Mississippi State Capitol

Designated as a Mississippi Landmark in 1986 and a National Historic Landmark in 2016, the Mississippi State Capitol has been the seat of the state’s government since 1903. The National Park Service describes the building as “…an exceptional example of the Beaux Arts style, vividly illustrating the nationwide spread of academic classical revival architecture in the early 20th century.”

Under the leadership of Governor Andrew Houston Longino (in office 1900-1904), the decision was agreed upon to construct a new Capitol. A design was chosen through an architectural contest, and the Capitol was built between 1901-1903 in 28 months on the site of the old state penitentiary. The 171,000 square-foot building was designed by Theodore Link, an architect from St. Louis, Missouri, and was constructed by the Wells Brothers Company of Chicago. Construction cost more than $1 million, which was funded by back taxes from a lawsuit settlement with the Illinois Central Railroad.

Originally the Capitol housed all branches of Mississippi state government. Currently, the Legislative branch is the only one operating full-time inside the building. The Governor’s Office remains but serves as a part-time office.

The Hall of Governors on the first floor includes portraits of the former governors of Mississippi since the creation of the Mississippi Territory in 1798 and the state in 1817.

Free guided tours are available Monday through Friday at 9:30, 11:00, 1:00, and 2:30. Self-guided tours available during regular business hours. Gift shop open Monday through Friday, 9:00-4:00.

Also: wheelchair accessible, family friendly, good for groups, no admission fee, photography allowed (with some exceptions during the Legislative Session). No video or audio recording permitted.

Holiday closures: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the last Monday in April for a state holiday.