groups are limited; reserve in advance.
Is there a fee to visit the Kansas State Capitol?
There is no charge for guided tours at the scheduled times.
What is the statue atop the Kansas State Capitol?
Ad Astra, a bronze Kansa warrior pointing an arrow toward the North Star, placed atop the dome in 2002.